About 750 koalas were shot dead from a helicopter in Australia

A recent incident in the Australian state of Victoria is causing serious public debate. According to Sky News, about 750 koalas were shot dead in the Budj Bim National Park. This operation was carried out as part of the "planned measures" after the large-scale forest fires that occurred last month.

The tragedy after the fire - 2 thousand hectares of bush burned down
As it is known, about 2 thousand bushes were destroyed as a result of the fire, and many koalas in this area suffered from serious injuries, lack of water and hunger. Officials decided to shoot them to destroy them, citing this difficult situation.

Such a drastic decision, they say, was made in order to relieve the koalas of pain.

Choosing from a helicopter is a first for Victoria
The operation was carried out by helicopter, a method that has not been used in Victoria before. According to the state's Premier Jacinta Allan, all the koalas targeted were in critical condition, and the decision was made based on expert assessments.

Protectors are unhappy: "How can you properly assess a koala from above?"
Several animal protection organizations have strongly criticized the decision. Koala Alliance leader Jess Robertson said that it was doubtful that it would be possible to assess the condition of a koala from a helicopter.

Georgia Purcell, a representative of the Justice for Animals party, said that such an operation could kill koalas carrying their babies in their pouches.

“From a helicopter, you can’t tell if a koala is a mother or a baby in her pouch. This increases the risk of even more innocent animals being killed,” he said.

The debate is open: is this a solution or a catastrophe?
Although the measure is seen as a “humane” solution, the public and advocates believe that such a method of extermination raises ethical, biological and humanitarian questions. The question is: is there really no other way out?

What do you think - is it right to destroy life in nature in a “humane” way? What approaches might be more appropriate in such a situation? Leave your thoughts in the comments.