The Great Cull: Australian Kangaroos, Koalas, and Brumbies

They are national treasures, so why are so many ending up in the crosshairs?

A native Australian koala being held by a keeper during a show for tourists at Hartley's Crocodile Adventure Park located north of the Queensland city of Cairns in Australia on April 6, 2024. David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of animal cruelty that some readers may find distressing.

Australia loves to advertise itself with animals. Kangaroos are our coat of arms. Koalas run the global marketing department. Brumbies are immortalised in Banjo Paterson’s verse. We use them as mascots, export them as plush toys, and stitch them onto tracksuit pants.