Outlines factors contributing to the disappearance of the koala in Australia and the declaration of it as being vulnerable to extinction in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Treating sick and injured koalas is identified as an inefficient strategy for their conservation. Also, in many cases efforts by NGOs and others to save koalas in their neighbourhoods are likely to be ineffective. Reasons (including ethical and moral ones) for the adoption of these types of strategies are outlined. The question is also raised of the extent to which parochialism in the conservation of species is justified. To what extent is the conservation of species justified at a local scale when their existence is secure on a broader geographical scale?