An orphaned kangaroo named Doodlebug finds emotional healing and comfort in a teddy bear while being cared for by Australian wildlife rescuers.
Kangaroo Joey Finds Comfort and Courage in His Teddy Bear Companion
Friendship is a powerful force that can uplift spirits and even improve health — and that truth extends beyond humans. Animals, too, benefit from emotional support and companionship. In some cases, even a cuddly toy can bring a sense of comfort, reassurance, and joy to a creature that has faced hardship. One such heartwarming example is the story of Doodlebug, a young orphaned kangaroo who found solace in an unexpected best friend — a teddy bear. Doodlebug, an Eastern grey kangaroo, was discovered orphaned in the wilds of Northern Rivers, New South Wales, Australia. Fortunately, he was rescued and cared for by wildlife rehabilitator Gillian Abbott.
Alongside her son, Tim Beshara — a political adviser to Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson of Tasmania — Abbott has been helping Doodlebug recover and thrive since he was just a tiny joey.
Though often mistaken for a wallaby, Doodlebug is in fact a kangaroo, and he gained global attention when Tim shared adorable photos of him hugging his favorite stuffed animal on Twitter. The images melted hearts across the world and served as a touching reminder of how vital emotional connections are — no matter the species.
Beshara explained in an interview with the Daily Mail, “He may have fallen out of his mother’s pouch or perhaps she passed away. He was only a few months old when he was brought into WIRES, my mother’s wildlife rescue organization. Thanks to her care, he has recovered and now spends his time exploring the forest, occasionally returning for food and affection — just like you see in the photo.”
While Doodlebug has made great strides in his physical recovery, Abbott knew he still needed emotional comfort to thrive. She provided him with a teddy bear — a soft, fuzzy friend that has become his constant companion. According to Abbott, young animals often react to plush toys similarly to how toddlers do. “They seem to bond with them and treat them like companions,” she said.
Having lost both his mother and the only world he knew, Doodlebug naturally clung to the warm embrace of his teddy bear. With the love and support of Abbott and the security of his stuffed friend, Doodlebug continues to grow stronger and more independent, preparing for a future back in the wild where he belongs.
