From September 2019 to March 2020, Australia faced one of its toughest times. The country was ravaged by devastating bushfires, which wreaked havoc on its wildlife and lush landscapes. In New South Wales, the fires were particularly severe, turning forests into ash and displacing countless animals.
These fires, coupled with a long drought, were alarming signs of Australia’s growing climate crisis. For farmers, it was a nightmare. They suffered millions of dollars in damages from both fires and floods. But the wildlife bore the brunt of this disaster.
The numbers were heartbreaking—over 60,000 koalas were affected, many injured or worse. Yet, amidst this tragedy, there were stories of hope. Firefighters and volunteers worked tirelessly, saving as many animals as they could. And among these heroes was a very special one—a dog named Bear.
Bear wasn’t just any dog. He was a trained rescuer, sniffing out injured koalas hiding among the charred remains of forests. Bear could detect them by the scent of their fur and feces, a skill that made him invaluable during the Black Summer bushfires. Thanks to him, over 100 koalas were saved and given a second chance.
For his incredible efforts, Bear received the Special Recognition Award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare in the UK. At just six years old, this Australian Koolie became a true hero. And yes, those adorable little boots he wore protected his paws as he braved the scorched terrain.
Meet Bear, the courageous dog who saved over 100 koalas. His story is one of hope, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between humans, animals, and their protectors.
