Feel Good Friday - Australian Koala Foundation

Today is Save the Koala Day, a day to raise awareness about one of Australia's most beloved animals, and the perfect time to feature the Australian Koala Foundation.

Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, the mission of the Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is "to be a highly credible, respected and compassionate international scientific organisation which will diminish the threat to the survival of koalas and be an example so as to increase the consciousness of all global citizens and enable them to reverse the rapid degeneration of all the world's flora and fauna." This year marks their 40th anniversary, and Chair Deborah Tabart, known as the Koala Woman, has led the charge for nearly all of it.

According to AKF, more than 80% of the koala's natural habitat has been destroyed since colonial settlement, and almost none of what remains is protected. Much of it sits on private land, resulting in competition between koalas and development. Their motto sums up the solution: "No Tree, No Me."

AKF's flagship work is the Koala Habitat Atlas, a groundbreaking project completed in 2018 that maps the entire habitat range of a single species. It shows planners where koala habitat exists so they can make smarter development decisions. The Atlas now powers KoalaMap, where anyone can explore habitat and share koala sightings.

Building on that research, the Koala Kiss Project identifies "kiss points," places where patches of habitat nearly touch but are separated by cleared land. Replanting those gaps could reconnect forests across the koala's range. AKF is also championing the Koala Protection Act, proposed national legislation focused on protecting the trees koalas depend on, including habitat that is currently empty.

AKF has had a big impact over four decades. Since they began, they've directed more than $15 million to research and conservation projects!

You can support AKF from anywhere in the world. Make a donation, adopt a koala, plant a tree at Quinlans, their 100-acre nature reserve in Queensland, or pick up koala gear from their online shop. You can also amplify their message on social media. Follow AKF on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube and share their stories of hope for Australia's gum forests with your network.

Happy Save the Koala Day!