Australia fires tragedy as Arnie the koala DROWNS being given too much water by rescuers
A KOALA that suffered minor burns in the deadly Aussie bushfires has DROWNED after being given too much water by rescuers.
The vulnerable bear, named Arnie by rescuers, was saved from an inferno in Victoria's East Gippsland and sustained small wounds to his hands and feet.
However, despite surviving the wild fire, the animal died after being given a drink from a bottle of water by kindhearted strangers.
Coverage of the blazes in Australia, which have killed at least 28 people and an estimated one billion animals, has included viral clips showing animal lovers pouring water into the mouths of the stricken bears.
However, experts are now warning that koalas should only lap water from a bowl and that pouring liquid into their mouths can fill their lungs which can prove fatal.
posted about Arnie’s death on Facebook and warned rescuers about giving the adorable beasts a drink.
They wrote: “They were just trying to help. They didn’t know that it is dangerous for koalas to drink this way.
“They didn’t know that koalas usually get most of their water via the gum leaves that they eat and they don’t often drink water, but when they do, they are face down and lapping small amounts with their tongue.”
When koalas tilt their heads back while drinking water, the liquid can get into their lungs causing Aspiration Pneumonia.
The shelter continued: “This is exactly what happened to little Arnie.
“Despite a mammoth rescue effort involving all three emergency services and wildlife rescuers he died… more specifically he drowned.”
The nocturnal bears should be wrapped in a blanket and taken to the neartes shelter if they are found sitting on the ground during the day.
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The Facebook post added: “If you are nowhere near help then the best way to hydrate koalas is to PLACE A BOWL OF WATER ON THE GROUND OR POUR THE WATER IN TO YOUR HAT/HELMET/CUP ETC AND HOLD NEAR KOALAS MOUTH SO THAT IT CAN LAP AT IT, FACE DOWN.
“Please remember that Koalas are arboreal and nocturnal.
“If you see one sitting on the ground during the day then please contact a wildlife rescue organisation.”