When it comes to animals, friendship and affection aren’t just human needs. One little kangaroo in Australia has shown the world that love — even from a teddy bear — can heal the deepest wounds.
Meet Doodlebug, an orphaned baby kangaroo from the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. After being found alone in the wild, he was rescued and cared for by wildlife rehabilitator Gillian Abbott and her son Tim Beshara, who works as an adviser to a senator in Tasmania.
No one knows exactly what happened to Doodlebug’s mother — she may have died, or he might have fallen from her pouch too young to survive alone. But what’s certain is that the tiny joey needed help, and he found it in Abbott’s care.

Healing With a Hug
To comfort the little kangaroo, Abbott gave him a teddy bear to hold onto — and the result was pure magic. Doodlebug immediately began hugging it just as a child would. The images, shared online by Tim, quickly went viral around the world.
“They seem to respond to the toys much like toddlers,” Abbott said. “They treat it as a companion.”
The photos of Doodlebug clutching his stuffed bear touched millions. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that animals — even wild ones — crave comfort and connection.
Full Story: The Hidden Meaning Behind Princess Diana’s Cannes Gown – A Heartfelt Farewell to Grace Kelly
Doodlebug, now strong and healthy, hops freely through the forest but still returns to Abbott for the occasional cuddle or snack. Though he’s capable of surviving on his own, he hasn’t forgotten the kindness that saved him.
His bond with the teddy bear became more than a cute moment — it symbolized resilience, showing that love and care can rebuild even the smallest, most fragile lives.
As Abbott puts it, “Everyone needs a little comfort. Even kangaroos.”