Why is cuddling koalas banned in Australia?

Koala cuddling, once hugely popular, is increasingly being banned across Australia over animal welfare concerns. Although some places still offer the service for a fee, advocates are pushing for a nationwide ban.

Holding a koala, one of Australia's most iconic animals, in your arms and feeling its paws on your shoulder is a dream for many tourists. But travelers to Australia may be surprised to learn that cuddling a koala is now banned in most states.

Now the Queensland capital of Brisbane has joined the ban, sparking fresh debate over the decision.

For years, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in tropical Queensland has been the go-to place for up-close encounters with the eucalyptus-eaters. World leaders including former US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin have kept koalas, as have US pop star Taylor Swift and tennis legend Roger Federer.

The sanctuary’s press release notes that there is a growing demand for “more intense and educational experiences” that go beyond simply cuddling a koala. Instead of just taking photos, many people want to spend more time with the animals and their caregivers. For some Australians, this change is deeply disappointing.

"I won't go there anymore if I can't hug a koala. Thanks for the memories of Lone Pine," a regular visitor to the reserve was quoted as saying by the news website News.

silent tension

Koalas sleep about 20 hours a day, have a very slow metabolism, and conserve energy through a sedentary lifestyle by eating hard-to-digest eucalyptus leaves.

“But some close encounters force them to stay awake and active for hours,” notes the London-based animal welfare organisation World Animal Welfare.

“Holding, holding or taking a photo of a koala causes them silent stress,” but animal lovers can still experience watching koalas up close as they eat, sleep and relax within their own space, but without physical contact.

Founded in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. When koalas were heavily hunted for their soft fur, the sanctuary began with just two koalas: Jack and Jill. Today, the sanctuary is home to around 100 koalas. In most states and territories, it is illegal to hold a koala in your arms like a baby, with Queensland and South Australia being the only exceptions. However, touching koalas is often allowed, but under strict rules.

What is allowed and forbidden for tourists

In New South Wales, where Sydney is located, a ban on keeping koalas has been in place since 1995.

The provincial government's guidelines were precise: "Handling of koalas by the public should be limited to petting, stroking and cuddling to the extent of placing an arm around the koala while the animal remains stationary," the guidelines state.

However, some facilities, such as Wildlife Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, are completely banning any physical contact. Visitors can still get up close and personal with the animals and take photos alongside them.

Source: German