THE KOALA 'MASSACRE'

Hundreds shot dead by helicopter marksmen after Oz fires

- BY NADA FARHOUD

HUNDREDS of koalas are being shot dead in Australia in what furious campaigners have called “state-sanctioned cruelty”.

Around 750 of the marsupials which are officially endangered in parts of the country - are believed to have been fired on from helicopters by order of the state authority.

Officials say this is necessary euthanasia after repeated bush fires left hundreds in Budj Bim National Park in the state of Victoria injured, starving or otherwise suffering.

But animal welfare groups report joeys - baby koalas - plunging from trees or being left clinging to their dead or dying mothers.