The study analyzes the demographic pathway to genetic recovery of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) through escape from population bottlenecks. Koalas in Queensland show higher genomic diversity compared to southern populations, which is related to larger and better connected populations in the past that overcame smaller demographic bottlenecks[1]. Southern koalas have low levels of full-length KoRV and a lower prevalence of Chlamydia, but a higher risk of fixation of deleterious alleles, such as in oxalate nephrosis[1]. Past mixing of genetic lineages between regions suggests that a genetic rescue program through translocation of individuals is a viable conservation strategy[1]. Preserving and restoring natural habitats is key to the long-term genetic health of koalas more than just increasing populations[1]. Habitat corridors support gene flow and increase effective population size in Queensland despite declining numbers[1]. The study highlights regional differences in susceptibility to diseases caused by genetic variants of immune genes[1]. Published in Science, Volume 391, Number 6789, Pages 1010-1014, March 2026.