What’s happening?
The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is marking Save the Koala Month throughout September, encouraging wildlife supporters from around the world to ‘Join the Chorus’ for koala conservation.
This year’s celebration kicked off with the Koala Army’s March for Creatures Great and Small in Canberra, a historic first for the AKF, drawing attention to the critical challenges facing koalas.
The event attracted hundreds of participants, marching to Parliament House, with speeches delivered at Federation Mall.
Why it matters?
Koalas are under threat from habitat destruction, disease, and climate change. As the election approaches, there has never been a more critical time to speak up for environmental protection.
Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of the AKF, highlights the urgency of the situation: “It’s never been more imperative for people to speak up and understand just how important it is for them to use their voice, especially with an election looming. So in that regard, I think our theme for Save the Koala Month this year ‘Join the Chorus’ is incredibly fitting. The only way we can make a difference is if we all join together and speak up for the issues we feel so strongly about.”
By the numbers
- 36 years: History of the Australian Koala Foundation.
- Hundreds: Participants in the Koala Army’s march in Canberra.
- Countless: Trees planted through the Plant a Tree program, directly contributing to koala habitat restoration.
Zoom in
The event was graced by notable figures, including former senator Dr Bob Brown and Independent senator David Pocock, alongside Deborah Tabart OAM, who passionately spoke about the need for ongoing efforts.
“The Koala Army’s March for Creatures Great and Small was one of the biggest highlights of my career to date,” said Tabart OAM. “I left Federation Mall with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for the AKF’s next steps in our efforts to save the Koala and all other animals that share Koala habitat.”
Zoom out
The global reach of Save the Koala Month extends far beyond Australia.
Wildlife lovers from around the world are invited to ‘Join the Chorus’ by supporting various initiatives such as fundraising, social media campaigns, and planting trees to restore koala habitats.
Local Impact
Through the AKF’s Plant a Tree program, people can contribute directly to habitat restoration.
Tabart OAM explains: “A simple yet meaningful way to get involved in Save the Koala Month is through our Plant a Tree program. Every tree purchased online gets planted at Quinlans, which is one of our environmental reserves. When a tree gets planted there, it is directly contributing to the regeneration of natural forest and, importantly, habitat for our wildlife.”
What to look for next?
For more information and ways to participate, visit savethekoala.com to explore AKF’s initiatives, including donations, tree planting, and advocacy.
Supporters can continue building momentum for koala conservation well beyond September.
