A quiet day at home in Australia took an unexpected turn when a couple heard their dogs barking furiously out on the patio. Curious and concerned, the homeowners hurried over to investigate — and were stunned by what they saw.
Pressed against the sliding glass doors was a terrified koala, trapped in a corner with the dogs blocking his escape. Unsure how to help without making things worse, the couple opened the door.
That’s when the koala made a bold decision.
He rushed straight into the house, scampered down the hallway and leapt onto the bed in the homeowners’ bedroom, where he froze in fear.
Knowing they needed professional help, the homeowners immediately called WIRES Wildlife Rescue. Soon, an experienced rescuer named Tanya arrived at the scene, equipped with a special containment bag.
When Tanya entered the bedroom, she found the koala sitting quietly on the bed — shaken, but no longer panicked.
“Luckily, he was relatively calm, probably because he no longer felt threatened by the barking dogs,” Tanya told The Dodo. “Being on a bed instead of a tree meant he had nothing to cling to, so he was actually easier to safely contain.”
Tanya carefully secured the koala, affectionately nicknaming him Mr. Stainfield after the street where he was found. She then transported him to Northern Rivers Koala Hospital for a full health assessment.
The good news came quickly: Mr. Stainfield was in great shape. After ensuring he was hydrated and injury-free, rescuers released him back into a familiar area of bushland, where food and water were plentiful.
Encounters like this highlight just how vulnerable koalas are. According to the Australian Koala Foundation, koalas are currently listed as endangered in several regions, including Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Tanya encourages residents to help protect koalas by keeping dogs and cats contained at night and staying alert for wildlife on roads — especially at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active. Anyone who finds a wild animal in distress should always contact WIRES or a local wildlife rescue for guidance.
Thanks to the homeowners’ quick thinking, Mr. Stainfield’s surprising house visit had a happy ending — and he’s now safely back where he belongs, high up in the trees.
To support rescues like this one, donations can be made to WIRES Wildlife Rescue.
