Oaka Steps Up as New Koala Detection Dog After Bear's Retirement

Following Bear's retirement, a search commenced for a successor. Enter Oaka, a two-year-old koolie rescue whose candidacy quickly outshone numerous competitors. Josey Sharrad, head of Oceania programs at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, remarked on the fortunate find, stating, "It felt like we had struck gold twice."

Oaka's previous owners struggled with her hyperactive behavior, a trait that aligns well with her potential as a detection dog. After being recognized for her capabilities at a rescue home in Coffs Harbour, a local dog trainer submitted an application for her and later traveled to the Sunshine Coast for an in-person evaluation. "Within minutes of meeting Oaka... we knew she was the one," Sharrad said.

In addition to sharing Bear's breed and background, Oaka exhibits a similar fixation on play. She is currently training alongside other detection dogs but will take on advanced responsibilities, utilizing her sense of smell to locate koalas not only through their droppings but also by detecting their fur high in trees.

Oaka will also collaborate with drones and human spotters to identify koalas cut off from food and water as a result of bushfires, floods, and cyclones. Koalas were designated as endangered across much of Australia’s east coast due to severe habitat loss during the Black Summer fires. With a new bushfire season anticipated, the need for Oaka’s skills has become increasingly urgent. Sharrad emphasized, "Our koalas will need all the help they can get, whether it comes on two legs or four."