Hero Dog Honoured For Rescuing Koalas

Bear, a six-year- old Australian Koolie herding dog, has been honoured by the International Fund for Animals Welfare (IFAW) for his heroic efforts during the 2020 bushfires when he saved over 100 injured koalas.

The former rescue dog was taught to use his heightened sense of smell to find injured koalas in the burnt- out trees and terrain by the Detection Dogs for Conservation team at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Ecologist Dr Romane Cristescu, who leads the team, said Bear’s sense of smell and boundless energy made him ideal for research projects. He was trained to recognise the scent of koala fur in the bush.

The IFAW, which sponsors Bear, said he had been “a ray of hope” as he helped the USC/IFAW team and their partners to rescue injured koalas.

After receiving his award, via video link to the ceremony in London’s House of Lords, Cristescu said Bear got “extra pats and extra play”. Bear will continue to contribute to wildlife rescues and research projects with the team’s other canine members.