Koalas 'functionally extinct' after Australia bushfires destroy 80% of their habitat

As Australia experiences record-breaking drought and bushfires, koala populations have dwindled along with their habitat, leaving them “functionally extinct.”

Recent viral videos of Australians rescuing koalas has led to increased donation to support hospitalization and help for burned koalas.The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital setup a Go Fund Me page seeking donations to help the hospital treat injured koalas. To date, they have raised $1.33 million, well over their $25,000 goal. This comes from over 30,000 donors.Part of their effort is to install drinking stations for koalas in areas devastated by the fires. The funds will also be used for a "Koala Ark" as a refuge for burned koalas to live in a healthy habitat during rehabilitation.