A heartwarming rescue in Queensland has gone viral after 82-year-old Terry sprang into action to save a koala stranded in the middle of a busy road. The incident occurred on Beaudesert-Beenleigh Road, northwest of the Gold Coast, where traffic had come to a standstill.
Spotting the confused animal, Terry quickly scooped up the koala and carried it to the safety of a nearby gum tree — all while delivering a lighthearted scolding. “I was telling him not to scratch because I’m trying to help him,” Terry said. “And the little mongrel just kept scratching.”
He explained that the scratches were just the koala defending itself. “If you get hold of the bear quickly and hold him the right way, they realize — especially when you start moving off the road — that they’re getting out of danger.”
Despite being hailed a hero, Terry remained humble, shrugging off the minor scratches he received. “They’re only scratches,” he said, referring to his “battle scars” from the rescue.
The koala, affectionately nicknamed Ted, seems to recognize Terry’s help. “I had to look up and I couldn’t see him. All of a sudden he moved — I spotted him,” Terry said. “Yeah, he knew I was back.”
The story has captured hearts online, celebrating Terry’s quick thinking and gentle courage in saving one of Australia’s iconic animals.
