Brisbane Bus Driver Rescues Wild Koala Amid City Traffic
BRISBANE, Australia — In an unusual encounter on a busy Brisbane street, a wild koala found itself aboard a city bus after darting through heavy traffic, prompting a quick-thinking rescue by the bus driver. The incident unfolded on Wiles Street in the Camp Hill neighborhood, where the driver of the Brisbane CityGlider bus noticed the marsupial attempting to climb a metal light pole on a median strip. Concerned for the animal’s safety, the driver intervened by covering the koala’s head with a jacket and bringing it inside the bus to await professional help.
Koala Rescue Brisbane South, an organization dedicated to the welfare of these native animals, shared the story on social media, emphasizing the risks involved in handling koalas without proper training. “We don’t recommend handling koalas unless you’re trained. They have incredibly dangerous claws, can bite — and gripping them around their ribs can cause serious damage,” the group cautioned. They advised that if an injured koala is found, it is best to contain it safely without direct contact until wildlife experts arrive, suggesting a dark, enclosed space such as a laundry basket covered with a towel. In this case, the bus served as an improvised safe haven.
Video footage and photographs released by Koala Rescue Brisbane South show the koala, affectionately named Peri by rescuers, clinging to a pole inside the bus as it awaited transport. The bus driver’s quick response ensured Peri avoided the dangers of city traffic and potential injury from climbing the pole.
Following the rescue, wildlife experts transported Peri to an RSPCA wildlife hospital, where the koala underwent a thorough health assessment and was given a clean bill of health. Subsequently, Peri was relocated to the Seven Hills Bushland Reserve, a protected area known for its koala population, where it was safely returned to its natural habitat.
This event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by native wildlife in urban environments, where expanding city infrastructure often intersects with animal habitats. Brisbane City Council has resources and guidelines for residents and commuters on how to respond to wildlife encounters safely, which can be found on their official website. Additionally, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment provides comprehensive information on koala conservation and protection efforts.
Koalas, iconic to Australia’s wildlife, are vulnerable to habitat loss and urban hazards, making community awareness and responsible intervention critical. The rescue by the Brisbane bus driver serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways humans and wildlife can intersect, and the importance of compassionate action.
For more information on koala safety and rescue protocols, visit the RSPCA Queensland and Queensland Government’s wildlife resources. These organizations provide guidance on how to assist injured or distressed wildlife while minimizing risk to both animals and people.
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