We Aussies love our native flora and fauna, and koalas are undoubtedly among the crowd favourites for locals and tourists alike.

So, it’s understandable that many were left outraged after a US-based company admitted to taking the lives of more than 100 innocent koala bears after they fell ill while living near the company’s aluminium smelter.

A US-owned industrial giant, Alcoa, has euthanised a shocking 152 koalas on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.

The grim details of the marsupials’ fate emerged as Alcoa revealed that, under the supervision of independent experts, several health checks had been conducted since 2019. During these checks, 348 koalas were assessed, and 79 females were given fertility control to manage the population.

Alcoa admitted to euthanising 152 koala bears. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

The company now plans to encourage the relocation of 120 koalas living in the forest near the smelter. According to Alcoa, this will hopefully bring an end to the ongoing concern about the marsupials becoming sick from fluoride emissions.

‘We remain committed to supporting the ongoing protection and management of the local koala population,’ a spokesperson told reporters.

However, a critic of the company’s management of the matter said that euthanising was ‘not good enough’ because the issue should have been addressed years ago.

The Background

A private forest was closed to the public to let experts assess the conditions of the koalas within. While the checks were necessary to address various health concerns, this move also prompted several local wildlife advocates to voice out their concerns over the animals’ conditions.

But the release of the health check data was an unexpected decision, as Alcoa previously refused to disclose the details of their previous checks to the public.

‘We do not see value in releasing detailed figures or results from individual health assessments,’ the company said in a past statement.

Local wildlife advocates were worried about what was happening to the animals. Credit: Valeriia Miller/Pexels

In the assessments they released, it was found that the koala population was ‘significantly overpopulated’. It also stated that koalas living closest to the smelter were ‘declining in health’.

The health assessments were authorised by The Conservation Regulator, a regulatory body of the state environment department (DECCA). They form part of Alcoa’s Koala Management Plan (KAP), which Zoos Victoria and several other organisations have assisted with.

The results of the checks revealed that there were high fluoride levels within the company’s operations. While safe for humans, these chemicals could (and did) harm koalas. The company also acknowledged the impact of fluorosis – a disease that leads to malnutrition, skeletal abnormalities, and dental issues – on wildlife surrounding the facility.

Over the last two years, 60 per cent of the assessed koalas were euthanised due to reported overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

These assessments were also carried out around 77 hectares surrounding the company’s facility, focusing on a 17-hectare plantation that’s closest to the smelter. This plantation was also home to the largest concentration of koalas and fell within the fluoride deposition zone.

Anthony Amis from the conservation group Friends of the Earth describes this as a 'desperate situation' for the koalas. ‘To have 152 animals euthanised at one site has got to be some sort of almost Australian record for a company,’ he said.

Mr Amis also stated that the company should have acted sooner to relocate the koalas, seeing as though they have been operating in the area since 1986. He also accused the government of leaving it up to a private company to ‘clean up the mess’.

What Happens Now?

Looking ahead, Alcoa plans to gradually remove the 17-hectare plantation supporting a koala population of 120. They have planted 16,000 eucalyptus trees on 14 hectares, forming part of a 77-hectare parcel of habitat to accommodate the relocated koalas.

While koalas are listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, the state government claims they are 'secure' in Victoria. However, the conservation group Koala Alliance Victoria disputes this assessment, fearing that habitat loss may lead to disease and starvation.

‘If we don’t act, koalas in Victoria will vanish without even getting onto the endangered list. That would be a terrible tragedy, and we will not rest until something is done to turn this around,’ Jessica Roberson, a spokesperson for the alliance, told reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoa euthanised 152 koalas suffering from poor health on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.
• The company plans to encourage 120 koalas still living in the forest near the smelter to relocate, addressing concerns about koalas becoming sick from fluoride emissions.
• Critics argue that Alcoa should have addressed the koala management issue years ago.
• Alcoa's assessments found that 60 per cent of animals checked over the last two years were euthanised due to overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

What do you think about the way Alcoa and the government have handled koala protection in Victoria? Do you agree with the critics who suggest this should have been handled years ago? Share your opinion in the comments below.

 

[joany]

We Aussies love our native flora and fauna, and koalas are undoubtedly among the crowd favourites for locals and tourists alike.

So, it’s understandable that many were left outraged after a US-based company admitted to taking the lives of more than 100 innocent koala bears after they fell ill while living near the company’s aluminium smelter.

A US-owned industrial giant, Alcoa, has euthanised a shocking 152 koalas on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.

The grim details of the marsupials’ fate emerged as Alcoa revealed that, under the supervision of independent experts, several health checks had been conducted since 2019. During these checks, 348 koalas were assessed, and 79 females were given fertility control to manage the population.

View attachment 19499

Alcoa admitted to euthanising 152 koala bears. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

The company now plans to encourage the relocation of 120 koalas living in the forest near the smelter. According to Alcoa, this will hopefully bring an end to the ongoing concern about the marsupials becoming sick from fluoride emissions.

‘We remain committed to supporting the ongoing protection and management of the local koala population,’ a spokesperson told reporters.

However, a critic of the company’s management of the matter said that euthanising was ‘not good enough’ because the issue should have been addressed years ago.

The Background

A private forest was closed to the public to let experts assess the conditions of the koalas within. While the checks were necessary to address various health concerns, this move also prompted several local wildlife advocates to voice out their concerns over the animals’ conditions.

But the release of the health check data was an unexpected decision, as Alcoa previously refused to disclose the details of their previous checks to the public.

‘We do not see value in releasing detailed figures or results from individual health assessments,’ the company said in a past statement.

View attachment 19500

Local wildlife advocates were worried about what was happening to the animals. Credit: Valeriia Miller/Pexels

In the assessments they released, it was found that the koala population was ‘significantly overpopulated’. It also stated that koalas living closest to the smelter were ‘declining in health’.

The health assessments were authorised by The Conservation Regulator, a regulatory body of the state environment department (DECCA). They form part of Alcoa’s Koala Management Plan (KAP), which Zoos Victoria and several other organisations have assisted with.

The results of the checks revealed that there were high fluoride levels within the company’s operations. While safe for humans, these chemicals could (and did) harm koalas. The company also acknowledged the impact of fluorosis – a disease that leads to malnutrition, skeletal abnormalities, and dental issues – on wildlife surrounding the facility.

Over the last two years, 60 per cent of the assessed koalas were euthanised due to reported overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

These assessments were also carried out around 77 hectares surrounding the company’s facility, focusing on a 17-hectare plantation that’s closest to the smelter. This plantation was also home to the largest concentration of koalas and fell within the fluoride deposition zone.

Anthony Amis from the conservation group Friends of the Earth describes this as a 'desperate situation' for the koalas. ‘To have 152 animals euthanised at one site has got to be some sort of almost Australian record for a company,’ he said.

Mr Amis also stated that the company should have acted sooner to relocate the koalas, seeing as though they have been operating in the area since 1986. He also accused the government of leaving it up to a private company to ‘clean up the mess’.

What Happens Now?

Looking ahead, Alcoa plans to gradually remove the 17-hectare plantation supporting a koala population of 120. They have planted 16,000 eucalyptus trees on 14 hectares, forming part of a 77-hectare parcel of habitat to accommodate the relocated koalas.

While koalas are listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, the state government claims they are 'secure' in Victoria. However, the conservation group Koala Alliance Victoria disputes this assessment, fearing that habitat loss may lead to disease and starvation.

‘If we don’t act, koalas in Victoria will vanish without even getting onto the endangered list. That would be a terrible tragedy, and we will not rest until something is done to turn this around,’ Jessica Roberson, a spokesperson for the alliance, told reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoa euthanised 152 koalas suffering from poor health on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.
• The company plans to encourage 120 koalas still living in the forest near the smelter to relocate, addressing concerns about koalas becoming sick from fluoride emissions.
• Critics argue that Alcoa should have addressed the koala management issue years ago.
• Alcoa's assessments found that 60 per cent of animals checked over the last two years were euthanised due to overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

What do you think about the way Alcoa and the government have handled koala protection in Victoria? Do you agree with the critics who suggest this should have been handled years ago? Share your opinion in the comments below.

I can’t believe they were even aloud to set up business near a Koala habitat, and why were the koalas not relocated before the company started business. It makes me wonder whose pockets were being filled up for all this to happen in the first place. Hefty fines should be put on the offending company, Koalas lives do matter. So sad.

 

[Bill MacL]

And that shit is in our toothpaste, are we humans being secretly culled???

 

[Suzanne rose]

Did you know on tooth paste in The U S it states not safe for children if swallowed seek medical advice !

Why did the government not look at this properly before allowing this company to set up business so close to a koala habitat.
Who gave them permission to euthanasia our protected koalas

 

[Geronimo 2022]

We Aussies love our native flora and fauna, and koalas are undoubtedly among the crowd favourites for locals and tourists alike.

So, it’s understandable that many were left outraged after a US-based company admitted to taking the lives of more than 100 innocent koala bears after they fell ill while living near the company’s aluminium smelter.

A US-owned industrial giant, Alcoa, has euthanised a shocking 152 koalas on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.

The grim details of the marsupials’ fate emerged as Alcoa revealed that, under the supervision of independent experts, several health checks had been conducted since 2019. During these checks, 348 koalas were assessed, and 79 females were given fertility control to manage the population.

View attachment 19499

Alcoa admitted to euthanising 152 koala bears. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

The company now plans to encourage the relocation of 120 koalas living in the forest near the smelter. According to Alcoa, this will hopefully bring an end to the ongoing concern about the marsupials becoming sick from fluoride emissions.

‘We remain committed to supporting the ongoing protection and management of the local koala population,’ a spokesperson told reporters.

However, a critic of the company’s management of the matter said that euthanising was ‘not good enough’ because the issue should have been addressed years ago.

The Background

A private forest was closed to the public to let experts assess the conditions of the koalas within. While the checks were necessary to address various health concerns, this move also prompted several local wildlife advocates to voice out their concerns over the animals’ conditions.

But the release of the health check data was an unexpected decision, as Alcoa previously refused to disclose the details of their previous checks to the public.

‘We do not see value in releasing detailed figures or results from individual health assessments,’ the company said in a past statement.

View attachment 19500

Local wildlife advocates were worried about what was happening to the animals. Credit: Valeriia Miller/Pexels

In the assessments they released, it was found that the koala population was ‘significantly overpopulated’. It also stated that koalas living closest to the smelter were ‘declining in health’.

The health assessments were authorised by The Conservation Regulator, a regulatory body of the state environment department (DECCA). They form part of Alcoa’s Koala Management Plan (KAP), which Zoos Victoria and several other organisations have assisted with.

The results of the checks revealed that there were high fluoride levels within the company’s operations. While safe for humans, these chemicals could (and did) harm koalas. The company also acknowledged the impact of fluorosis – a disease that leads to malnutrition, skeletal abnormalities, and dental issues – on wildlife surrounding the facility.

Over the last two years, 60 per cent of the assessed koalas were euthanised due to reported overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

These assessments were also carried out around 77 hectares surrounding the company’s facility, focusing on a 17-hectare plantation that’s closest to the smelter. This plantation was also home to the largest concentration of koalas and fell within the fluoride deposition zone.

Anthony Amis from the conservation group Friends of the Earth describes this as a 'desperate situation' for the koalas. ‘To have 152 animals euthanised at one site has got to be some sort of almost Australian record for a company,’ he said.

Mr Amis also stated that the company should have acted sooner to relocate the koalas, seeing as though they have been operating in the area since 1986. He also accused the government of leaving it up to a private company to ‘clean up the mess’.

What Happens Now?

Looking ahead, Alcoa plans to gradually remove the 17-hectare plantation supporting a koala population of 120. They have planted 16,000 eucalyptus trees on 14 hectares, forming part of a 77-hectare parcel of habitat to accommodate the relocated koalas.

While koalas are listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, the state government claims they are 'secure' in Victoria. However, the conservation group Koala Alliance Victoria disputes this assessment, fearing that habitat loss may lead to disease and starvation.

‘If we don’t act, koalas in Victoria will vanish without even getting onto the endangered list. That would be a terrible tragedy, and we will not rest until something is done to turn this around,’ Jessica Roberson, a spokesperson for the alliance, told reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoa euthanised 152 koalas suffering from poor health on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.
• The company plans to encourage 120 koalas still living in the forest near the smelter to relocate, addressing concerns about koalas becoming sick from fluoride emissions.
• Critics argue that Alcoa should have addressed the koala management issue years ago.
• Alcoa's assessments found that 60 per cent of animals checked over the last two years were euthanised due to overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

What do you think about the way Alcoa and the government have handled koala protection in Victoria? Do you agree with the critics who suggest this should have been handled years ago? Share your opinion in the comments below.

How did they get there in the first place! Bring them home!

 

[Citizen]

We Aussies love our native flora and fauna, and koalas are undoubtedly among the crowd favourites for locals and tourists alike.

So, it’s understandable that many were left outraged after a US-based company admitted to taking the lives of more than 100 innocent koala bears after they fell ill while living near the company’s aluminium smelter.

A US-owned industrial giant, Alcoa, has euthanised a shocking 152 koalas on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.

The grim details of the marsupials’ fate emerged as Alcoa revealed that, under the supervision of independent experts, several health checks had been conducted since 2019. During these checks, 348 koalas were assessed, and 79 females were given fertility control to manage the population.

View attachment 19499

Alcoa admitted to euthanising 152 koala bears. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

The company now plans to encourage the relocation of 120 koalas living in the forest near the smelter. According to Alcoa, this will hopefully bring an end to the ongoing concern about the marsupials becoming sick from fluoride emissions.

‘We remain committed to supporting the ongoing protection and management of the local koala population,’ a spokesperson told reporters.

However, a critic of the company’s management of the matter said that euthanising was ‘not good enough’ because the issue should have been addressed years ago.

The Background

A private forest was closed to the public to let experts assess the conditions of the koalas within. While the checks were necessary to address various health concerns, this move also prompted several local wildlife advocates to voice out their concerns over the animals’ conditions.

But the release of the health check data was an unexpected decision, as Alcoa previously refused to disclose the details of their previous checks to the public.

‘We do not see value in releasing detailed figures or results from individual health assessments,’ the company said in a past statement.

View attachment 19500

Local wildlife advocates were worried about what was happening to the animals. Credit: Valeriia Miller/Pexels

In the assessments they released, it was found that the koala population was ‘significantly overpopulated’. It also stated that koalas living closest to the smelter were ‘declining in health’.

The health assessments were authorised by The Conservation Regulator, a regulatory body of the state environment department (DECCA). They form part of Alcoa’s Koala Management Plan (KAP), which Zoos Victoria and several other organisations have assisted with.

The results of the checks revealed that there were high fluoride levels within the company’s operations. While safe for humans, these chemicals could (and did) harm koalas. The company also acknowledged the impact of fluorosis – a disease that leads to malnutrition, skeletal abnormalities, and dental issues – on wildlife surrounding the facility.

Over the last two years, 60 per cent of the assessed koalas were euthanised due to reported overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

These assessments were also carried out around 77 hectares surrounding the company’s facility, focusing on a 17-hectare plantation that’s closest to the smelter. This plantation was also home to the largest concentration of koalas and fell within the fluoride deposition zone.

Anthony Amis from the conservation group Friends of the Earth describes this as a 'desperate situation' for the koalas. ‘To have 152 animals euthanised at one site has got to be some sort of almost Australian record for a company,’ he said.

Mr Amis also stated that the company should have acted sooner to relocate the koalas, seeing as though they have been operating in the area since 1986. He also accused the government of leaving it up to a private company to ‘clean up the mess’.

What Happens Now?

Looking ahead, Alcoa plans to gradually remove the 17-hectare plantation supporting a koala population of 120. They have planted 16,000 eucalyptus trees on 14 hectares, forming part of a 77-hectare parcel of habitat to accommodate the relocated koalas.

While koalas are listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, the state government claims they are 'secure' in Victoria. However, the conservation group Koala Alliance Victoria disputes this assessment, fearing that habitat loss may lead to disease and starvation.

‘If we don’t act, koalas in Victoria will vanish without even getting onto the endangered list. That would be a terrible tragedy, and we will not rest until something is done to turn this around,’ Jessica Roberson, a spokesperson for the alliance, told reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoa euthanised 152 koalas suffering from poor health on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.
• The company plans to encourage 120 koalas still living in the forest near the smelter to relocate, addressing concerns about koalas becoming sick from fluoride emissions.
• Critics argue that Alcoa should have addressed the koala management issue years ago.
• Alcoa's assessments found that 60 per cent of animals checked over the last two years were euthanised due to overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

What do you think about the way Alcoa and the government have handled koala protection in Victoria? Do you agree with the critics who suggest this should have been handled years ago? Share your opinion in the comments below.

Why are these pollutants even allowed to be emitted. They may be safe levels for humans, but have tests been made to determine the effects of long term exposure under exertion been made to determine the safety of working in such an environment. The koalas should've been relocated as soon as the effects of the fluoride was known. Culling animals due to overpopulation when their numbers are endangered elsewhere should be regarded as a criminal act under the wildlife protection act.

 

[Pink lion]

We Aussies love our native flora and fauna, and koalas are undoubtedly among the crowd favourites for locals and tourists alike.

So, it’s understandable that many were left outraged after a US-based company admitted to taking the lives of more than 100 innocent koala bears after they fell ill while living near the company’s aluminium smelter.

A US-owned industrial giant, Alcoa, has euthanised a shocking 152 koalas on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.

The grim details of the marsupials’ fate emerged as Alcoa revealed that, under the supervision of independent experts, several health checks had been conducted since 2019. During these checks, 348 koalas were assessed, and 79 females were given fertility control to manage the population.

View attachment 19499

Alcoa admitted to euthanising 152 koala bears. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

The company now plans to encourage the relocation of 120 koalas living in the forest near the smelter. According to Alcoa, this will hopefully bring an end to the ongoing concern about the marsupials becoming sick from fluoride emissions.

‘We remain committed to supporting the ongoing protection and management of the local koala population,’ a spokesperson told reporters.

However, a critic of the company’s management of the matter said that euthanising was ‘not good enough’ because the issue should have been addressed years ago.

The Background

A private forest was closed to the public to let experts assess the conditions of the koalas within. While the checks were necessary to address various health concerns, this move also prompted several local wildlife advocates to voice out their concerns over the animals’ conditions.

But the release of the health check data was an unexpected decision, as Alcoa previously refused to disclose the details of their previous checks to the public.

‘We do not see value in releasing detailed figures or results from individual health assessments,’ the company said in a past statement.

View attachment 19500

Local wildlife advocates were worried about what was happening to the animals. Credit: Valeriia Miller/Pexels

In the assessments they released, it was found that the koala population was ‘significantly overpopulated’. It also stated that koalas living closest to the smelter were ‘declining in health’.

The health assessments were authorised by The Conservation Regulator, a regulatory body of the state environment department (DECCA). They form part of Alcoa’s Koala Management Plan (KAP), which Zoos Victoria and several other organisations have assisted with.

The results of the checks revealed that there were high fluoride levels within the company’s operations. While safe for humans, these chemicals could (and did) harm koalas. The company also acknowledged the impact of fluorosis – a disease that leads to malnutrition, skeletal abnormalities, and dental issues – on wildlife surrounding the facility.

Over the last two years, 60 per cent of the assessed koalas were euthanised due to reported overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

These assessments were also carried out around 77 hectares surrounding the company’s facility, focusing on a 17-hectare plantation that’s closest to the smelter. This plantation was also home to the largest concentration of koalas and fell within the fluoride deposition zone.

Anthony Amis from the conservation group Friends of the Earth describes this as a 'desperate situation' for the koalas. ‘To have 152 animals euthanised at one site has got to be some sort of almost Australian record for a company,’ he said.

Mr Amis also stated that the company should have acted sooner to relocate the koalas, seeing as though they have been operating in the area since 1986. He also accused the government of leaving it up to a private company to ‘clean up the mess’.

What Happens Now?

Looking ahead, Alcoa plans to gradually remove the 17-hectare plantation supporting a koala population of 120. They have planted 16,000 eucalyptus trees on 14 hectares, forming part of a 77-hectare parcel of habitat to accommodate the relocated koalas.

While koalas are listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, the state government claims they are 'secure' in Victoria. However, the conservation group Koala Alliance Victoria disputes this assessment, fearing that habitat loss may lead to disease and starvation.

‘If we don’t act, koalas in Victoria will vanish without even getting onto the endangered list. That would be a terrible tragedy, and we will not rest until something is done to turn this around,’ Jessica Roberson, a spokesperson for the alliance, told reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoa euthanised 152 koalas suffering from poor health on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.
• The company plans to encourage 120 koalas still living in the forest near the smelter to relocate, addressing concerns about koalas becoming sick from fluoride emissions.
• Critics argue that Alcoa should have addressed the koala management issue years ago.
• Alcoa's assessments found that 60 per cent of animals checked over the last two years were euthanised due to overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

What do you think about the way Alcoa and the government have handled koala protection in Victoria? Do you agree with the critics who suggest this should have been handled years ago? Share your opinion in the comments below.

 

[Pink lion]

Unfortunately, though I would love to give my honest heartfelt opinion of the actions of an overseas company, and all who gave scant regard to so many long-suffering Koalas.

However, should I post it, I could get banned from this site.

I will instead reduce my opinion and express my emotion into just one word.

TYPICAL

 

[OldBells]

We Aussies love our native flora and fauna, and koalas are undoubtedly among the crowd favourites for locals and tourists alike.

So, it’s understandable that many were left outraged after a US-based company admitted to taking the lives of more than 100 innocent koala bears after they fell ill while living near the company’s aluminium smelter.

A US-owned industrial giant, Alcoa, has euthanised a shocking 152 koalas on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.

The grim details of the marsupials’ fate emerged as Alcoa revealed that, under the supervision of independent experts, several health checks had been conducted since 2019. During these checks, 348 koalas were assessed, and 79 females were given fertility control to manage the population.

View attachment 19499

Alcoa admitted to euthanising 152 koala bears. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

The company now plans to encourage the relocation of 120 koalas living in the forest near the smelter. According to Alcoa, this will hopefully bring an end to the ongoing concern about the marsupials becoming sick from fluoride emissions.

‘We remain committed to supporting the ongoing protection and management of the local koala population,’ a spokesperson told reporters.

However, a critic of the company’s management of the matter said that euthanising was ‘not good enough’ because the issue should have been addressed years ago.

The Background

A private forest was closed to the public to let experts assess the conditions of the koalas within. While the checks were necessary to address various health concerns, this move also prompted several local wildlife advocates to voice out their concerns over the animals’ conditions.

But the release of the health check data was an unexpected decision, as Alcoa previously refused to disclose the details of their previous checks to the public.

‘We do not see value in releasing detailed figures or results from individual health assessments,’ the company said in a past statement.

View attachment 19500

Local wildlife advocates were worried about what was happening to the animals. Credit: Valeriia Miller/Pexels

In the assessments they released, it was found that the koala population was ‘significantly overpopulated’. It also stated that koalas living closest to the smelter were ‘declining in health’.

The health assessments were authorised by The Conservation Regulator, a regulatory body of the state environment department (DECCA). They form part of Alcoa’s Koala Management Plan (KAP), which Zoos Victoria and several other organisations have assisted with.

The results of the checks revealed that there were high fluoride levels within the company’s operations. While safe for humans, these chemicals could (and did) harm koalas. The company also acknowledged the impact of fluorosis – a disease that leads to malnutrition, skeletal abnormalities, and dental issues – on wildlife surrounding the facility.

Over the last two years, 60 per cent of the assessed koalas were euthanised due to reported overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

These assessments were also carried out around 77 hectares surrounding the company’s facility, focusing on a 17-hectare plantation that’s closest to the smelter. This plantation was also home to the largest concentration of koalas and fell within the fluoride deposition zone.

Anthony Amis from the conservation group Friends of the Earth describes this as a 'desperate situation' for the koalas. ‘To have 152 animals euthanised at one site has got to be some sort of almost Australian record for a company,’ he said.

Mr Amis also stated that the company should have acted sooner to relocate the koalas, seeing as though they have been operating in the area since 1986. He also accused the government of leaving it up to a private company to ‘clean up the mess’.

What Happens Now?

Looking ahead, Alcoa plans to gradually remove the 17-hectare plantation supporting a koala population of 120. They have planted 16,000 eucalyptus trees on 14 hectares, forming part of a 77-hectare parcel of habitat to accommodate the relocated koalas.

While koalas are listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, the state government claims they are 'secure' in Victoria. However, the conservation group Koala Alliance Victoria disputes this assessment, fearing that habitat loss may lead to disease and starvation.

‘If we don’t act, koalas in Victoria will vanish without even getting onto the endangered list. That would be a terrible tragedy, and we will not rest until something is done to turn this around,’ Jessica Roberson, a spokesperson for the alliance, told reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoa euthanised 152 koalas suffering from poor health on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.
• The company plans to encourage 120 koalas still living in the forest near the smelter to relocate, addressing concerns about koalas becoming sick from fluoride emissions.
• Critics argue that Alcoa should have addressed the koala management issue years ago.
• Alcoa's assessments found that 60 per cent of animals checked over the last two years were euthanised due to overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

What do you think about the way Alcoa and the government have handled koala protection in Victoria? Do you agree with the critics who suggest this should have been handled years ago? Share your opinion in the comments below.

Why has any company and particularly an overseas one got a "private" forest in Australia anyway? Are the koalas getting sick from the company's emissions? Maybe they should be looking in to what they are emitting!

 

[Mina vriesekolk]

It is a disgrace, how could this happen ? Where were all these protesters , who just protest for the sake of it ? Now there is really something to protest for , they are not there . We love the koalas, we had them in our backyard for 25 yrs and we saw and heard them many times . It just made my day , when we had a koala in one of our trees.

 

[Tripper]

Makes you wonder when it is in our water, toothpaste and who knows what else?
How did they get away with it....because big companies do what they like!

 

[Ronloby]

It is called "Profit before all else".
Why hasn't the Government finned Alcoa for the breach of safety and has a check been undertaken every year on the chemicals emitted?
Take all the koalas and place them in an area safe from all the dangerous chemicals.

 

[Leonard Hall]

We Aussies love our native flora and fauna, and koalas are undoubtedly among the crowd favourites for locals and tourists alike.

So, it’s understandable that many were left outraged after a US-based company admitted to taking the lives of more than 100 innocent koala bears after they fell ill while living near the company’s aluminium smelter.

A US-owned industrial giant, Alcoa, has euthanised a shocking 152 koalas on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.

The grim details of the marsupials’ fate emerged as Alcoa revealed that, under the supervision of independent experts, several health checks had been conducted since 2019. During these checks, 348 koalas were assessed, and 79 females were given fertility control to manage the population.

View attachment 19499

Alcoa admitted to euthanising 152 koala bears. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

The company now plans to encourage the relocation of 120 koalas living in the forest near the smelter. According to Alcoa, this will hopefully bring an end to the ongoing concern about the marsupials becoming sick from fluoride emissions.

‘We remain committed to supporting the ongoing protection and management of the local koala population,’ a spokesperson told reporters.

However, a critic of the company’s management of the matter said that euthanising was ‘not good enough’ because the issue should have been addressed years ago.

The Background

A private forest was closed to the public to let experts assess the conditions of the koalas within. While the checks were necessary to address various health concerns, this move also prompted several local wildlife advocates to voice out their concerns over the animals’ conditions.

But the release of the health check data was an unexpected decision, as Alcoa previously refused to disclose the details of their previous checks to the public.

‘We do not see value in releasing detailed figures or results from individual health assessments,’ the company said in a past statement.

View attachment 19500

Local wildlife advocates were worried about what was happening to the animals. Credit: Valeriia Miller/Pexels

In the assessments they released, it was found that the koala population was ‘significantly overpopulated’. It also stated that koalas living closest to the smelter were ‘declining in health’.

The health assessments were authorised by The Conservation Regulator, a regulatory body of the state environment department (DECCA). They form part of Alcoa’s Koala Management Plan (KAP), which Zoos Victoria and several other organisations have assisted with.

The results of the checks revealed that there were high fluoride levels within the company’s operations. While safe for humans, these chemicals could (and did) harm koalas. The company also acknowledged the impact of fluorosis – a disease that leads to malnutrition, skeletal abnormalities, and dental issues – on wildlife surrounding the facility.

Over the last two years, 60 per cent of the assessed koalas were euthanised due to reported overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

These assessments were also carried out around 77 hectares surrounding the company’s facility, focusing on a 17-hectare plantation that’s closest to the smelter. This plantation was also home to the largest concentration of koalas and fell within the fluoride deposition zone.

Anthony Amis from the conservation group Friends of the Earth describes this as a 'desperate situation' for the koalas. ‘To have 152 animals euthanised at one site has got to be some sort of almost Australian record for a company,’ he said.

Mr Amis also stated that the company should have acted sooner to relocate the koalas, seeing as though they have been operating in the area since 1986. He also accused the government of leaving it up to a private company to ‘clean up the mess’.

What Happens Now?

Looking ahead, Alcoa plans to gradually remove the 17-hectare plantation supporting a koala population of 120. They have planted 16,000 eucalyptus trees on 14 hectares, forming part of a 77-hectare parcel of habitat to accommodate the relocated koalas.

While koalas are listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, the state government claims they are 'secure' in Victoria. However, the conservation group Koala Alliance Victoria disputes this assessment, fearing that habitat loss may lead to disease and starvation.

‘If we don’t act, koalas in Victoria will vanish without even getting onto the endangered list. That would be a terrible tragedy, and we will not rest until something is done to turn this around,’ Jessica Roberson, a spokesperson for the alliance, told reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoa euthanised 152 koalas suffering from poor health on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.
• The company plans to encourage 120 koalas still living in the forest near the smelter to relocate, addressing concerns about koalas becoming sick from fluoride emissions.
• Critics argue that Alcoa should have addressed the koala management issue years ago.
• Alcoa's assessments found that 60 per cent of animals checked over the last two years were euthanised due to overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

What do you think about the way Alcoa and the government have handled koala protection in Victoria? Do you agree with the critics who suggest this should have been handled years ago? Share your opinion in the comments below.

I think that there is something seriously wrong with the Victorian state government and the Premier because they still allow duck shooting to continue and the complete disregard to the public opinion about the way animals are treated is disgusting. There is just one poly namely Emma Hurst who is an animal advocate and there should be more support for what she does for animals.

 

[Luckyus]

Unfortunately, though I would love to give my honest heartfelt opinion of the actions of an overseas company, and all who gave scant regard to so many long-suffering Koalas.

However, should I post it, I could get banned from this site.

I will instead reduce my opinion and express my emotion into just one word.

TYPICAL

@Pink lion, we are all adults here =, at least I'd hope so please to post and if it's to near the knuckle then a moderator will moake it more palatable, so print and be damned.

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

We Aussies love our native flora and fauna, and koalas are undoubtedly among the crowd favourites for locals and tourists alike.

So, it’s understandable that many were left outraged after a US-based company admitted to taking the lives of more than 100 innocent koala bears after they fell ill while living near the company’s aluminium smelter.

A US-owned industrial giant, Alcoa, has euthanised a shocking 152 koalas on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.

The grim details of the marsupials’ fate emerged as Alcoa revealed that, under the supervision of independent experts, several health checks had been conducted since 2019. During these checks, 348 koalas were assessed, and 79 females were given fertility control to manage the population.

View attachment 19499

Alcoa admitted to euthanising 152 koala bears. Credit: Pixabay/Pexels

The company now plans to encourage the relocation of 120 koalas living in the forest near the smelter. According to Alcoa, this will hopefully bring an end to the ongoing concern about the marsupials becoming sick from fluoride emissions.

‘We remain committed to supporting the ongoing protection and management of the local koala population,’ a spokesperson told reporters.

However, a critic of the company’s management of the matter said that euthanising was ‘not good enough’ because the issue should have been addressed years ago.

The Background

A private forest was closed to the public to let experts assess the conditions of the koalas within. While the checks were necessary to address various health concerns, this move also prompted several local wildlife advocates to voice out their concerns over the animals’ conditions.

But the release of the health check data was an unexpected decision, as Alcoa previously refused to disclose the details of their previous checks to the public.

‘We do not see value in releasing detailed figures or results from individual health assessments,’ the company said in a past statement.

View attachment 19500

Local wildlife advocates were worried about what was happening to the animals. Credit: Valeriia Miller/Pexels

In the assessments they released, it was found that the koala population was ‘significantly overpopulated’. It also stated that koalas living closest to the smelter were ‘declining in health’.

The health assessments were authorised by The Conservation Regulator, a regulatory body of the state environment department (DECCA). They form part of Alcoa’s Koala Management Plan (KAP), which Zoos Victoria and several other organisations have assisted with.

The results of the checks revealed that there were high fluoride levels within the company’s operations. While safe for humans, these chemicals could (and did) harm koalas. The company also acknowledged the impact of fluorosis – a disease that leads to malnutrition, skeletal abnormalities, and dental issues – on wildlife surrounding the facility.

Over the last two years, 60 per cent of the assessed koalas were euthanised due to reported overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

These assessments were also carried out around 77 hectares surrounding the company’s facility, focusing on a 17-hectare plantation that’s closest to the smelter. This plantation was also home to the largest concentration of koalas and fell within the fluoride deposition zone.

Anthony Amis from the conservation group Friends of the Earth describes this as a 'desperate situation' for the koalas. ‘To have 152 animals euthanised at one site has got to be some sort of almost Australian record for a company,’ he said.

Mr Amis also stated that the company should have acted sooner to relocate the koalas, seeing as though they have been operating in the area since 1986. He also accused the government of leaving it up to a private company to ‘clean up the mess’.

What Happens Now?

Looking ahead, Alcoa plans to gradually remove the 17-hectare plantation supporting a koala population of 120. They have planted 16,000 eucalyptus trees on 14 hectares, forming part of a 77-hectare parcel of habitat to accommodate the relocated koalas.

While koalas are listed as endangered in the ACT, NSW, and QLD, the state government claims they are 'secure' in Victoria. However, the conservation group Koala Alliance Victoria disputes this assessment, fearing that habitat loss may lead to disease and starvation.

‘If we don’t act, koalas in Victoria will vanish without even getting onto the endangered list. That would be a terrible tragedy, and we will not rest until something is done to turn this around,’ Jessica Roberson, a spokesperson for the alliance, told reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Alcoa euthanised 152 koalas suffering from poor health on land adjacent to its Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria.
• The company plans to encourage 120 koalas still living in the forest near the smelter to relocate, addressing concerns about koalas becoming sick from fluoride emissions.
• Critics argue that Alcoa should have addressed the koala management issue years ago.
• Alcoa's assessments found that 60 per cent of animals checked over the last two years were euthanised due to overpopulation and exposure to fluoride emissions.

What do you think about the way Alcoa and the government have handled koala protection in Victoria? Do you agree with the critics who suggest this should have been handled years ago? Share your opinion in the comments below.

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

If those fluoride emissions are affecting animals, are those same emissions affecting the surrounding population too!

 

[Pink lion]

How much can a koala bear?... Sounds like the beginnings of a joke doesn't it.
The thing is just like beacons on buoy's out in the ocean to warn us of trouble.

Our koalas are helping to monitor how we are. Birds are still taken underground in mines. Not only humans occupy our planet. What is the thinking.

How can Australia get to such a point as to disregard the welfare of so many inoffensive creatures? So, is a stuffed Koala in a gift shop better than those that live? If an Australian company knowingly poisoned a few bald eagle nests, would Americans say something to us about this? Would they demand compensation?

We pretty much expect cold hearted politicians, to evict old people from their homes, cancel bulk billing so people can't get medical assistance, and even to rip up national railway infrastructure that serviced the Northern Rivers regions, so they can have a push bike track.

We didn't expect them to sell ALL our Gas overseas for ridiculously low prices and to put a 100,000 low grade iron pipes through our water table to get to it. Especially KNOWING that EVERY IRON PIPE must ALL oxidize (rust away) and be reclaimed by nature and in doing so, one day irreversibly destroy our water table.

These are all expected when people apparently disconnected from daily life, only look into computer screens and seem quite devoid of social conscience.

However, when scant regard for creatures that only seek to be left alone in their habitat exists, because corporate lobbyists who are basically ex political associated people on paychecks, can ignore the checks and balances. To many this is upsetting.

Why, is because once again it highlights that our government doesn't care, or it most certainly doesn't seem to give a shit about anything, but its own re-election.

People tend to get very upset when incompetence repeats, and so we say once again to our government that ONCE AGAIN this clearly identifies that once again you have failed us, because this mass Koala Death, really stinks!

 

[Tetavo]

It is called "Profit before all else".
Why hasn't the Government finned Alcoa for the breach of safety and has a check been undertaken every year on the chemicals emitted?
Take all the koalas and place them in an area safe from all the dangerous chemicals.

Not good enoug, no where near good enough. They should be fined and the proceeds given to Koala resque.
SHAME SHAME SHAME, I will never buy there products again.

 

[Macarj]

Did you know on tooth paste in The U S it states not safe for children if swallowed seek medical advice !

Why did the government not look at this properly before allowing this company to set up business so close to a koala habitat.
Who gave them permission to euthanasia our protected koalas

It's actually not safe for adults to swallow toothpaste either we were taught that as children

 

[Pink lion]

It's actually not safe for adults to swallow toothpaste either we were taught that as children

It never occurred to me to swallow toothpaste.

Here's a fun fact TO ELIMINATE a toothache and keep toothache at bay brush with cold compressed organic coconut oil it comes in a jar at Woolworths. Coconut oil kills bacteria that cause tooth decay. (Google it) ... spit that out too.

It's a good tip if anyone you know has a toothache.