How did this baby koala find it’s way?
Imagine Kerry McKinnon’s surprise when she discovered an unlikely visitor on her verandah… When this little baby koala found itself alone in Strathdownie, Victoria it decided to head for a warm host. What luck to have found this beautiful golden retriever (Asha) to snuggle up with for the night.
Mrs. McKinnon’s husband alerted her to the unusual scene in the morning and although the dog appeared a little confused at the situation, she was not trying to get the baby off her back.
It is possible the joey fell from it’s mothers back or pouch and wandered. There is no doubt with cold nighttime temperatures; the dog saved the baby koalas life, not only from the cold but from being taken by a predator as well.
The biggest difficulty was attempting to remove the joey from Asha’s back at which point the koala made a very big fuss. The bub was taken to the vet to be assessed and was placed with a local koala carer who is able to provide care until it can be released into the wild.
Baby koalas are reliant on their mother’s body heat for warmth.
Although adult koalas do move about in search of food or home ranges, they are best left alone and it is only legal to catch, transport or interfere with a koala if it is need of human assistance. Do not attempt to handle an adult koala. Call 1300 ANIMAL (RSPCA) or Wildcare 5527 2444 for advice or help. If it safe to do so, stay with the baby or adult until help arrives. Handle joeys as little as possible and keep them warm e.g. wrapped carefully in a jumper against the heat of your body. Do not give food or water. If delivering a distressed or injured animal to a carer, vet or clinic you need to give a detailed description of where you found the animal.
For advice and tips when living in areas with dogs and koalas check out the following…
https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/koalas/pdf/koalas-and-dogs.pdf
Leah & Angela OMeara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)