My boyfriend asked what I wanted for my birthday – I couldn’t think of anything at that time. Then I remembered wanting to adopt a koala back in 2019 after the bushfire that burnt nearly three billion terrestrial vertebrates alone – the vast majority being reptiles. And some endangered species were believed to be driven to extinction.

Why Adopt a Koala?

According to an article written by The Guardian in September 2020, the koala’s population is ‘sliding towards extinction’ due to habitat loss, disease, and climatic events in recent years. They are currently listed as vulnerable under national environment laws in Australia.

This is a symbolic Koala adoption, or a ‘foster’ program. Your monthly donation, which is a twelve-month commitment will help with the rescue and treatment of sick and injured koalas and release them back to their home range where possible

How To Adopt a Koala?

We opted to adopt from the Australian Koala Foundation, though other organizations also offer this program.

My boyfriend and I took the Koala Personality Quiz and he got a wild koala named Wattle (yes, he adopted this pretty baby), according to the description she’s chill, quiet, and likes to eat & sleep. While I matched with Millie, a girl with an attitude who isn’t much of a morning koala (yup, definitely me).

Even though I matched with Millie, I decided to browse the entire adoption page and found Kaya, a senior koala. My soft spot for old people (or koalas) just couldn’t allow me not to choose her.

What’s Included In The Adoption Package?

• A digital copy of the adoption certificate (will be sent to your email upon registration)
• A personalized adoption certificate (with gold notarial seal) with a photo of your Koala via mail (shipping may take 3-6 weeks)
• Welcome letter
• Koala stickers

Whether you visit zoos or sanctuaries that focus on the rehabilitation and preservation of the endangered species, donate to the Australian Koala Foundation, or simply help spread the word about ways to help make a difference, supporting organizations working toward real change is a crucial way to have an impact.