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After One Koala Dies Due To Being Given Water Improperly, Vets Explain How To Do It Right

As the whole world is keeping an eye on the bushfires that are still devastating Australia, people tend to get their attraction drawn by Australia’s beloved marsupials, koalas. Even though so many of them are being killed by the fires, dangers lurk for the rescued ones as well. After rescuing a helpless animal from the flames, many people have that first instinct to give them some water. While that is a noble and rightful idea, most of them reach out to the source that’s closest to them, which usually tends to be a water bottle they have stuffed in their bags or a hose. Turns out, drinking falling water could be fatal for koalas and vets are speaking out, explaining why.

Usually, koalas don’t drink at all and get all the fluids they need munching on eucalyptus (gum) leaves

But recent conditions in Australia have left them especially thirsty, making the poor animals seek any source of water they can get

After One Koala Dies Due To Being Given Water Improperly, Vets Explain How To Do It Right

However, giving koalas water from a bottle or a hose could be fatal for them, as they could potentially breathe air and die from pneumonia and here’s a perfect explanation why

After One Koala Dies Due To Being Given Water Improperly, Vets Explain How To Do It Right

Arnie the Koala has already paid the price but many more little fluffs can be saved by spreading the word

After One Koala Dies Due To Being Given Water Improperly, Vets Explain How To Do It Right

Michelle Thomas, the owner of the shelter, said they are definitely not trying to tell people off from giving water to the poor koalas. “We’re not saying don’t give them a drink, we’re saying don’t pour it – it needs to be in a bowl. It is completely safe for them to have water out of a bowl.”

As long as the koala is lapping and drinking by itself, that’s fine, but not forcing it into their mouth

After One Koala Dies Due To Being Given Water Improperly, Vets Explain How To Do It Right

” Normally healthy koalas don’t drink but the incredibly dry conditions mean they will because they aren’t getting enough fluid. It’s easy to overlook because of the bushfires but the hot and dry conditions are a bigger problem for them.”

Someone suggested it should be taken into account when thinking about other animals as well

After One Koala Dies Due To Being Given Water Improperly, Vets Explain How To Do It Right

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Incurable book lover and thinker, Marvel geek and social media enthusiast with a Bachelor's Degree In Creative Communication. Will write everything about anything as long as it brings joy to pandas all over the world.

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What do you think ?

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Toni 4 years ago

omg.. no one knew that :(

24points

Marky Mark 4 years ago

I'm pretty sure Vets and Zoologists did. The general public did not.

2points

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Night Owl 4 years ago

That's a very good and useful information. I hope everyone takes note (and not just for koalas, for other animals too)

19points

Demi Zwaan 4 years ago

Do these people pour water in their dogs like this, too? Isn't it REALLY OBVIOUS that (most) animals lap water from a puddle, pond, river and thus face down? Very good to raise awareness, apparently it's needed :(

12points

danielw 4 years ago

I was thinking the same thing. Honestly, in a pinch every bottle has a cap that can be used. Probably annoying for the animal, since it's not a very large amount, but yeah. My dog always gives me that look when I do this whilst camping with a wide mouth nalgene. The "Are you really too lazy to dig out my bowl? Yes? Okay. I'm going to be so annoying that all your water will end up on the GROUND" look.

5points

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Amazon QT 4 years ago

Rabbits kinda drink like humans, but they still lap it up instead of sipping like we do.

2points

Jo Bebe 4 years ago

actually I can pour water out of my bottle and my dog drinks it as it falls, same with a hose. So no I didn't know this and wouldn't have even thought of it honestly... still want to cry for these poor koalas though

1point