In a previous post we discussed how Anatolian Shepards help save Cheetah populations in Africa. It’s no surprise that dogs help wildlife elsewhere as well. I know we try to block out the insanity that was 2020, and as such you may forget that one of the most devastating things that kicked that terrible year off were the horrendous bush fires in Australia. Over a billion wild animals died as a result of those fires. One of the species that suffered heavy losses were koalas. Out of the ashes of that loss rose the story of some incredible dogs who helped rescue the survivors.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) have an elite group of koala detection dogs. These amazing dogs are trained to find koalas and evidence of koalas so rescuers can get them medical attention if needed and ensure they have the habitat they need to survive. One dog, named Bear, found over 100 injured Koalas after the 2020 bush fires. They continue to work today to help koalas where fires have burned, and to help researchers continue to study the national icon so they can preserve the current populations. Check out more at ifaw.org.
Bear the Koala Detection Dog