Queensland

Queensland Police find koala inside woman's bag

There are many firsts for police, but surely this traffic stop was more than the officers could bear.

Officers from the Upper Mt Gravatt Tactical Crime Squad stopped a woman at 8.55pm on Sunday night on Newnham Road, Wishart.

Police have found a baby koala in a woman's bag after stopping her at Wishart on November 6.
Police have found a baby koala in a woman's bag after stopping her at Wishart on November 6. Photo: Queensland Police Service

The 50-year-old East Brisbane woman was arrested on outstanding matters but before being taken to the watch house, she was asked if she had anything to declare.

The woman handed over a zipped green canvas bag, telling officers it contained a baby koala.

The koala was a hit back at the station.
The koala was a hit back at the station. Photo: Queensland Police Service

Not quite believing the "tail", officers cautiously un-zipped the bag and found a baby koala.

Police are looking into claims by the woman that she found the joey a night earlier on Kessels Road, Nathan, and was caring for it.

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The RSPCA Ambulance was called and went to the Brisbane city watchhouse to collect the joey, which was protected under the Nature Conservation Act.

The koala - believed to be about six months old - seemed to be in good health, although a bit dehydrated.

Police have found a baby koala in a woman's bag after stopping her at Wishart on November 6.
Police have found a baby koala in a woman's bag after stopping her at Wishart on November 6. Photo: Queensland Police Service

RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said the joey had been on fluids but was doing well and would soon be sent to a carer.

"He weighs 1.5 kilograms and we've called him Alfred," Mr Beatty said.

Mr Beatty urged anyone who found a koala to not attempt to handle it.

"Please call our animal emergency hotline on 1300 ANIMAL. Often the animal may have no obvious signs of injury but it can have internal injuries that need immediate attention," he said.

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