Koala rescue on busy road warms hearts as driver has fatherly moment with marsupial
An elderly driver has gone viral after video emerged of him rescuing a koala from a busy road — and it’s what he did next that has people talking.
The rescue unfolded on Beaudesert-Beenleigh Rd, northwest of the Gold Coast, where traffic came to a sudden stop. Within moments, 82-year-old Terry spotted a confused koala in the middle of the roadway.
Acting quickly, he scooped up the animal and carried it to the safety of a nearby gum tree, but not before delivering a lighthearted scolding.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I was telling him not to scratch because I’m trying to help him,” Terry said. “And the little mongrel just kept scratching.”
The scratches, he explained, were simply the animal protecting itself. “If you get hold of the bear quick enough and hold him the right way, they realise — especially when you start moving off the road — that they’re getting out of danger.”
Now hailed a hero, Terry downplayed the praise. “Well, I didn’t know all of that,” he said. The rescue left him with a few minor “battle scars” on his arms.
“They’re only scratches,” he said.
Since the incident, Terry has visited the koala, nicknamed Ted, twice in one day. “I had to look up and I couldn’t see him. All of a sudden he moved — I spotted him,” Terry said. “Yeah, he knew I was back.”
