Alfred was found by Queensland police after they stopped a 50-year-old woman on Newnham Road, Wishart, shortly before 9p.m. local time on Sunday. The circumstances of the police stop were not immediately known.
When the Brisbane woman was subsequently arrested, she turned over her canvas bag to officers, explaining there was a joey inside.
Incredulous staff opened the bag to discover a dehydrated – but otherwise well – baby koala.
The woman said she was caring for the joey, who she found in Nathan the previous night.
He was taken back to HQ by officers, before they rang the local branch of the RSPCA.
The RSPCA came to collect the animal, and named him Alfred.
“He’s been on fluids but is doing well and will shortly be going out to a carer,” RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Michael Beatty said.
Alfred, who the RSPCA believe is roughly 6 months old and weighs 1.5kg, will remain with the animal protection group until a permanent carer is found.
