Call it Operation Koala Cuddle.
Members of the Australian Army are spending their time off-shift tending to koalas recovering from the country’s devastating bushfires.
“Our people from 16th Regiment Emergency Support Force have used their rest periods to lend a helping hand at the Cleland Wildlife Park, supporting our furry friends during feeding time and by building climbing mounts inside the park,” the army posted on social media.
The Cleland Wildlife Park outside Adelaide has been tending to injured animals and raising money for wildlife relief — even as the park itself has been under threat from fire.
And all that work is happening even as facility has been closed on and off due to nearby wildfires and “catastrophic fire danger.”
Staff — and animals — are ready to move at a moment’s notice.
The military has been thrilled to offer its help to the park.
“A great morale boost for our hard working team in the Adelaide Hills,” the army noted.
And the Australian Army isn’t alone on cuddle duty.
So has the New Zealand Defence Force as members have been working to assist in wildfire relief.
“They’ve been able to lend a helping hand to the team at Cleland Wildlife Park in South Australia, feeding young koala’s rescued from the bushfires on Kangaroo Island,” army added.
These are the heroes we need.
Photos Australian Army/Facebook
