Dozens of koalas dead after logging at Australian plantation
Sydney: Dozens of koalas have been euthanized and some 80 more are being treated for injuries and starvation after their habitat was logged, prompting an Australian government investigation Monday.
Victoria’s environment department said the state’s conservation regulator was investigating a “very distressing incident” at a bluegum plantation near the coastal town of Portland that resulted in the deaths of dozens of koalas.
“If this is found to be due to deliberate human action, we expect the conservation regulator to act swiftly against those responsible,” the department said.
Those responsible could face steep fines under laws designed to protect Australia’s native wildlife.
The environment department said approximately 80 koalas had been removed from the plantation site over the weekend for medical treatment, while others had to be put down.
“Wildlife welfare assessment and triage will continue with qualified carers and vets,” the department said in a statement. - AFP