Zoo should leave its new koalas in the wild

IS Edinburgh Zoo acknowledging it cannot provide suitable nutrition for koalas by appealing to the public for fresh eucalyptus leaves (News, August 22)? This would not be surprising - up to 50 species of eucalyptus are eaten by koalas yet captive facilities are able to provide only a few of these.

London Zoo disposed of the last koala in a UK zoo in 1992, following the death of its cagemate within three years of arrival.

Edinburgh Zoo's substantial investment and publicity concerning their two new arrivals can have little to do with conservation, since koalas are at lower risk of extinction in the wild.

The need for "cute" exhibits is no justification for subjecting more animals at Edinburgh Zoo to unsuitable captive conditions.

Daniel Turner, Born Free Foundation, West Sussex