Dead and injured koalas found in blue gum plantation

This appeared in The Millennial Source

The Conservation Regulator with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in the Australian state of Victoria, said it was investigating a cleared blue gum plantation near the coastal town of Portland, where many Koalas were found dead or injured.

According to DELWP, some of the koalas had to be treated on site for injuries. Many of them were on the verge of starving to death after their habitat had been destroyed. Some koalas were found to have already died of starvation, while others had been killed by bulldozers. Approximately 80 koalas had been removed from the plantation site over the weekend for medical treatment, while others had to be put down due to extensive injuries.

“Wildlife welfare assessment and triage will continue with qualified carers and vets,” DELWP said in a statement. “Plans are being made to translocate remaining animals offsite if they are well enough to be moved.”

“If this is found to be due to deliberate human action, we expect the Conservation Regulator to act swiftly against those responsible,” DELWP said.

Victorian Environment Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, called the incident “a crime” and vowed to bring to account “every single person who is…