The thieves who took three koala joeys from a Brisbane wildlife carer's home could be charged with animal cruelty.
The 14-month-olds were taken from an enclosure at a home in Ormiston between 9pm on Thursday and 6am on Friday.
RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said there was "no way" the person or people who took them didn't know they were jeopardising the joeys' health.
"There has been blanket publicity about their need for medication and supplementary feeding," he said in a statement on Monday.
"These animals will die if they're not returned.
"Whoever took them must realise that."
Mr Beatty said those responsible could face charges of animal cruelty, which carry a maximum penalty of three years' jail and a $220,000 fine.
Whoever took the koala joeys has been urged to hand them into a veterinary surgery, the RSPCA or a local police station.
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