Australia’s update on Wildlife regulations

A koala cuddle has been an Australian rite of passage for visiting celebrities, tourists, and locals alike. With many of these people turning to this Queensland wildlife park to make these dreams come true.

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, renowned for being the ‘world’s first koala sanctuary’ located in Brisbane, famously entertains international celebrities, fellow tourists and even neighbouring locals. After decades of offering ‘koala holding’ to its fellow visitors, Lone Pine has decided to end its “koala hold experiences.”

This decision by Lone Pine comes after receiving strong visitor feedback, showing shifts in both international and local visitor behaviour. Therefore indicating a new shift in preference to now simply observing the Koalas in their everyday activities.

Significance of Koalas on Australia’s wildlife landscape

Koalas are a beloved staple of Australian culture, providing not only large-scale tourism, but also benefits to biodiversity. A study conducted in 2014 estimates an approximate A$3.2 billion contribution to the Australian economy annually, as well as providing up to 30,000 jobs. This solely relates to these ‘koala-based’ activities. However, Koala populations in Australia are drastically on the decline. Estimations suggest as little as 50,000 koalas remain in the wild, forming fears of state-wide extinction within the next generation.

Australia’s states pose varying strict legislations surrounding the topic of ‘Koala holding’. For example, in 1997, New South Wales banned it, stating no Koala can be “placed directly on… or [be] directly held by any visitor for any purpose.”

However, in Queensland, parts of South Australia and Western Australia, the practice continues. For a fee, visitors can snap pictures cuddling a koala at places like the internationally renowned Australia Zoo.

Queensland has regulations to mitigate potential stress on the Koalas. Stating that Koalas cannot be photographed for more than three days consecutively before a mandatory day off. With a limitation of 30 minutes of interaction a day, and females with joeys cannot be handled by the public. Queensland Premier Steven Miles, environment minister, jokes that “our koalas have the best union around”.

The Koala welfare debate

This decision is welcomed by numerous Rights groups, though some call for the complete removal of such attractions. “The future of wildlife tourism is seeing wild animals in the wild where they belong,” said Suzanne Milthorpe of the World Animal Protection (WAP).

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) also states “in the ideal world, koalas would never have contact with humans.”

Despite hopes that Lone Pine’s decision might prompt  state-wide bans, the Queensland government indicated no intention to change the law. Nonetheless, WAP plans to continue urging other venues to leave koalas in their natural habitats.

Expected Impacts on tourism and migration patterns on Australia’s wildlife policies.

Wildlife tourism, including koala hugging, plays a significant role in attracting international tourists and new residents emigrating to Australia. However, as immigration patterns shift Australia will see increases in more diverse perspectives on animal welfare, supporting humane wildlife policies.

As Australia continues to navigate its immigration landscape, seeing more people emigrate to Australia. Evolving attitudes towards wildlife protection, may lead to reforms and stronger legislation in how Australia engages with its beloved native species.

For more information

For those considering emigration to Australia, Australia’s commitment to wildlife preservation and welfare offers an inspiring future. Join the support in protecting and changing the legislations on Koala welfare as you migrate to Australia.

For migration to Australia contact Greg Veal at Taylor Hampton Solicitors which is the Law firm to which Emigrate to Australia belongs. [email protected]