[August 26, 2012] A koala has been filmed swimming across a river on the Gold Coast and even taking a ride in a canoe. Koalas aren’t normally known for taking a dip, but one curious creature on the Gold Coast wasn’t shy about exploring new terrain. The koala was caught on camera swimming across Burleigh Point and up to a stunned group of local paddlers, even joining them for a paddle in canoe. Julie Elliot, who filmed the rare encounter, said she and her colleagues from the local Outrigger Canoe Club were amazed when the koala came paddling towards them. “It took a sip of water and then saw us and obviously decided to come straight over,” she said. “Then it started clawing at the boat and we didn’t know what to do.” “We were thinking it was going to drown so my mate behind me just grabbed him and put him straight in the boat.” The group then released the koala on an embankment at a local golf club where koalas were known to populate the gum trees.

This Koala is so boss I can’t even stand it.  If I was on this canoe there isn’t even a doubt in my mind what I’d do. First I’d squeal like a 9 year old girl. Then I’d push everybody overboard and just paddle for America with this Koala by my side. Like there would be zero chance of me putting this thing back on the embankment. Way too cute and cuddly to ever part with. I mean I almost passed out from cute overload when he crawled up and sat in the seat. I don’t want this Koala as my new best friend. I need him as my new best friend.