Wanted: ball-obsessed rescue dog to save Australia’s endangered koalas from fires and floods

 

After a decade helping rescue koalas from bushfires and other disasters, 11-year-old detection dog Bear retired in March

Australian Associated Press

Prefer the Guardian on Google

Australia’s most famous koala-sniffing dog – who has helped save endangered koalas from fires and floods – has hung up his little red boots, with the search now on for his successor.

After a decade helping rescue koalas, 11-year-old detection dog Bear retired in March.

His exit left conservationists scrambling to find a new recruit capable of plugging gaps left by human spotters and infrared detection technologies.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, obsessed with fetching balls and have absolutely zero interest in chasing wildlife.

Not Funny !  My bos is throwing old socks at me. No worries I will  get my own back tomorrow 

“Those dogs often don’t make the ideal family pets, but Bear was born to be a detection dog,” the International Fund for Animal Welfare Oceania programs head, Josey Sharrad, said.

Bear was rehomed multiple times before landing with trainers a decade ago.

“He literally ate the walls of his Gold Coast apartment in one home,” Sharrad said.

But his intense focus made him a perfect fit for the long hours of conservation work. During the Black Summer bushfires, Bear helped find more than 100 koalas, many in need of urgent veterinary care.

His red boots and life-saving work attracted an international following, including stars Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Now, conservation groups are teaming up with the University of the Sunshine Coast and a French canine expert to train the next koala detection dog.

Frederic Chappee spent years leading canine units in the French army before training anti-poaching dogs in Africa and Indonesia.

The successful recruit will likely be medium-sized, younger than two years old and comfortable charging through dense bush, he said.

Unlike other koala detection dogs, which are trained to sniff out droppings, Bear was trained on the scent of live koalas - often high above the ground.

“That’s a bit of a tougher job than finding poo,” Sharrad said.

The dog will work alongside drones and human spotters, particularly after bushfires, floods and cyclones. 

Koalas were listed as endangered along much of Australia’s east coast after catastrophic habitat loss during the Black Summer fires.

Against a backdrop of increasingly frequent and devastating climate disasters, dogs play an increasingly important role, Sharrad said.

“They can smell what we can’t see,” she said.

The work is demanding and the hours can be long but the lifestyle, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, has its perks.

“The best thing about these detection dogs ... [is] they have the best of both worlds,” Sharrad said.

“They’re working during the day and they’re living the life of a pet for the rest of the time.”

( 3 happy end videos) The Australian grandmother Mary Hutton founded 'Free the Bears': she had seen horrifying footage showing extraction of bile from traumatized bears in Asia

So Cute !! Enjoy

 1993, Perth grandmother Mary Hutton saw a television report that changed the course of her life. The footage showed the horrifying extraction of bile from traumatised moon bears held in coffin-sized cages, a cruel practice used in traditional medicine across parts of Asia.

With no previous background in wildlife conservation, Mary began collecting signatures for a petition at her local shopping centre in Perth, Australia. What started as a small community effort quickly grew into a movement.

By 1995, Mary had founded Free the Bears.

Over the next three decades, her determination, and the support of thousands of people around the world, helped transform that grassroots effort into a leading conservation organisation protecting bears across Asia.

Today, Free the Bears operates the largest moon and sun bear sanctuary network in Southeast Asia and has supported the rescue of more than 1,000 bears from bile farms, illegal wildlife trade and other forms of exploitation.

An impressive rescue

Imagine spending your entire life staring at metal bars — never feeling grass under your feet, never seeing open skies above you. Then one day, after 27 long years, you finally step outside and look up for the very first time. That was the reality for a moon bear named Sen. According to a report by The Dodo, Sen was taken from the wild as a baby and confined to a tiny cage on a bile farm in Vietnam. For nearly three decades, he lived in extreme confinement. Bear bile farming — a practice in which bile is extracted for use in traditional medicine — had kept him imprisoned. Recently, however, bile farming was officially outlawed in Vietnam, opening a path to freedom for bears like Sen. Animal welfare group Animals Asia negotiated Sen’s surrender and transported him to their sanctuary. For the first time in 27 years, he had space to move, natural ground beneath him, and something most of us take for granted — the sky. Rescuers described how Sen couldn’t stop looking upward. He stared at the sky again and again, almost as if trying to understand its vastness. Think about the last time you walked outside after being indoors all day — the sunlight feels refreshing. Now imagine being indoors for nearly three decades. That moment becomes overwhelming, almost magical. Although bile farming is now illegal in Vietnam, more than 150 moon bears are still awaiting rescue. Organizations like Animals Asia continue working to free them, offering them a second chance at life. Sen is now learning how to simply “be a bear” again — exploring grass, splashing in water, relaxing in the sun. These are small joys to us, but for him, they are entirely new experiences. His story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of compassion. Freedom, fresh air, and sunlight are things we rarely think about — yet for Sen, they marked the beginning of a brand-new life. Stay connected with Content Analysis for more inspiring stories that highlight both the challenges animals face and the hope created by rescue efforts. Reference The Dodo. “He Lived In A Tiny Cage For 27 Years — Now He's Seeing The Sky For The First Time.” By Caitlin Jill Anders, Published February 28, 2026.

The 23 year old Simone saw pictures of the Ukraine war, animals left behind when families were forced to flee and joined the Animal Rescue Kharkiv

 News from Peoples Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA )  www.peta.org 

Simone Eisenbeiss never wanted to chase danger. But at just 23 years old, the longtime PETA Germany member and dedicated vegan animal advocate had already seen that sometimes doing what was right pushed her out of her comfort zone. She had faced fear before with calm and discipline, fighting alongside Captain Paul Watson and Sea Shepherd to defend marine animals from harm. And when she saw the pictures of one of the Ukraine war’s least visible tragedies—the animals left behind when families were forced to flee with only what they could carry—she knew she couldn’t sit idly by.

Two years ago, Simone joined the PETA-supported Animal Rescue Kharkiv teams,Animal Rescue Kharkiv risking their lives to reach animals trapped along the 800-mile battlefield frontline. Cats hiding in the rubble of their demolished homes. Cows sprayed with shrapnel. Pigs at risk of starvation. Dogs who had grown too big for their now-embedded collars. After specialized training, she was completing missions that require skill, composure, and readiness—because in a war zone, anything less puts everyone at risk, including the animals you’re trying to save. Recently, Simone spoke with PETA Germany about the daily challenges the rescuers face, one of her most unforgettable missions, and the difficult—and beautiful—realities of this work.

How does the situation feel right now? How do the rescue missions compare with those of a year ago?

Simone: Evacuations have changed extremely compared with a year ago. It comes down to how the war is being fought and how we can be safest. Every week, we see how technology in warfare continues to evolve, and that’s a huge challenge for us. We have to deal with that momentum and develop tactics to carry out evacuations as effectively and safely as possible.

A year ago, there weren’t as many drones as there are now. When we rescued animals in Toretsk, for example, there were, of course, lots of drones—the danger was always very high. But now, as soon as you’re not even 40 kilometers from the front line, the drone threat is already extremely high. They’re reaching farther and farther into the country.

Now, you basically always head toward Donbas with a knot in your stomach. A drone could be anywhere. You just have to be aware that you never really know when and where an incident might happen. But of course, that’s not a signal for us to stop rescuing animals. It’s simply a new challenge, and we have to find ways to deal with this problem—and we are.

How do you deal with this risk? How do you manage it personally?

Simone: You have to be very aware of what our work can mean—and what consequences it can have.

Of course, you have to expect that you could be injured—even killed. But when you weigh that against the animals you’ve rescued and the ones who still need to be rescued … and on the other side, what you might have to give up—your own life—it isn’t easy. But it shows that a human’s life is worth exactly as much as the life of an animal.

And I find that thought very beautiful—that we’re supported. It gives you hope.

In moments like that, it’s also important to realize that you have to stay clear-headed and find ways to cope. When we go to the front line, for example, it can sometimes be safer to take off your helmet. You have to understand that drones are looking for military personnel. They specifically target people wearing a helmet or body armor. In some areas, it’s therefore safer for us if we wear less protective gear. Many people don’t understand that, but if you understand the situation and act logically, you’re safer.

What condition are most of the animals in?

Simone: Very sick. We’re seeing that the animals are getting sicker and sicker. They have many more illnesses, and they’re also extremely thin. And there are simply countless animals. The longer the war goes on, the unbelievably greater the number of animals who are also reproducing—and bringing more diseases with them.

Have there been moments in recent months that you like to look back on? Is there a rescue story that has especially stayed with you?

Simone: Yes—this wasn’t that long ago. I was out with Ruslan, also a member of our team. We went to Rajske, and the situation there had changed dramatically in just a few weeks. It became more and more dangerous. We were searching for a cat in a completely destroyed house. It was really nothing but rubble, and I didn’t know whether the animal was still even there.

It was a very dangerous situation because there were drones everywhere. Then we saw the cat, severely emaciated. She was lying on the veranda waiting for her guardians. She had no water, no food. But she was there, truly waiting for her guardians to come back. That really hurt my heart. Ruslan and I knew this cat had to get out of there. But she was afraid of us and hid in the ruins. We had to somehow get her out of the debris, and we were there for a good half hour, even as the danger kept growing. We knew it was the only chance because the next day the cat would probably have already died. She was so dehydrated, so thin …

With a lot of patience, we finally managed it.

Those are the moments that truly confirm for you that we can achieve anything with the help of donors and PETA. With the help of people who actively step up to change animals’ lives. It’s not about somehow changing the whole world; it’s about each individual being, who also has a right to live, and we can actively change that life for the better.

And that brings you back to the question of how you deal with the situation on the front line. How can you live with this danger? This is exactly one of those key moments that shows why people are still doing this work.

Is there anything else you’d like to say in closing to the people who support us?

Simone: Without the supporters, this work wouldn’t be possible at all. Truly, it’s incredible what outside help can accomplish.

From PETA, from supporters and donors, you can see that help from outside is just as important as help on the ground. It’s a group effort, and everyone has a place in it.

PETA’s help is essential for survival. The rescues are only one part, but then the animals have to be cared for and placed in homes. We’re so grateful that so many supporters are out there and truly believe in the work. For that: a huge thank-you.

Last Chance for Animals (LCA ) 'None make it out alive" ( Graphic video is not suitable for children )

 In July 10, 2025, LCA released an undercover investigation exposing rabbit pyrogen testing at a North American research facility.

Pyrogens are fever-causing substances that can be found in medications. During Rabbit Pyrogen Tests (RPTs), rabbits are forced into restraints, have substances injected into their ear veins and are monitored for fever developments.

Despite reliable non-animal alternatives to RPTs available, approximately 400,000 rabbits worldwide are still used in pyrogen tests each year. In June 2024, the European Pharmacopoeia announced it would end rabbit pyrogen tests by 7/1/2025 in favor of non-animal alternatives. However, in North America, no such standards exist. Despite alternatives being available, pharmaceutical companies and other organizations are still choosing to engage in this cruel and needless animal suffering. HOW YOU CAN HELP U.S. Residents: Contact your elected officials to urge them to stop cruel and needless animal testing and support non-animal testing alternatives. Send an email here: https://secure.lcanimal.org/page/8176... Don’t live in the U.S.? You can still help! Sign LCA’s against animal testing here: https://secure.lcanimal.org/page/8107... #EndAnimalTesting #StopAnimalTesting __________________________________________________ Last Chance for Animals (LCA) is an international, non-profit animal rights organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation through undercover investigations, education, and legislation. Founded in 1984 by Chris DeRose, LCA believes that animals are highly sentient creatures who exist for their own reasons independent of their service to humans; they should not be made to suffer for the latter. Follow LCA on YouTube and our other channels: Instagram:   / lc4a   Facebook:   / lastchanceforanimals   Twitter:   / lc4a  

Fate of orcas in captivity:A growing catalog of 'accidents', illnesses, failed pregnancies and premature deaths have helped to show up this industry for the cruel circus that it really is.

 Documentary Blackfish " Free Orca Lolita"  Old film same story in 2026 more than decade later

Narnia, a female killer whale captured and transported on a lift in Nakhodka, Russia, where she was held after capture, in this undated photograph.

At least 166 orcas have been taken into captivity from the wild since 1961 

• 133 of these orcas are now dead.
• In the wild, male orcas live to an average of 30 years (maximum 50-60 years) and 46 years for females (maximum 80-90 years).
• At least 184 orcas have died in captivity, not including 30 miscarried or still-born calves.
• SeaWorld holds 16 orcas in its three parks in the United States. At least 46 orcas have died at SeaWorld.
• One of the most infamous capture incidents saw over 80 whales from the Southern Resident population of orcas in Washington State rounded-up at Penn Cove in 1970. Seven were taken into captivity while as many as five whales died. Today this population is recognized as endangered.
• At least 19 orcas have been taken from the wild into captivity since 2002, most recently in Russia. 10 individuals illegally caught in 2018 and held in a holding facility in Srednyaya Bay near Nakhodka, were released back into the wild in June, July and August 2019. At least three have since been resighted.
  

The growing uneasiness with the concept of keeping orcas in captivity has only been increased by the renowned documentary Blackfish, documenting the reality of the captives' existence. Despite the best attempts of the display industry to blow a smokescreen over such negative publicity, the wider world is now increasingly aware that all is not well in fantasy-land. In recent years, first a trickle, then a steady torrent, of incidents have been reported.

A growing catalog of 'accidents', illnesses, failed pregnancies and premature deaths that have helped to show up this industry for the cruel circus that it really is.

A weekly report from Safe Haven for Donkeys in Gaza: : "A heartfelt thank you for your continued support of working donkeys, horses and mules"

 

Dear readers, I wanted to send you a heartfelt thank you for your continued support of our work helping donkeys, horses and mules in crisis areas. Today’s update shares some of the latest cases our team has responded to on the ground. I hope it helps show the difference your support is making for animals who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. You can also click here to read our latest April operational report from Gaza, showing the scale of the work taking place thanks to your support. Because of your kindness, our Gaza team reached 634 donkeys and horses in desperate need of care - often in incredibly difficult conditions. Thank you again for caring so deeply about these animals and the people who depend on them every day. Wendy Safe Haven UK Office An update from Gaza In recent weeks, our vet team has carried out urgent field visits across different parts of Gaza, treating large numbers of animals in need of emergency care. While much of our work focuses on donkeys and horses, the team never turns away an animal in need - often treating sheep, birds and pets caught up in the crisis too. Many animals are suffering from illness, injury and exhaustion after months of hardship and very limited access to veterinary care. Animals are suffering due to delayed access to veterinary care - but our vet team are trying to reach as many donkeys and horses as possible. Recently, a Bedouin community leader contacted our team asking for urgent help before illness spread further among their animals. The team quickly responded and worked for hours under extremely difficult conditions to examine and treat sick animals. Their fast action helped contain the outbreak and prevent further suffering. Our team travel on foot or by bicycle to reach communities with animals in need of veterinary care. Shortly afterwards, the team received another urgent call - this time from an owner desperately seeking help for his horse. The team set out on foot to reach the animal and provide treatment. With roads badly damaged, fuel scarce and transport costs extremely high, some visits now take hours of walking to reach remote areas. Najeeba shares more about this case in our video update. Click to view Najeeba's video from Gaza Donkeys and horses continue to be vital 'family' members - helping transport food and water. Infectious diseases are continuing to spread rapidly among animals in Gaza, while harsh living conditions and the collapse of basic infrastructure are making life even harder. But despite the challenges they face every day, our vet team continues moving from one emergency to the next - carrying out treatments, monitoring recovery and returning for follow-up visits wherever possible. Thank you for making this life-saving work possible. Click to read Dr Saif's April Report from Gaza Thank You Erna  Your support helps us fund our vet teams in Gaza, the West Bank, and Egypt, bringing vital veterinary treatment directly to working donkeys, mules and horses in desperate need. You are also caring for rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank, where they receive nutritious food, specialist care, and the safety of a forever home.  Thank you for caring for these gentle animals. Donate today Because of your support, this donkey received the urgent treatment needed to relieve his pain and begin recovery. If you'd like to read previous updates of our work, please click here to visit out blog. You can also view today's update online by clicking here. Registered charity number 1083468