14 DAY TRIAL // If you think that flying coach is absolutely horrifying, imagine traveling several dozen miles while latched onto a car driven by someone you haven't even had the chance to meet and whom you know absolutely nothing about.
This is precisely what happened to a koala in Australia not too long ago, and the news is now taking the media by storm. Needless to say, this is probably because everybody likes a story with a happy ending.
The young koala, whose photo is available next to the article, was just minding its own business acting all cute and cuddly and eating eucalyptus when it got hit by a car. The crash happened close to Marborough, Queensland.
Oddly enough, the vehicle did not kill the poor animal on the spot. On the contrary, the koala somehow managed to latch onto the moving car, and held on for dear life for a good 50 miles (about 80 kilometers), Mirror informs.
By the looks of it, the person behind the wheel only figured out that the vehicle was carrying a rather unexpected and surprisingly furry passenger when they pulled over at a service station. Shortly after, wildlife experts were called in.
After being separated from the car, the koala was rushed to a local veterinary clinic. Much to their surprise, doctors here found that, despite the wacky adventure it had been through, the animal was in surprisingly good health.
Thus, it looks like the koala only had a few minor injuries to show for its unexpected and completely uncalled for road trip to the service station. Still, vets say that, when it was brought to the clinic, the animal was fairly shaken up.
After receiving treatment for its injuries, the koala, now named Timber Wolf, was taken to Australia Zoo. The animal is to remain here until vets decide that it is once again strong and confident enough to be able to fend for itself in the wild.
Cuteness aside, koalas are rather territorial animals and don't exactly like visiting neighbors or being visited by them. Hence, Timber Wolf will have to be released in the same area where its run-in with the car occurred. “Koalas are territorial animals so he needs to go back to where he’s come from,” says Dr. Rebecca Millers.
All things considered, the story of how this young animal managed to survive a 50-mile journey while holding on to a car is nothing short of a miracle. “He’s recovering well but we need to know where to return him. He’s very lucky to be alive,” Dr. Rebecca Millers explains.