700 Koalas have been killed in Australia

It became known that about 700 koalas were killed by shooting in the Australian park “Budge Beam”. This is reported by the NYT.

This happened in the state of Victoria after forest fires. The animals were shot from helicopters.

The authorities explain that they acted on the recommendations of veterinarians to stop the suffering of sick and dehydrated animals.

The animals allegedly lost their environment due to the fires, which destroyed 2,000 hectares of eucalyptus forests.

Animal activists are outraged: healthy koalas were probably among those killed, as it is difficult to assess the condition of the animals from a helicopter.

It is reported that rescuers were not allowed into the park, leaving the cubs without help.

Conservationists demand to stop cutting down eucalyptus trees, which are food for koalas, and to review methods of humane shooting.