Koala Found in Bag of 50-Year-Old Woman in Brisbane Airport

It is common for travelers to take home nifty souvenirs from places they have visited. However, who would ever think that anyone would attempt to bring home live animals, let alone Koalas, as keepsakes?

The police were surprised when a 50-year-old woman "declared" that she has a koala hidden in her purse while going through airport security in Brisbane, Australia. The Queensland Police Service has released a statement that they were completely surprised when they opened the woman's bag to find a koala bear inside. According to reports, the woman claimed that she has found the koala a night prior her flight and has decided to keep it. The woman has been arrested on "outstanding matters," and investigation on the incident is still ongoing.

The stowaway, a six-month-old koala, has now found a new home in Australia's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He was even given an adorable name: Alfred. It is said that when he was found, he was quite dehydrated, but no other harm was seen on the animal. He is now reportedly doing quite well in his new home and is expected to meet his new caretaker in the next few days.

Koalas are known to be Australia's national symbol, and Alfred's capture has opened new discussions on the status of the koala population in Australia. It is said that their habitats are reducing dramatically, and these cute animals may face extinction if no serious action is done to save them. According to experts, because of the growth of urbanization at a rapid rate, these animals are now facing plummeting numbers. The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) has admitted that the Australian government still has to improve on their legislation regarding the protection and rehabilitation of the country's koala population.