Thirsty Koala Approaches Cyclists For A Drink Of Water

As an intense heat wave and wildfires continue to spread across much of Australia, animals in the region could use all the help they can get.

But rather than wait around in hopes of finding relief, this thirsty koala sought it out himself.

Last week, Anna Heusler of Adelaide was on a bike ride with her friends when her group noticed a koala in the road in front of them. After stopping for a closer look, it soon became clear to Heusler that the animal was waiting for help.

“[He] walked right up to me as I was descending and climbed up onto my bike,” she wrote.

The koala was desperate for a drink of water — which Heusler was happy to provide:

After getting his fill from several of the bikers’ water bottles, the lucky koala was then escorted off the roadside to continue safely on his way.

Though koalas are typically quite shy, this individual decided to place his trust in strangers passing by. And while he’s no doubt thankful for the help he received, Heusler and her cycling group are grateful, too, to have been there when he needed it most.

“It was genuinely the best thing they’ve witnessed,” she wrote. “What a truly wonderful experience.”