Rescuers heartbroken over death of popular koala

A popular koala that was last week fighting for his life after being mauled by a dog in a national park at the Sunshine Coast has died.

Teadoro the koala has died after he was mauled by a dog at the Noosa National Park last week. Photo: Shelby Chaplin/Facebook

>> Clinging to life: Popular koala mauled by dog

A POPULAR koala that was last week fighting for his life after being mauled by a dog at Noosa National Park has died.

Teadoro, a four-and-a-half-year-old male which rose to social media fame after being spotted at Noosa National Park, was euthanised on Friday due to his injuries being too severe to treat.

After he was attacked last week at the national park, he was placed into care at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.

Queensland Koala Crusaders said the bite marks on Teadoro's groin and punctures on his caecum showed it was the result of an attack from a large dog, possibly more than 15kg.

Animal rescuers are heartbroken over the four-and-a-half-year-old koala’s death. Photo: Instagram @aloho_journeys

Koala Crusaders ambassador Megan Halverson said Teadoro's death was "heartbreaking", and there was no excuse for another "senseless dog attack on a koala".

"We must be personally accountable as pet owners to ensure dogs are kept away from wildlife as we live in their habitat," she said.

"We want to live in beautiful places surrounded by wildlife, but if we do, then we must take care to do the right thing."

Koala Crusaders spokesman Bernard Jean said everyone at the not-for-profit had "tears in our eyes" over Teadoro's death.

"We promise you that our faith and determination in protecting and preserving your brothers and sisters is reinforced," he said.

Originally published as Rescuers heartbroken over death of popular koala