NEED TO KNOW

  • A koala in Brisbane, Australia, found itself riding a city bus last weekend
  • A Brisbane CityGlider bus driver spotted the creature dodging traffic on a busy city street before welcoming it onto his vehicle
  • The koala, named Peri, was checked by a veterinary clinic before he was deemed healthy and cleared for release on Sunday

An Australian bus driver recently welcomed an unexpected rider on his nightly route.

According to a Dec. 14 social media post from Koala Rescue Brisbane South Inc., the charity received a call Saturday night from a bus control support officer about a koala on a Brisbane CityGlider.

The rescue says the “hero bus driver” noticed the marsupial dodging traffic on a busy city street before “it scrambled up a light post.” Concerned it might fall into heavy traffic below, the driver took it upon himself to bring it to safety.

The driver launched into action, using a light jacket to cover its head before moving it onto the bus. Inside the vehicle, the koala, named Peri, latched onto a yellow handrail and enjoyed the rest of the ride.

After the rescue got a hold of Peri, they brought it to the local RSPCA wildlife hospital for a check-up. In less than 24 hours, veterinary staff deemed Peri healthy and cleared him for release on Sunday.  

A koala rescued by an Australian bus driver.

Koala Rescue Brisbane South

“Peri is not munching on leaves in Seven Hills Bushland Reserve,” the charity wrote. “A huge thanks to the bus driver for caring enough to stop to help. We’re so grateful that you did!” 

While the organization applauded the bus driver’s efforts, they typically don’t recommend handling the creatures without proper training.

“They have incredibly dangerous claws, can bite — and gripping them around their ribs can cause serious damage,” they wrote.

“If you find an injured koala, and it’s safe to contain it without touching it until help arrives, please do so; anywhere dark is good for wildlife,” they added. “Usually we recommend a laundry basket covered with a towel, but if needs be, a bus will do!”

Peri.

Koala Rescue Brisbane South

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), koalas are an “iconic symbol of Australia.” The furry creatures hold a deep significance to the Aboriginal people and are often featured in stories, songs and art.

The animals, commonly found in the eucalyptus forests along Australia’s eastern coast, depend on trees to survive. 

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The bushfire disasters of 2019 and 2020 destroyed up to 12.6 million hectares of the forest the koalas rely on. In 2022, koalas were officially declared endangered across much of eastern Australia. 

An initiative created by WWF, Koalas Forever, is currently working to double the population of the animals by 2050.