Release of five new koalas in Yanchep National Park

26/3/93

Environment Minister Kevin Minson released five new koalas - including the first males of the new breeding colony - in their new home at Yanchep National Park today.

The two males and their three female companions were flown over from South Australia yesterday.

After quarantine, they will join another three females brought over from the same disease-free colony of koalas on Kangaroo Island in May last year.

Mr Minson said it was hoped the older male would mate later this year and the first koalas to be born at Yanchep for 10 years would arrive next February.

He said the management plan for Yanchep National Park recommended re-establishing a breeding colony after the previous colony of five koalas were infected with the disease chlamydia.

The disease causes conjunctivitis and cystitis or pneumonia and can cause infertility.

Mr Minson said koalas were extremely delicate animals which could easily fall ill or die and because of the infertility were not being replaced naturally.

"The infected animals have been moved to a separate enclosure to prevent any chance of cross-infection," he said.

"Today's release is the second of three proposed shipments of healthy koalas and is part of the Department of Conservation and Land Management's program to upgrade facilities and services in the State's national parks.

"We are very grateful to the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service for providing the koalas, and to our sponsors for getting them here.

"Ansett Air Freight has carried all the animals from Adelaide to Perth free of charge, while Ansett Australia provided free travel for a CALM ranger to supervise the shipments."

Mr Minson said the koala colony was a major tourist attraction at Yanchep National Park.

He said the park drew more than 400,000 visitors every year, nearly 40 per cent of them from interstate and overseas.

"Koalas and Yanchep National Park have been synonymous in the minds of many West Australians since the first colony was established in the park in 1938," the Minister said.

"It is still one of only five places in this State where koalas can be seen."

Media contact: Diana Callander 222 9595 : 321 2222