International Wild Koala Day is observed on May 3 in the honor of koalas. Koalas, the majestic representative of the wombat family, are mainly found in remote parts of Australia. Recognizable by their large heads, fluffy ears, and tailless body, koalas are considered to be the symbol of Australia. It’s been a rough couple of years for the koalas. Yearly wildfires and rampant deforestation have exterminated more than 10 million koalas within a decade. International Wild Koala Day raises awareness and fights for their survival.
History of International Wild Koala Day
International Wild Koala Day celebrates koalas, a marsupial native to the Australian continent. The day brings environmentalists, wildlife activists, and conservationists together in the movement for the protection and preservation of koala habitats. Koalas deserve to be celebrated every day. While they are native and unique to Australia, the quest to save them has to be global. International Koala Day appeals to the entire world to come to the aid of koalas. Australians celebrate the day by planting trees, implementing ways to combat global warming, wearing gum leaf t-shirts, and sharing the unique features of koalas.
Koalas are one of the top 10 species most at risk due to climate change. A two-degree increase in global temperature will be catastrophic for the koalas. The 2020 bushfires accentuated the need for a concerned initiative regarding koalas, which impacted millions of koalas. International Wild Koala Day raises awareness about the grave issues that threaten the survival of koalas. Koalas can only survive in thick eucalyptus forests. This unique predicament to their survival is the biggest threat to their existence.
The annual observation brings people together, as they share their love and appreciation for this beautiful species. Koalas are warm, friendly, and extremely delightful. They have been a part of this planet for over 25 million years. They do not deserve to go extinct on our watch. This celebration gives us an opportunity to refocus our priorities and put our resources into our fight against the issues that threaten their existence.
International Wild Koala Day timeline
European settlers arrive in Australia and take up the majority of Koala bushlands for habitation.
Koalas are put into records for the first time after being discovered in the Blue Mountains.
The government of Australia designates koalas as a protected species.
May 3 is announced as International Wild Koala Day after the disastrous aftermath of the 2020 Australian bushfires.
International Wild Koala Day FAQs
Are koalas friendly?
Koalas are largely indifferent to human company and attack only when they feel provoked or threatened.
Will koalas be gone by 2050?
As per findings by Australia’s parliamentary committee, koalas are on track to become extinct in many parts of the country in the next couple of decades unless the government acts today.
Are koalas an endangered species?
Australia’s environment minister Sussan Ley has designated koalas as an endangered species in the aftermath of the 2020 wildfires, which impacted more than one billion animals, including koalas.
How to Observe International Wild Koala Day
Plant a tree
Climate change and deforestation are the two biggest threats to the well-being of koalas. Celebrate International Wild Koala Day by planting a tree in your neighborhood and pushing for stricter deforestation laws.
Create an awareness campaign
Plan a day full of activities and events that create awareness regarding the many ways in which we can promote the healthy perspiration of koalas and all other endangered wild animals. Sign up for volunteer hours with support groups and wildlife rescuers and pledge a donation to any endangered species fund.
Share the message
Sharing is caring! Use social media to spread the agenda and encourage your friends and followers to raise their voices against rampant deforestation and loose environmental policies. Use #WildKoalaDay to connect with the global community of thinkers, leaders, and supporters of the movement.
5 Fascinating Facts About Koalas
The poison churner
Eucalyptus, a poisonous plant for other animals, is their main source of food.
A fine sleeper
Koalas can sleep for up to 20 hours a day.
A species in danger
Koalas are on the decline and their population numbers are falling further due to diseases, deforestation, and other man-made causes.
The two-sense offspring
Koalas are born without vision and ears, however, they develop these senses and have an excellent sense of hearing.
The homelessness prevails
More than 80% of the koala’s habitat has been lost to drought, bushfires, and human encroachment.
Why International Wild Koala Day is Important
It’s an emergency
Koalas count among the top 10 species worldwide most at risk due to climate change. Wildfires, deforestation, and the impact of increased carbon dioxide on eucalyptus leaves are all alarming reasons why koalas are running out of time. International Wild Koala Day treats this issue as an emergency and urges the people in power to act as soon as possible.
It’s a call to action
The only way koalas can survive is by increasing their habitat and leaving them alone to prosper — as they have for millions of years. On May 3, we register our resistance against the rampant encroachment that has ravaged the homes of the koalas and fight for better habitats.
We can save the koalas
Despite the grim statistics and the never-ending wave of catastrophe, there’s still hope. Due to persistent activism, the Australian government tripled the funding for the koala conservation efforts in 2022. Several conservatories outside Australia, including one in San Diego, U.S., are practicing breeding programs to rehabilitate koalas. International Wild Koala Day encourages action from people all around the world.
International Wild Koala Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 3 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 3 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 3 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 3 | Wednesday |
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