The Risks

Koalas generally are not detrimental but can cause trouble by giving some awful wounds with the claws and teeth. Not only that, sometimes, they also bear diseases that can transmit to humans. In this context, Sean had taken a big risk.    

Gone Viral


Though Sean did not get a scratch while handling the koala he cracked a joke on Facebook by saying, “I lost two fingers and have scratch marks from head to toe, but he got to walk away gracefully, those drop bears are viscous [sic].” 

Went Viral

In no time, this rescue story went viral. Every person who read the story got emotional and congratulated Sean and Gary for their altruistic act. Not many people have this tendency. Soon, the news reached the local news stations.

On The News


Westernport coast guard’s commander, Jeremy West, commented: “It was pretty surprising – it’s not every day you come across a koala in the water. The koala looked pretty happy when it was back on the land.”

Endangered


One commenter exclaimed, “Oh wow, poor little guy! Great work!” To which Hannam replied, “[It’s] just the conservationist in me.” Well, his words also shed light on the current status of koalas. Unfortunately, koalas are on the ‘Vulnerable’ list published by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  This situation is caused by habitat loss and urban incidents. 

Well Done

A Facebook user commented, “Glad you found and rescued him and I bet he was very glad too.” She added, “Well done coast guard.”