Animal news from Australia tends to be a little crazier than from other parts of the world, such as this unusual sight of a koala that’s escorted from a supermarket. Although this unexpected customer delighted shoppers it sadly does underscore how this Australian mascot is suffering from habitat loss.
Not the Average Customer
Shoppers and staff at the Meeniyan IGA were taken by surprise when a young male koala strolled through the store’s front doors. The marsupial spent about 20 minutes wandering through the aisles, investigating everything from herbs and spices to soft toys.
In other words, an equally cute and curious customer.
Climbing and Exploring the Aisles
The curious koala explored the store thoroughly, even climbing onto a newspaper stand and reaching for items on the shelves. Staff attempted to approach the marsupial with its fave snack – eucalyptus leaves.
While the staff and customers enjoyed the unusual sight, the situation raised some concerns about how to safely return the animal to its natural habitat.
Helping the Koala Find Its Way Home
Store owner Kaelene Shervell and her staff tried to calmly guide the koala back outside, but he was determined to stay inside. Eventually, they called a local wildlife carer, who helped direct the koala onto a step ladder. The staff then carefully transported him back outdoors.
Koalas and Urban Environments
While koalas are commonly seen in the Meeniyan area, encountering one inside a store was unusual. According to koala ecologist Dr. Bill Ellis, male koalas tend to wander more during breeding season.
The adventure is equally telling of the growing issue of habitat fragmentation for koalas. As their natural environments shrink due to development and deforestation, koalas are increasingly turning up in unexpected places.
This supermarket visit is a direct example of the pressures koalas face as they lose space to roam.
Are Koalas Friendly Toward Humans?
Of course, there are far more dangerous and scary animals that you can encounter in Australia. However, while koalas are generally not aggressive, they are wild animals and prefer to keep their distance from humans. Koalas are solitary creatures and can become stressed in close interactions with people.
Though they may appear calm and cuddly, it’s best to observe koalas from afar to avoid causing them any discomfort or distress.
Koalas and Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a significant health issue for koalas, affecting around 50% of wild populations in some areas. This bacterial infection can lead to blindness, infertility, and even death if left untreated. The disease spreads through contact, making it especially dangerous for koalas living in close proximity due to shrinking habitats. Conservation efforts are underway to treat and vaccinate koalas, aiming to control this threat to their population.
Koala Escorted From Supermarket: Watch the Video
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