An Australian animal welfare organisation is looking for an energetic and adventurous dog to take on a unique full-time role as a koala detection and rescue assistant.
The new recruit will replace the well-known rescue dog “Bear,” who is credited with locating and helping save more than 100 koalas during a decade of service.
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Oceania, Bear helped set a high standard for koala detection work in the field. Officials say finding a successor will be challenging, as the new dog will need to continue his important conservation legacy.
The organisation is specifically seeking a rescue dog with high energy levels, strong motivation, and a highly focused or “obsessive” drive—traits that can sometimes make adoption difficult but are ideal for wildlife detection work.
Conservation teams emphasise that choosing a rescue dog creates a dual benefit: giving an animal a second chance at life while also supporting efforts to protect Australia’s iconic koalas.
The ideal candidate should also enjoy play, be confident in unfamiliar environments, and have a calm, gentle nature around other animals. Medium size is preferred so the dog can move effectively through bushland while still being manageable for handlers when needed.
Applications are being accepted in person on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, with video submissions also allowed for interested candidates.
Bear played a vital role during Australia’s “Black Summer” bushfires in 2019–2020, when massive fires devastated large areas of eastern Australia, destroying homes, wildlife habitats, and affecting air quality across major cities.
