A tag order like never bear-fore …

In June 2021, we were approached by 1300KOALAZ to produce an ear tag for Koala’s being re-released back into the wild.

1300 KOALAZ are the largest group of experienced and dedicated Volunteer Koala Carers and Rescuers in South Australia. Their mantra is “Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release”.

Adelaide and Hills Koala Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation, volunteer-run koala wildlife rescue organisation.

They started their operation in August of 2019. Their volunteers are the most experienced Koala carers in South Australia with over 10 years of industry experience with native wildlife.

They also use experienced koala vets and have SAVEM (South Australia Veterinary Emergency Management) trained individuals.

Koala Facts

Koalas are a well-known species not only in Australia but all around the world. These cue animals also have a scientific name, Phascolarctos cinereus, which is derived from the Greek word ‘phaskolos’ (“pouch”), as well as “arktos”, which means “bear”.

The word “cinereus” is Latin and translates to “ash-coloured” or “ashy” – referring to the colour of fur that koalas had when they were first encountered around Sydney by Europeans.

You may even occasionally hear koalas referred to as “drop bears”, a fictional name given to them that stemmed from Australian folklore. (This imaginary animal, described as a carnivorous predatory version of a koala, is usually used to scare tourists.)

The koala population has greatly varied historically. During 2016, there were approximately 300,000 koalas in Australia.

However, in 2019, it was estimated by the Australian Koala Foundation that there were less than 80,000 remaining in the country.

Some sources state that this number may even be as low as 43,000. At the moment, koalas are vulnerable to extinction, which is a step above being endangered.

Reports have indicated that between 350 and 1,000 koalas living in the northern part of New South Wales have died due to the recent terrible fires there. There are even some grim predictions that koalas may go extinct by the year 2050.

In saying so, there is definitely still a chance to save the koalas! The Koala Protection Act has been put in place by the Australian government to protect these unique Australian animals. This act has been put in place to ensure that koalas will receive the highest level of protection given to any animal species in Australia ever.

Testimonial

Sally from 1300KOALAZ said “We received the tags today and they are just great, thank you so much. Everyone absolutely loves them and they are just what we need. I thank you for sorting this so promptly and professionally for us and Addie and Willow are being released tomorrow”