SYDNEY, Australia — Bear, the rescue dog credited with saving more than 100 koalas during Australia’s devastating bushfires, is retiring after a decade of service.
The 11-year-old Australian Koolie was among the first dogs trained to detect koalas by scent, a method described as “novel” by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. His work proved crucial during the Black Summer bushfires, when vast areas of eastern Australia were scorched, destroying homes and wildlife habitats.
Bear’s keen nose and tireless energy helped rescuers locate koalas in burned landscapes, contributing to the survival of one of the country’s most iconic species. “No one knew if it could be done,” said IFAW programs head Josey Sharrad, recalling the early skepticism around training dogs for koala detection.
Once an overly energetic pup prone to chewing walls, Bear went on to become a celebrated conservation hero. Over the years, he earned multiple honors, including Animal of the Year and Australian Dog of the Year, and was featured in the documentary “Bear: Koala Hero” and the book “Bear to the Rescue.”
Bear will now enjoy retirement on the Sunshine Coast with a former handler, trading rescue missions for a slower life filled with rest and play. Former handler Romane Cristescu said Bear served as a “tireless ambassador for koalas,” helping raise global awareness about the impact of climate change on vulnerable species.
