A Brisbane CityGlider driver rescued a koala that had been dodging traffic by covering it with a jacket and bringing it aboard until wildlife volunteers arrived. The koala, named Peri, was taken to the RSPCA wildlife hospital and declared healthy within 24 hours before being released into Seven Hills Bushland Reserve. Rescuers praised the driver but reminded the public not to handle koalas without training and to wait for experts. The story underscores wider conservation concerns after the 2019–2020 bushfires and the 2022 endangered listing for many koala populations.
Brisbane Bus Driver Rescues Koala — Peri Rides CityGlider to Safety
Koala Rescue Brisbane SouthA koala rescued by an Australian bus driver
A koala in Brisbane unexpectedly hitched a ride on a CityGlider bus after being seen dodging traffic on a busy street. The quick-thinking driver covered the animal with a light jacket, brought it aboard to protect it from passing vehicles, and waited for wildlife rescuers to arrive.
Rescue On The CityGlider
On Saturday night a Brisbane CityGlider driver noticed a koala weaving between cars before it scrambled up a light pole. Concerned the marsupial might fall into the roadway, the driver gently covered its head with a jacket and brought it onto the bus to keep it safe. Once aboard, the koala—identified by rescuers as Peri—clung to a yellow handrail and rode quietly until volunteers could collect it.
Aftercare And Release
Koala Rescue Brisbane South Inc. posted about the incident on social media on Dec. 14, praising the driver as a hero. Volunteers transported Peri to the local RSPCA wildlife hospital for assessment. Veterinary staff reported that within 24 hours Peri was deemed healthy and was released on Sunday into Seven Hills Bushland Reserve.
Koala Rescue Brisbane SouthPeri
“Peri is now munching on leaves in Seven Hills Bushland Reserve. A huge thanks to the bus driver for caring enough to stop to help. We’re so grateful that you did!” — Koala Rescue Brisbane South
Safety Advice For The Public
The rescue group cautioned that well-meaning members of the public should not handle koalas without proper training. Koalas have sharp claws and can bite, and incorrect handling (such as gripping around the ribs) may cause serious injury to the animal. If you find an injured koala, the charity recommends containing it without touching it until trained help arrives—any dark, secure container will do. “Usually we recommend a laundry basket covered with a towel, but if needs be, a bus will do!” the group added.
Conservation Context
Koalas are an iconic Australian species and hold deep cultural significance for Aboriginal peoples. They depend on eucalyptus forests along Australia’s east coast for food and shelter. The 2019–2020 bushfires destroyed an estimated 12.6 million hectares of habitat, and in 2022 koalas were declared endangered across much of eastern Australia. The World Wildlife Fund’s initiative Koalas Forever aims to double koala populations by 2050 through habitat protection and conservation measures.
Note: This incident highlights both the immediate role the public can play in saving wildlife in danger and the larger, ongoing need for habitat conservation to protect species like Peri.
