From fire ground to doco
YOU may remember Bear, the koala-rescuing dog who became a national treasure when he went viral on social media during Australia’s horror bushfire season.
Now, the five-year-old rescue Koolie is fronting his very own documentary, which begun streaming on Foxtel this week.
It follows Bear on his journey as he works tirelessly to find sick and injured koalas after they were left stranded as a result of the devastating conditions.
Travel presenter and wildlife campaigner Tyson Mayr, who hosts the program, wanted to help in the recovery efforts after his family’s farm managed to survive a fire in the Darling Downs in November.
Mr Mayr, who said he could hear the cries from wildlife at the time, contacted the International Fund for Animal Welfare and was introduced to the Detection Dogs for Conservation program at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where he met Bear.
“Growing up in the country, you develop a special affinity with wildlife, and when the fires were first approaching I remember feeling so helpless,” Mr Mayr said.
“The koalas in particular were so vulnerable, and from everything I had already
BEAR WAS SAVING LIVES, BUT HE WAS ALSO RESTORING THE FAITH OF THOSE WHO NEEDED IT THE MOST.
TYSON MAYR
seen, it was hard to not worry about their overall survival as a species.
“Meeting Bear restored my hope for the future of koalas. Spending time with him at some of the worst-hit fire grounds, I quickly saw just how much of an impact he was having.
“Not just with the koalas he was saving, but also the smiles he was bringing to the already tired and exhausted wildlife carers, rescuers and vets from around the country.
“He was saving lives, but he was also restoring the faith of those who needed it the most.”
Bear – Koala Hero also explores the work of this incredible team as well as the critical issues regarding the environmental crisis, the broader wildlife impact, and the heroic efforts of the firefighters, animal rescuers, and the animals themselves.
Produced by Butter Media for Foxtel, Bear – Koala Hero is available now on Foxtel.