Stolen koala found dumped in car park

A stolen koala named Banjo has been found after being dumped in the car park of the Australian Reptile Park. An unnamed caller rang the park at about 2pm on Wednesday and informed the park that there was a koala in their car park.

Keepers found the 13 year old koala dumped in a plastic waste bin with a milk crate over the top of him. The koala had been missing since Monday after being stolen.

Head keeper Tim Faulkner said Banjo was recovered in fairly good condition. He was slightly dehydrated and is currently being treated.

It is the first time a koala has been stolen from a zoo in Australia. Koalas can become stressed very easily. The koala was off display when he was taken on Monday night.