The "Black Summer of Fire" in 2019-2020 was devastating for koalas in Australia's Blue Mountains. A collaborative recovery effort is underway.

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 14, 2022) – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance conservationists applaud the Australian government in declaring the koala an endangered species in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Koala populations in these areas have continued to show declines over the last decade. 

This vast wilderness landscape of Australia’s Blue Mountains was catastrophically impacted by the 2019–2020 bushfires in Australia. How will we respond next time?

Omeo (pronounced Ooh-me-ooh), a male koala at the San Diego Zoo, turned 1 year old (July 15, 2020) and received a special birthday celebration—complete with a heart-shaped ice cake made with natural flowers, and “presents.”