Hundreds of koalas shot in Australian aerial cull 'is massacre not mercy'

The killing of one of Australia's most endangered species has sparked outrage, but the government says a ‘compassionate’ response was needed after bushfires to prevent further suffering

The 2019-20 Australian bushfires significantly impacted the country and its environment (Image: Getty Images)

Hundreds of Australia’s iconic and beloved koalas are being massacred in a brutal act that campaigners have called “state-sanctioned cruelty.”

They told of joeys falling from trees and left clinging to their dead or dying mothers after around 750 have been believed to have been shot from helicopters.

The species is officially endangered in parts of the country after falling victim to disease, drought and fires.

But despite such a stark message about their future, hundreds in Budj Bim National Park in the state of Victoria have been killed.

Officials said that the operation was conducted out of concern for koalas whose food sources may have been destroyed by the fires, potentially leaving animals injured, starving, or suffering.

But welfare groups condemned the killings calling it reckless, inhumane, and morally indefensible and said they could have been moved to existing koala hospitals and rehabilitation centres. They have also written to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging him to take action.