
Koala Conservation Conundrums
04/24/20 • 57 min
On my recent trip to Australia, I travelled the Great Ocean Road and ended my journey in Koroit in Western Victoria at the Mosswood Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. I talked to the founder Tracey Wilson about why she set up the sanctuary and what challenges they faced with recent bush fires, and more recently again, the bulldozing of large gum plantations.
Much of Mosswood's work is focused on Koalas, which to many are the most endearing and sweet little creatures ever. And I must admit I was won over by just how cute and sweet they were too.
But there are controversies and very real ethical conservation dilemmas surrounding Koala populations, timber plantations and managing Australian biodiversity. Tracey, a pragmatic conservationist, gives a fascinating insight into the competing priorities of government, private timber plantations, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Perhaps surprisingly, the cuddly 'Koala bear' divides opinion in this part of the world, and it has led to much conflict.
I'm lucky enough to have had a private tour of the sanctuary as I chat to Tracey, so come join as I meet Koalas, Kookaburras, Penguins and much more!
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On my recent trip to Australia, I travelled the Great Ocean Road and ended my journey in Koroit in Western Victoria at the Mosswood Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. I talked to the founder Tracey Wilson about why she set up the sanctuary and what challenges they faced with recent bush fires, and more recently again, the bulldozing of large gum plantations.
Much of Mosswood's work is focused on Koalas, which to many are the most endearing and sweet little creatures ever. And I must admit I was won over by just how cute and sweet they were too.
But there are controversies and very real ethical conservation dilemmas surrounding Koala populations, timber plantations and managing Australian biodiversity. Tracey, a pragmatic conservationist, gives a fascinating insight into the competing priorities of government, private timber plantations, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Perhaps surprisingly, the cuddly 'Koala bear' divides opinion in this part of the world, and it has led to much conflict.
I'm lucky enough to have had a private tour of the sanctuary as I chat to Tracey, so come join as I meet Koalas, Kookaburras, Penguins and much more!
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

Peregrine Falcon family drama
My long term Twitter friend Nathalie Mahieu is the unofficial and massively dedicated guardian of the Peregrine Falcons that nest on a disused balcony on London's Charing Cross Hospital. Their social media accounts (@fabperegrines & Fulham and Barnes Peregrines) document the daily trials and tribulations of the longstanding pair, Tom and Charlie, via webcam. Giving intimate insight into what really goes on in the private lives of this iconic bird, the fastest animal on the planet and one that almost became extinct globally in the 1950's and 60's.
Now making a solid comeback in our cities, we catch up with Nathalie in the Margravine Cemetery to watch the latest action unfolding in a week of high drama on the famous peregrine balcony. Charlie has gone missing, and there's a new girl in town. What happened? Listen to find out!
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

Sean's Virtual Dawn Chorus Walk 2020
Every year at Ealing Wildlife Group, we run a Dawn Chorus walk but this year we're in Covid-19 lockdown. So I thought I'd use my daily exercise one Saturday morning to share the Dawn Chorus with EWG members through Facebook Live. Here's what I discovered!
Come with me to a gorgeous Bluebell Wood in Spring as I talk about why birds sing, what's the difference between a call and song, who's singing, why at dawn specifically and lots other questions that come in from my live audience. We discover how to tell the difference between many of the common garden and woodland bird species, from their sound alone.
The response also proves just how important it is right now for us to stay connected with nature in times of social isolation.
Sean's Wild Life podcast is produced by Sean McCormack, co-produced and edited by Thomas Ntinas. Title track 'A Wild Life' kindly composed and donated by Mark Rose.
All costs of production have been self funded. If you've enjoyed this episode and would like to tip me by buying me a coffee you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/seanswildlife.
If you would like to sponsor a future episode of Sean's Wild Life please email [email protected] and visit www.drseanmccormack.com to learn more about Sean's work.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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