Save the Koala Day serves as an annual reminder of the urgent need to protect our beloved koalas and their fragile habitats. In a significant move, the AKF has acquired satirical artwork from Reg Mombassa’s latest collection, ‘Creatures: Losing the War on Nature’, choosing to highlight it as a symbol of resilience and determination on Save the Koala Day.
The acquired artwork, which portrays a koala in army attire, satirically highlights koalas’ challenges in their changing environment. Koalas have been personified as characters who, like humans, are confronted with adversity. It prompts reflection on the plight of these iconic creatures and the parallels between their struggles and those of humanity in the face of environmental change.
Reg Mombassa, renowned Mambo artist and musician, said:
“I’ve been drawing a lot of koalas because they are an endangered species and one of Australia’s most iconic animals. I had this idea that if koalas were a race of humans and they were having their habitat destroyed by another race they would be fighting back.” Mombassa said.
The news comes on the day that South Australia’s environment minister says her department will consider all available options, including sterilisation, contraception and relocation in developing a new plan to manage the growing number of koalas on Kangaroo Island.
“I don’t think shooting is the way to go. Not because it’s not effective but because I don’t know how we talk about that from an island tourism perspective,” Veterinarian Greg Johnsson said.
“Its one of the most iconic species and when people come to KI — particularly overseas tourists — one of the main things they want to do is see a koala.”
Deborah Tabart OAM, Chair of the Australian Koala Foundation, praised Mombassa’s work.
“Reg’s drawings are nothing short of genius. His cynicism, combined with incredible humour, effectively sheds light on the koalas’ plight.” Tabart said.
On this Save the Koala Day, the Australian Koala Foundation calls on Australians to wear these exclusive items proudly and join the Koala Army – a united force dedicated to protecting and preserving koalas for future generations.
“These exclusive products are a must-have for anyone travelling to show their unity with the Koala Army – a powerful movement fighting for koala justice on this Save the Koala Day.” Tabart said.
By supporting this initiative, you can make a significant contribution to the AKF’s ongoing efforts to ensure a brighter future for koalas. The AKF’s exclusive collection features stylish products with distinctive artwork, offering a tangible way to support koala conservation.
Join the Koala Army on Save the Koala Day. Explore the collection online or at the Warialda Save the Koala Shop. Continue supporting koala conservation by planting a tree, adopting a koala, or making a direct donation to the AKF.
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Australia’s Koala population is endangered. There are only 30,000-60,000 Koalas left. Koalas are forecast to be extinct in NSW before 2050 unless we act quickly. Commercial Forestry of native timber forests is unviable – economically & environmentally.
