AFP, SYDNEY
An Australian animal welfare group is seeking a heroic dog with an appetite for adventure for a full-time position as a koala rescuer.The successful pooch will replace the world-famous Bear, credited with saving more than 100 koalas from bushfires during a decade of service.“Bear set the gold standard for koala detection dogs,” the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Oceania head of programs Josey Sharrad said. “He’s leaving very big boots to fill, but now it’s time to find his successor to follow in his pawprints and keep protecting koalas.”
Bear, a koala detection dog, trains at an unknown location on Nov. 10, 2023.
“By only recruiting a rescue dog, it’s a win-win — giving a dog the chance of a new life while helping our iconic koalas,” Innovation for Conservation director and handler Russell Miller said.Other key attributes are a love of play, confidence and a gentle temperament toward fellow animals is crucial.
They must also be medium-sized — “not too small that they struggle in the bush, not too big that the handlers can’t carry them when needed,” the IFAW job ad says.Interviews were being held in eastern Australia’s Sunshine Coast, but applications by video are also welcome.Bear’s skills saved more than 100 koalas as the Black Summer bushfires raged across Australia’s eastern seaboard from late 2019 to early 2020, razing millions of hectares, destroying thousands of homes and blanketing cities in noxious smoke.The tail-wagging detective with a “joyful and goofy” personality retired with an extensive list of accolades — including an Animal of the Year award and the Puppy Tales Photos Australian Dog of the Year award.
