Koala Bears - Sam The Bushfire Koala Dies
In February 2009 bush fires had a devastating affect on the state of Victoria. The fires burnt over 400,000 hectares with 210 people losing their lives and thousands losing their homes.
One story allowed some hope. Out of the ashes came a Koala bear that managed to survive the fires. Her name was Sam. This Koala and the firefighter that rescued her became famous the world over as millions saw the video of him giving water to the Koala. The Koala recovered from her second and third degree burns at South Ash Wildlife Refuge.
There is a disease called "Urogenital Chlamydia" that has affected nearly half of the Koala species. Unfortunately Sam the Koala had been affected by the disease. You may have heard of it as a human sexually transmitted disease and the impacts in Koalas are very similar. The disease leads to urinary tract infections, infertility and even blindness.
Last week Sam was due to have an operation to remove cysts in her abdomen caused by the disease. It was clear however when they started to operate that the disease had spread. Sam was euthanized as it was decided that nothing more good be done for her. It would have left her in too much pain to keep her alive.
The firefighter who rescued the Koala and gave him the water, David Tree, is said to be devastated. The Koala was for him such a fighter and a symbol of hope for the bushfire survivors. The people of Victoria intend to place a commemorative plaque near the place where he was given the water.
The Koala is a native animal of Australia and one you should try and see on your visit to Australia. They tend to live high up in Eucalyptus trees as this is their main food supply. Normally Koalas don't drink water as they get all the water they need from the Eucalyptus leaves.
These animals carry their young in a pouch which makes them a marsupial. A baby Koala is known as a joey and is absolutely tiny when it is born (only 2cm long.) It will then spend 6 months exclusively in the pouch and then will spend time in and out of the pouch until it is strong enough to be on its own.
Koalas are sadly not as common as Kangaroos so seeing one on your trip is a little tricky. Wildlife parks and Koala sanctuaries are great places to see Koala bears especially as some of these places will in fact let you hold them. There is nothing better than seeing one in its natural habitat in the wild. If you know where to look you have a good chance of seeing one in the wild.
Koalas can be very ferocious so don't think about trying to cuddle one in the wild! You only need to look at their paws to see why and they get very annoyed if they are woken from their sleep.
For where to see Koalas in Australia and some other fascinating facts visit the Real Australia Travel website (details below) You can also see the video of the Koala Sam drinking water from the fire fighter. - 2368
One story allowed some hope. Out of the ashes came a Koala bear that managed to survive the fires. Her name was Sam. This Koala and the firefighter that rescued her became famous the world over as millions saw the video of him giving water to the Koala. The Koala recovered from her second and third degree burns at South Ash Wildlife Refuge.
There is a disease called "Urogenital Chlamydia" that has affected nearly half of the Koala species. Unfortunately Sam the Koala had been affected by the disease. You may have heard of it as a human sexually transmitted disease and the impacts in Koalas are very similar. The disease leads to urinary tract infections, infertility and even blindness.
Last week Sam was due to have an operation to remove cysts in her abdomen caused by the disease. It was clear however when they started to operate that the disease had spread. Sam was euthanized as it was decided that nothing more good be done for her. It would have left her in too much pain to keep her alive.
The firefighter who rescued the Koala and gave him the water, David Tree, is said to be devastated. The Koala was for him such a fighter and a symbol of hope for the bushfire survivors. The people of Victoria intend to place a commemorative plaque near the place where he was given the water.
The Koala is a native animal of Australia and one you should try and see on your visit to Australia. They tend to live high up in Eucalyptus trees as this is their main food supply. Normally Koalas don't drink water as they get all the water they need from the Eucalyptus leaves.
These animals carry their young in a pouch which makes them a marsupial. A baby Koala is known as a joey and is absolutely tiny when it is born (only 2cm long.) It will then spend 6 months exclusively in the pouch and then will spend time in and out of the pouch until it is strong enough to be on its own.
Koalas are sadly not as common as Kangaroos so seeing one on your trip is a little tricky. Wildlife parks and Koala sanctuaries are great places to see Koala bears especially as some of these places will in fact let you hold them. There is nothing better than seeing one in its natural habitat in the wild. If you know where to look you have a good chance of seeing one in the wild.
Koalas can be very ferocious so don't think about trying to cuddle one in the wild! You only need to look at their paws to see why and they get very annoyed if they are woken from their sleep.
For where to see Koalas in Australia and some other fascinating facts visit the Real Australia Travel website (details below) You can also see the video of the Koala Sam drinking water from the fire fighter. - 2368
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in visiting Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers useful information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on Koala Bears
posted by Frank Potter at 12:48 AM
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