Connecting with nature and wild animals is a beautiful thing.
Sometimes we take these small things for granted when we’re surrounded by nature the moment we step outside our front doors.
The type of animals you’re surrounded by, of course, depends on where you live.
Many people are lucky to spot deer running through their yards, while others are familiar with the sounds of coyotes howling at night.
It’s not every day though, that you have a heartwarming encounter with a wild animal.
Especially one that’s as cute as a koala bear!
If you do happen to come across wildlife outside its habitat, the best thing to do is to notify either a wildlife rehabilitation center, the humane society, animal shelter, or a veterinarian.
Sometimes an animal is just passing through and by the time you’re able to make the call, they’re gone.
But it doesn’t hurt to put the word out anyway.
One family in Adelaide Hills in South Australia got a visit from a koala that wandered into their backyard.
The koala slowly came down from a tree and into the fenced-in pool area.
The camera gets remarkably close to the animal (it looks like it was zoomed in from a distance).
The quality of the video is beautiful, and the footage makes you feel as if you yourself are getting an up-close experience with the koala.
Eventually, the koala makes its way to the poolside. But before taking a sip, it studies the water.
The koala places its hand in the water and observes its movements before deciding what to do next.
Fortunately, the water is gentle and nearly still.
Though koalas drink little to no water, this koala seems parched.
It sticks its entire hand into the pool and begins drinking the water, little by little.
Suddenly, a lady appears on the other side of the pool. She slowly makes her way over to the koala. She moves with caution, doing her best not to frighten it.
When she finally gets to it, she scoops up some water from the pool and extends her hand out to the koala.
The koala slowly moves towards her hand and takes a sip of water.
According to the video description, it’s a “fresh water pool.”
She cups more water into her hands and the koala drinks from them. Both seem comfortable with their roles during the interaction.
The footage gets even sweeter.
Shortly after, the woman gets out and she and the koala sit face-to-face.
Before we know it, the woman leans her face into the koala’s. Instead of fleeing, the koala meets the woman halfway and their noses touch.
The lady even caresses the koala on its nose and its face.
Surprisingly, it doesn’t seem frightened at all.
Neither does the woman who strokes its fur while it looks around.
After their heartwarming interaction, the koala heads up some rocks near the house.
The camera cuts off before we see what it does next.
Hopefully, it went up another tree and left the yard, unharmed.
Although their interaction looks quite precious in the video, this isn’t something that is recommended.
In fact, it’s best to keep your distance from any wild animal that makes its way into your property and call the proper authorities to help get it back to its home safe and sound.
Luckily, in this case – it turned out to be an encounter that was super sweet!
Since the clip was posted online, it’s scored over 11 million views from people all around the world.
The video description explains:
“Our adorable little ‘neighbour’ pops in for a visit every now and again at our place in the Adelaide hills. Usually this little fella just sits in the tree in our pool area unfazed by anything around it but this time he was keen to come & make friends.”
Watch the incredible moment firsthand in the video below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.