Golden Retriever Denni Helps Koala Joey After It Slipped From Its Mother in Australia

A heartwarming rescue scene captured in Australia shows a baby koala riding on the back of a Golden Retriever named Denni after slipping from its mother in a Portland backyard. The moment unfolded Thursday when Steve Lamplough, a local resident, rushed outside after hearing his dogs bark and witnessed Denni approach with the joey secure on her back. Lamplough quickly grabbed his camera as the scene unfolded, later posting that the moment felt like the internet at its cutest.

Denni carried the joey toward a tree in Lamplough’s yard, and the young marsupial eventually climbed back up to its mother, who was waiting in a high limb. No one was harmed in the incident, and the mother and baby remained in the tree for the immediate aftermath. The online reaction to the clip has been broadly favorable, with viewers praising the dog’s gentle behavior and the successful reunion.

Experts cited in coverage have noted that the right dog in the right setting can act as a lifesaving presence for a vulnerable koala joey. Researchers with koala ecology programs said Golden Retrievers are among breeds perceived as less likely to harm a joey, a factor that can influence outcomes in close encounters. While koalas are known to cling to nearby objects when frightened, the breed of dog appears to play a mediating role in interactions between pets and wild marsupials. Koalas riding on dogs is not a completely new phenomenon in Australia, and the recent incident has added to a long-running discussion about the dynamics of human-animal interactions in suburban settings.

The incident also underscores ongoing concerns about dog attacks on koalas. The Australian Koala Foundation has highlighted that dog collisions can be deadly for koalas, with statistics indicating that a large majority of dog attacks on koalas result in death. Koalas have very thin skin and, even when not visibly injured, can suffer serious internal damage from bites. In this context, experts emphasize that responsible pet ownership and careful management of dogs around wildlife are essential to reducing harm to vulnerable marsupials.

Online, many Australians praised Denni for her actions and shared relief that the koala and its mother were ultimately unharmed. Comments on social media reflected admiration for the dog’s patience and kindness, with observers noting that the episode offered a rare and uplifting moment amid the everyday mix of wildlife and suburban life. The broader takeaway for animal lovers is a reminder of how sometimes unlikely animal friendships can emerge in backyard settings, providing both reassurance and nourishment for ongoing conversations about wildlife safety and humane pet ownership.

As this scene circulates online, wildlife experts reiterate that reunions like this are fortuitous exceptions rather than a norm. They caution that koalas remain vulnerable to dog interactions and urge pet owners to supervise dogs, particularly in areas where koalas are known to roam or where mothers and joeys might be present. While the Denni moment is celebrated as a feel-good story, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between domestic pets and native wildlife in Australia’s urban landscapes.