A koala named Summer drowned in a backyard pool while trying to shelter from the scorching heat in Australia.
A resident in the country's Gold Coast made an urgent call to Wildcare Australia Inc. after finding the animal, which had been seeking shelter from the heat, at the bottom of her swimming pool on Sunday.
A spokeswoman for Wildcare Australia said they believe the koala, named Summer by rescuers, was “looking for a drink, which is why koalas lose their lives to pool drownings”.
She added: “Even though koalas can swim, if there are no assisted ways for a koala to climb out they will eventually drown.”
Pool owners in the area been asked to consider attaching a rope with a flotation device to a tree to ensure koalas can climb out of the water.
They have also been advised to use pool covers.
The spokeswoman added: “With this terrible summer heat and no rain that we are experiencing in so many parts of the country, please help keep wildlife safe with little things you can do."
