Port Macquarie, NSW – Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking milestone in its Wild Koala Breeding Program, the world’s first conservation initiative dedicated to breeding wild koalas specifically for release into the wild.
As the first breeding season draws to a close, KCA is proud to confirm that every single breeding pair has successfully produced offspring—a remarkable achievement in the fight to protect Australia's endangered koalas.
“This success is more than just adorable joeys—it’s a critical leap forward in reversing the trajectory of koala population decline,” said Dr Kate Farquharson, Manager of the Koala Conservation Wild Breeding Program.
“With koalas on track to be extinct in New South Wales by 2050 without urgent intervention, these joeys represent hope and resilience.”
The joeys are currently at various stages of development. Some have begun emerging from their mothers’ pouches and are learning to climb, eat, and explore independently, while others are still safely tucked inside, growing stronger by the day.
In line with the program’s “wild to wild” philosophy, all monitoring is conducted at a distance using cameras and binoculars to preserve natural behaviours and ensure the best chance of success when the joeys are eventually released into the wild.
The Wild Koala Breeding Program is housed in the purpose-built Wild Koala Breeding Centre at Guulabaa – Place of Koala, in the Cowarra State Forest. This state-of-the-art facility was made possible thanks to the generosity of the public in response to the devastating 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires. Entirely funded by donations, the Wild Koala Breeding Facility and Visitor Centre operates without government support and relies on community contributions to continue its vital work.
Unlike traditional captive breeding in zoos, where koalas are bred for education, advocacy and as a security population, this program maintains genetic diversity and promotes wild behaviours. The founder population comprises healthy, disease-free koalas from across a wide bio-region, carefully selected under strict ethical and scientific protocols.
KCA is conducting scientific surveys to identify suitable habitat and populations in need of supplementation in partnership with Taronga Conservation Society Australia. Joeys born through the program will eventually be released into scientifically identified habitats, boosting genetically diverse populations and ensuring the long-term survival of the species.
To celebrate this milestone and in honour of Mother’s Day, KCA is offering free entry to mums on Sunday, 11 May, at the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre. Visitors can learn more about the joeys’ journey, adopt a koala with a special Mother’s Day certificate, and join KCA’s Regular Giving program to receive exclusive updates.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr Farquharson. “But it’s proof that when people come together with passion, science, and care, we can turn the tide for koalas.”
*Photograph of one of our mums and her joey by Australian Wildlife Photographer and Koala Conservation Australia Ambassador Brooke Maxwell
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