Bear Grylls, the renowned survivalist, shares his name with a remarkable koala who recently endured a harrowing experience. At the end of May, this plucky marsupial became trapped in the grill of a vehicle in Logan, south of Brisbane. Vet Dr Stephanie Shaw confirmed the unfortunate incident, noting the koala’s resilience amid the circumstances.
Despite being hit by a car and travelling an astonishing 30 kilometres, the four-year-old koala emerged with only a broken leg. “Bear Grylls is definitely a fighter and a survivor,” remarked Samantha Colbran, a senior environment officer with Logan City Council. She highlighted the koala’s extraordinary journey, which spanned from Mundolin Road to Tambourine Mountain, a testament to the animal’s tenacity.
The koala underwent surgery the following day, where a plate and screws were inserted to repair his leg. He is currently receiving care at the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre and is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
With the onset of the koala breeding season, this incident serves as a crucial reminder that these beloved creatures are more active and mobile. To ensure their safety, Colbran urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly in areas marked with roadside vegetation and koala warning signs.
In response to increasing wildlife incidents, Logan City Council has initiated its annual awareness campaign, which includes the installation of additional flashing road signs to remind drivers to slow down and look out for these vulnerable animals.