Australia is the only place in the world where koalas live - indeed this cuddly critter is one of the nation’s most iconic animals. But now, the koala is officially listed as Endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, and conservationists are having to work hard to ensure the decline in their numbers is slowed. Koalas rely on eucalyptus forests for food and shelter, but they face growing threats from climate change, urbanisation and disease. Many become sick or are injured in forest fires and road traffic accidents, meaning they need to be rescued and looked after in specialised wildlife sanctuaries. Here, we explore what organisations in Australia are doing to accommodate these shy creatures.

Koalas Forever

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia is aiming to double the koala population in eastern Australia by 2050. In order to do this, they have set up a range of initiatives. The leading one is The Koala Friendly Carbon Initiative, which seeks to restore 10,000 hectares of koala habitat during the next ten years. Native forests will be planted and biodiversity will be monitored to ensure the landscapes provide the right conditions for koalas to thrive. Other initiatives include vaccinating koalas against a deadly disease called chlamydia, and protecting koalas living on private land. 

Mapping

The Australian Koala Foundation has created several maps that are used to inform research on koalas and encourage conservation efforts. Its spearhead map is The Koala Habitat Atlas, which identifies habitat that koalas need to survive and ranks it to give land-use planners practical information. This is intended to promote conservation and develop compelling arguments against the use of land for housing, mining and other developments.  

Fire management

One consequence of climate change is the increasing number of wildfires across Australia. Sadly, these are devastating for koalas, destroying their home and food sources. Some organisations are working with indigenous Australians to find ways of managing fires, thereby helping koala habitats to recover. Cultural burns’ are a traditional Aboriginal practice that encourages the regeneration of native plants and reduces the risk of fires becoming hotter and reaching the canopy of trees, where koalas live. These fires have much less impact on koalas and promote the healthy growth and sustainability of eucalyptus forests. 

Koala sanctuaries

Australia has a range of organisations that rescue injured, orphaned and ill koalas, treat them with expert care and then release them back into the wild. These centres play a vital role in ensuring the koala population doesn’t decline further due to accidents or disease. Some even have attractions that enable visitors to see the koalas in a safe, sustainable way.

See The Koala Who Could on stage

If you’re a fan of stories about koalas, you’re sure to have read The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright and Jim Field. This heartwarming koala story has been adapted for the stage, and is on tour in the UK in 2026, retelling the tale of Kevin the koala with puppetry, songs and dance. Book your tickets today and join the fun.