After the bushfire disaster in Australia, a courageous rescue dog named Bear has emerged as a hero, capturing the attention and admiration of people around the world, including Hollywood stars Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Bears participate in rescuing koalas that have survived forest fires in Australia.
Bear, a six-year-old Border Collie hybrid Koolie, has been dubbed a ‘superhero’ by netizens after fearlessly participating in the rescue efforts to save koalas affected by the devastating fires in New South Wales and Queensland. The images shared by the rescue team on online forums depict Bear’s aggressiveness and enthusiasm as he searches for surviving koalas amidst the charred landscape left behind by the fires.
Equipped with protective shoes on his four feet, Bear navigates the extinguished fire zones, using his exceptional sense of smell to locate koalas in need. Trained by the USC institute and collaborating with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Bear’s abilities include sniffing out surviving koalas and alerting rescuers to their locations.
Dr. Celine Frere from the USC academy commended Bear’s contributions, stating, “Previously, Bear helped us sniff out sick koala bears. During this forest fire, he participated in rescuing koalas in the fire pit.” IFAW experts highlighted Bear’s energetic and sensitive nature, emphasizing his suitability as a working dog rather than a family pet, given his focused and determined approach to tasks.
Bear’s journey to becoming a hero started when he was abandoned by his original owners during a move. Fortunately, he found a new home with dedicated guardians who recognized his potential and trained him to become a professional rescue dog.
Once an abandoned veterinarian, Bear was fortunate to be adopted and trained to become a rescue dog
The heartwarming story of Bear’s bravery quickly gained attention, with netizens flooding social media with praise and admiration for the four-legged hero. Hollywood icons Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio also joined in the chorus of accolades, with Tom Hanks expressing, “Disney should make a movie about the story of Bear, the dog searching for the koala. He’s really adorable. I like Bear.”
Amidst the devastating impact of the fires on Australia’s koala population, Bear’s efforts stand as a testament to the incredible bond between humans and animals, showcasing the power of compassion and determination in the face of adversity. The loss of an estimated 30% of the koala population, around 8,000 individuals, underscores the urgent need for continued conservation efforts to protect these iconic and vulnerable creatures.