The mauling death of a Noosa National Park wildlife icon has angered members of the Koala Crusaders.
Beautiful Teadoro, an ambassador koala in the national park, was known to delight visitors with his frequent appearances in Tea Tree Bay.
Attacked by a dog in the park, rescued by the Noosa Region Koala Rescue Team and placed into care at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Teadoro’s injuries were far too great and he was euthanised when no longer coping with the infection.
The necrosis showed a big abscess on his liver which was preventing neutrophils from fighting the infection and his immune system was no longer working.
The bite marks on his groin and punctures on his coecum showed it was a rather large dog, more than 15kg.
Ambassador for Koala Crusaders, Meghan Halverson, described it as heartbreaking.
“There is no excuse for another senseless dog attack on a koala, especially in a National Park,” Ms Halverson said.
“We must be personally accountable as pet owners to ensure dogs are kept away from wildlife as we live in their habitat.
“We want to live in beautiful places surrounded by wildlife, but if we do, then we must take care to do the right thing.”
Bernard Jean, from Queensland Koala Crusaders was also devastated by the news.
“RIP little man,” he said.
“While you are crossing the rainbow bridge with no more suffering we have tears in our eyes and we promise you that our faith and determination in protecting and preserving your brothers and sisters is reinforced many fold.”
