Three baby koalas have been kidnapped in Brisbane and there are serious concerns the trio could die in the thief's custody.
Fourteen-month-olds Fynn, Spencer and Pascal were taken from a wildlife carer's home in Ormiston overnight on Thursday.
The thief or thieves could face animal cruelty charges, as the trio all need special care - and their time is running out.
"At first it was thought that it could be a misguided prank and the animals would be returned very quickly," RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Michael Beatty said.
"However, there is no way that whoever took the joeys doesn't realise the danger the animals are now in."
The joeys require daily milk feedings to survive, and Sam Longman, who cares for them, said if they're not returned soon, they'll die.
"They'll be dead by Tuesday," she said, offering anonymity for their safe return.
"If they are too scared to hand them in because of the publicity, I have left koala cages out the front of my house and I've turned the security lights off. Or drop them at a domestic vet centre, say you've found them."
Under the Animal Care and Protection Act, the thief could face up to three years in jail and a fine of up to AU$220,000.
Newshub.
