Key Points
- A Dutch zoo has welcomed its first koalas as part of an international breeding program.
- It's hoped Arru, Ngarra and Leumeah will provide offspring to enrich stocks of the animal worldwide.
- Land clearance, fires and disease contributed to koalas being listed as endangered in Queensland, NSW and the ACT.
Koalas have been exhibited at a Dutch zoo for the first time with the three new arrivals at the Ouwehands Dierenpark Zoo forming part of global conservation efforts for the endangered Australian marsupial.
Following the 2019/2020 bushfire crisis, koalas were reclassified from vulnerable to endangered in Queensland, NSW and the ACT.
A to the NSW Parliament said the species could be extinct in the wild by 2050 if urgent action was not taken.
In response, the NSW government has committed more than $190 million to a with the long-term goal of instead doubling koala numbers in the state by 2050.
Australia's frequent bushfires also threaten wildlife including koalas. Credit: DAVID MARIUZ/AAPIMAGE
There are around 70 koalas housed in zoos throughout Europe and a further 100 at zoos across the world, according to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
"While koalas are of course beautiful to behold, and warm the hearts of every Australian, they have a deep significance for many First Nations Australians, who have had an ongoing relationship with the koala for tens of thousands of years," French said.
"The Australian government has been working closely with partners at Ouwehands Zoo to ensure that Arru, Ngara and Leumeah, are cared for very well, and that Ouwehands Zoo can play its part in the conservation and management of koalas."
Wildlife Conservation Officer at Sydney's Taronga Conservation Society, Rachael Schildkraut, said koalas in zoos outside Australia served as "ambassadors, raising awareness about their conservation needs and promoting international cooperation in wildlife protection".
"Zoos play a critical role in education and research, allowing people worldwide to learn about and observe these animals, which fosters conservation efforts," Schildkraut told SBS Dutch.
By carefully managing breeding pairs and maintaining genetic diversity, zoos can enhance the genetic health of wild populations.Rachael Schildkraut, Taronga Conservation Society
"Research on endangered species like the koala in zoos provides critical insights into their biology, behaviour, and health, informing conservation strategies and management plans aimed at preserving wild koala populations in Australia."
More than 150,000 people have so far visited Ouwehands Dierenpark Zoo to see the koalas.
Koalas have been listed as endangered in NSW, Queensland and the ACT. Credit: Queensland Police Media
Koalas eat on average 500 grams of eucalyptus leaves each day and sleep for around 20 hours daily.
Each year, around 1 million people visit the zoo, situated 50km east of Utrecht, which is the fourth-largest city in The Netherlands.
"Ultimately, I think the most important thing is that animals eat, and that they feel good. So in that respect I think they really like their new home," de Lange said.
Hundreds of people, including many children, attended the opening of the new koala enclosure 'Koalia' on 25 April 2024. Credit: Ouwehands Dierenpark
Their names derived from the Indigenous Dharug language, with Arru meaning 'together with you', Ngarra meaning 'hello there' and Leumeah meaning 'here I rest'.
'Koalia' was opened on 25 April 2024 at an event which included live didgeridoo music and a performance by Dutch 'girl band', Infinity, who sang their song .
Koalas are considered an Australian icon. Credit: Raimund Linke/Getty Images
Visitors to their exhibit learn about the often extreme Australian climate including bushfires and floods.
They can also read about the large number of animals that have died as a result of these natural disasters.
In the 'Koalia' courtyard, visitors can learn about koalas and Australia. Credit: Ouwehands Dierenpark
"This includes ensuring that they have good nutrition through access to a wide variety of leaves, as well as quiet spaces that enable them to choose whether they have quiet time or interactive time," he said.
"The effort put into creating this microcosm of the bush is another example of the deep, strong and diverse friendship between Australia and The Netherlands."
Australian Ambassador to The Netherlands, Dr Greg French (right) and Ouwenhands Dierenpark CEO Robin de Lange at the official opening of 'Koalia'. Credit: Australian Embassy to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
"It's a very beautiful animal species, but unfortunately now endangered," he said.
The San Diego Zoo has a very successful koala breeding program.
The North American koala population began with 14 koalas brought from Australia between 1976 and 1981.
Today, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance cares for 30 koalas, which is the largest colony outside of Australian zoos.
"They also have an official collaboration with Australia, so it was actually a logical place, where we could have some success," de Lange said.
The Dutch zoo is also seeking collaboration with a zoo in Australia, so another bloodline of koalas can be brought to The Netherlands.
To start the conversations, de Lange recently visited eight zoos in and around Sydney and Brisbane.
