Google unpins sleeping koala

A controversial pin on Google Maps showing the exact GPS coordinates of a “koala sleeping in a tree” has been removed by the global tech giant, but Kennett River locals are still anxious about the coming long weekend.

The pin directed tourists to the exact location of the koala, causing significant disturbance to the animal as it tried to go about its business.

The Surf Coast Times broke the story last week, and on Friday, Google confirmed it would remove the pin.

Resident and koala advocate Jules Lin welcomed the news.

“We have received confirmation from Google that the pin ‘Koala Sleeping in Tree’ will be removed. This was driven by strong community support and it worked,” Ms Lin said.

“The article and subsequent radio coverage is providing education to people and asking us all to reflect on how we as visitors can lessen our impact when we travel, especially where animals are involved.

“There are many more appropriate places for tourists to interact with koalas responsibly.”

Fellow resident Elenore said the response had been overwhelming.

“Our phones have blown up since speaking out, and many doors have opened for better animal advocacy in the area.”

Tourists, eager for close-up photos, have been observed climbing trees, shaking branches, using drones, and throwing rocks to wake sleeping koalas.

They have also been trespassing on private property in their attempts to get closer to the wildlife.

“As a result, we are seeing fewer and fewer koalas in the area,” Ms Lin said.

She described a “perfect storm” of social media reels and online reviews encouraging tourists to visit the area had resulted in the small coastal town receiving thousands of tourists a day.

Ms Lin said the pin’s removal was good news but there were many other online posts driving visitors to the area with unrealistic expectations.

“We need to keep our Australian wildlife wild and that means no touching, no feeding, no approaching.

“We truly appreciate the continued community support.”