This Wild Koala Day, we’re gushing over the Australian native creatures, understanding what makes them such fascinating animals, and learning how we can protect them. Then again, does one even need a reason to gush over the adorable and fluffy charm of koalas? By Bayar Jain
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Every year on May 3, Australians commemorate Wild Koala Day – a national day to celebrate the stuffed-toy lookalikes in all their glory. This year, with everything being forced to take the digital route, the people of the Land Down Under are encouraged to wear a gum leaf (real, or homemade) for the entire day to demonstrate the importance of trees and forests for koala survival. These leaves double as an apt ode to these tree-loving animals as not only are they biodegradable, but are also critical for koala survival.
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This year, in Melbourne, Wild Koala Day is being celebrated with the launch of Koala Island Foundation Inc. This group will be promoting the sustainable management of Raymond Island, and will also facilitate the funding and volunteer support. This way they will be advocating for the welfare of the koalas as well.
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Considering koalas are one of the 10 species worldwide to be most at risk due to climate change, this comes as a welcoming move. Many factors have pushed koalas to this dreaded zone, such as increasing aridity, increasing frequency of wildfire, increasing length and severity of droughts, and heatwaves. Add to this the scientifically-recorded damaging effect of increased carbon dioxide on eucalyptus leaves (leads to higher toxins and lower nutritional compounds) and the koalas are running out of time. The only way to improve the chances of their survival is by increasing their habitat, as is being done by the Great Koala National Park and Great Forest National Park proposals.
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Statistics and scientific reasons aside, if you need another reminder as to why these furry friends need to be saved, just binge on this video by the Australian Reptile Park. The three minutes of uninterrupted cuteness will have you gushing at the drop of a hat, wishing you could snuggle with the koalas this very instant. However, contrary to what we might think, these seemingly sleepy species lead a very interesting life, replete with choices and subtle social interaction. For instance, watch this video to see how a dominant male Gulkurguli is going about his business in the You Yangs near Melbourne – calling, climbing, changing trees, feeding, and finally, taking a nap.
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Hoping you’re convinced by now that koalas need our help, here are a few ways you can spread the word about them, even by staying indoors!
- Spread the cuteness by changing your social media picture to that of a koala. Simply head to the Wild Koala Day Facebook page to choose one of the many koala profile pictures they have available for free download.
- Post a picture of a wild koala, tagging #wildkoaladay. Don’t forget to mention where you met this furry friend!
- Attend one of the many virtual Wild Koala Day events organised in Australia. Here’s the list of activities to choose from.
Related: #SomeGoodNews: Australian Reptile Park Is Bringing The Zoo To You, Virtually!
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.
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