Beloved koala Cathie Bravo dead just months after his habitat was cleared for a development

A photo of a beloved koala has left many Australians upset and calling for change after it died just months after his habitat was cleared.

A photo of a beloved koala has left many Australians upset and calling for change after it died just months after his habitat was cleared.

The unexpected death of the much loved male Koala named Cathie Bravo has sparked outrage from locals and supporters nationally and internationally.

Locals took to social media to vent with many alleging the development application was approved several years ago and allowed to go ahead without review.

The heartbreaking image of Bravo at the base of his tree at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Picture: Koala Hospital Facebook Page

The Koala Hospital Port Macquarie said Bravo had been a local of the Lake Cathie area for 15 years.

“Bravo was well known, and residents were upset to see his habitat removed last August …

Our veterinary team is investigating his death,” the hospital said in an Instagram post.

“Local extinctions like we’re seeing across Port Macquarie, disconnects populations, leading to reduced gene flow and decreased koala health across the region.

“Now more than ever, every tree is important to our local koalas.”

A post from Facebook by Bianca Parkin said: “We were very lucky to have Bravo visit us many times over the last 10 years, and I hope he died of natural causes from old age, it’s such a shame the last years of his life he was forced to leave the little bit of habitat he had, in a couple of days it was gone and now sitting empty … can’t understand why there were in such a rush to demolish it all. He will be missed.”

Just months after part of Bravo’s habitat was cleared, he was found dead. Picture: Koala Hospital Port Macquarie Facebook Page

And another by Susan Monkley read: “Heartbroken, Lake Cathie will not feel the same. It would be great if dear Bravo’s death wasn’t in vain – we need the NSW Govt to step up and stop allowing old approved DAs to continue without review and taking into account wildlife impact – and we need to stop logging in native forest. RIP Bravo, May you climb high in your favourite trees.

“So sad to see koalas go!” added Arturo Rago. “Such beautiful animals – we need to preserve their habitat, not invade it for development.”

“Bloody developers and their developments …” said Kasia Cichonski. “Creeping further and further out into dwindling habitat.”

Livsimply said native vegetation clearing legislation needs to be improved in NSW

“Vote wisely and we can make this happen! Only this will save our NSW koala populations,” she said.

Wendy Muir called on Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, stop habitat loss due to development.

“Be the Minister we need: give your time and attention to habitat restoration and sustainability,” she said.

“This image should prompt you to consider what is important to Australia’s wildlife.”

Bravo in his habitat before it was cleared. Picture: Koala Hospital Port Macquarie Facebook Page

Originally published as Beloved koala Cathie Bravo dead just months after his habitat was cleared for a development