Bring Koalas Back to the Southern Highlands
Why Koala Recovery Matters
Koalas were once abundant across Australia, with an estimated 10 million koalas living a century ago. Today, after decades of hunting, habitat loss, disease and the devastating 2020 bushfires in our local area, few now remain in remote areas of the Morton National park.
The Southern Highlands is at a tipping point. Without urgent intervention, koalas could disappear from the region entirely, contributing to a national crisis that has experts warning koalas could be extinct in the wild by 2050.
At Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary, we aim to lead a long-term, science-driven recovery effort to change the future for this iconic species.
Our focus includes:
- Supporting the expansion of safe wildlife corridors across the region
- Research into Genetic Rescue to strengthen surviving populations
- Conduct and apply research in translocation of endangered koalas
- Lead disease management and research into key threats such as Chlamydia, Koala Retrovirus (KoRV)
- Population surveying and ecological research
- Community engagement and education
This is an ambitious koala recovery project and one that will only succeed through community support.
Ways to Support our Koala Program
Every person can make a tangible difference. Whether you contribute financially, give your time, or join as a member, you become part of restoring a species that is disappearing before our eyes.
Here are three meaningful ways you can help:
Donate
Volunteer
Register your interest in becoming a volunteer. From citizen science wildlife monitoring, event support, and more, volunteers are essential to helping the SHWS grow & thrive.
Become a Member
Becoming a Member is one of the simplest & most powerful ways to support the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary. Your membership helps us grow our community of supporters and demonstrates vital grassroots backing when we apply for grants and funding which in turn directly supports our work.
