Dec. 17 (UPI) — A bus driver in Brisbane, Australia, spotted a koala darting through traffic on a busy road and brought the animal aboard the vehicle to wait for rescuers.
Koala Rescue Brisbane South said on social media that the Brisbane CityGlider bus driver spotted the koala on Wiles Street at Camp Hill and got out to rescue the animal.
The koala attempted to climb a metal light pole on a median and the driver, fearing the marsupial would fall, covered its head with a jacket and brought it onto the bus.
“We don’t recommend handling koalas unless you’re trained. They have incredibly dangerous claws, can bite — and gripping them around their ribs can cause serious damage,” the rescue’s post said.
“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. Usually we recommend a laundry basket covered with a towel, but if needs be, a bus will do!”
Video and photos shared by the rescue show Peri holding onto a pole inside the bus while waiting for wildlife experts to arrive.
Rescuers took the koala, which they dubbed Peri, to an RSPCA wildlife hospital, where he was given a clean bill of health.
Peri was relocated to the Seven Hills Bushland Reserve and returned to the wild.