Iceland Moves to Ban Whaling, Victoria's Koalas Face Health Crisis

Iceland is preparing to introduce legislation that could permanently end whaling in its waters, a significant step that would leave only Norway and Japan as nations permitting the practice. This move follows intense scrutiny after a 2023 report revealed that harpooned whales endured prolonged suffering, leading to a temporary suspension of hunts. The proposed bill, expected in February 2027, aims to solidify this ban.

Meanwhile, in Australia, a delayed government report has revealed that Victoria's koala population is in a state of chronic ill-health, with numbers estimated to be half of previous figures. The review, completed in June 2025 but withheld by the state government for over a year, highlights serious concerns for the welfare of these iconic marsupials. Separately, in India, the discovery of baby orangutans far from their natural habitat has triggered an inquiry into potential trafficking activities, underscoring ongoing threats to endangered species.