Position vacant: Koala detection dog to fill Bear’s boots

A search is underway for a new four-legged conservation hero to fill the boots left behind by world-famous koala detection dog Bear.

Eleven-year-old Bear was one of the first dogs in Australia trained on the scent of the fur of live koalas. After a decade of helping find koalas and other wildlife in need of rescue, he hung up his iconic red boots earlier this year.

Now, IFAW and Innovation for Conservation are teaming up to look for a new canine hero to continue Bear's legacy. The new dog will be trained to find live koalas in need of rescue.

"Bear set the gold standard for koala detection dogs. He's leaving very big boots to fill, but now it's time to find his successor to follow in his pawprints and keep protecting koalas," IFAW Oceania head of programs Josey Sharrad said.

The new dog will be trained under the guidance of IFAW's director of canine units, Frédéric Chappée, who has more than 20 years' experience working with dogs. Mr Chappée started his career working with dogs in the French army before joining IFAW to train dog units across the world in fight against poaching and wildlife crime.

Even though he lives on the other side of the world in France, Mr Chappée has successfully developed a 'doggy distance learning program' which includes in-person trainings and assessments a few times a year.

"Since I was a child, I have been around dogs and loved working with them. I am honoured that passion is taking me to Australia to help protect one of the world's most loved animals and one that needs our help - the koala," Mr Chappée said.

"The performance of a conservation dog is never a miracle. It's the result of hard work, strategy, and respect from its handler and trainer. The dog's dedication is immense, but our responsibility for them is just as great."

The team is looking for a rescue dog who might have a hard time finding a forever home at an animal shelter due to its high energy and obsessive behaviour. It's these very qualities that make them the perfect conservation dog.

"By only recruiting a rescue dog, it's a win-win-giving a dog the chance of a new life while helping our iconic koalas," Innovation for Conservation director and handler Russell Miller said.

"Training a dog to detect koalas high up in trees has been the hardest job we have ever had. Training Bear was a long journey, and we had to consult with many other dog trainers. With Fred's extensive

The team is looking for a rescue dog who:

• Less than two years old.
• Wants to play every day. This is a dog who doesn't care about other things or even about other dogs-toys are king.
• Non-aggressive.
• Well socialised. Neutral or friendly towards other dogs and humans.
• No chasing or barking at other animals (including cats, birds).
• Has 100% play drive, zero prey drive. It is essential they show no interest in wildlife.
• Is confident, isn't anxious about new places or people.
• Medium size (not too small that they struggle in the bush, not too big that the handlers can't carry them when needed).
• Healthy/fit and able to do lots of walking in the bush and playing.
• We are happy for people to bring their dogs to us on Queensland's Sunshine Coast for testing, or if you're further away, you can send videos for assessment.
• When testing potential recruits, we will need a few hours with the dog in an unfamiliar location.
• If you have a dog who you think might fit this criteria, fill out this quick form.

ENDS

Press contact:
Dominica Mack
[email protected]
0460 432 901

Notes:

• Bear was trained to drop to the ground at the base of a tree when he found a koala, and his reward was his favourite thing in life-a ball. During the Black Summer bushfires, Bear's helped to find more than 100 koalas, many in need of veterinary care. His heroic efforts and red fire-protective boots earned the admiration of everyone from Tom Hanks to Leonardo DiCaprio.
• Loki is the team's last detection dog, but he is trained on the scent of koala poo - not live koalas.
• Innovation for Conservation is an Australian organisation specialising in detection dogs and science led conservation to protect threatened wildlife.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) - IFAW is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. See how at ifaw.org
IFAW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country and their connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.