The Victorian bush fires that happened in February 2009 were shown throughout the world. They caused mass devastation. 210 people lost their lives and the fires burnt over 400,000 hectares. Thousands of people were left with nothing.They lost their homes and businesses.
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.
David Tree, the Firefighter who rescued the Koala was said to be in floods of tears. The Koala had become a symbol of hope and of course had shown true survival skills. There will be a commemorative plaque erected in Sam's honour in the place where he was given the water by the firefighter.
A native animal to Australia, the Koala is a must see animal on your visit to Australia. You'll see them high up in the Eucalyptus trees if you are lucky. This is their main food supply and actually gives them 90% of their water requirements. It's very rare for them to drink water.
Koala bears carry their young in a pouch, making them a marsupial. Did you know that the baby Koala is called a joey? It is only 2cm long when it is born and will live in its mother's pouch for at least 6 months. It will then spend time in and out of the pouch until it can survive on its own.
If you want to cuddle a Koala then you need to go to a wildlife park or Koala sanctuary. Not all will let you, but some will. The nicest way to see a Koala though is in the wild. Unfortunately they are no where near as common as the Kangaroo so seeing one can be difficult. You just need to know where to look.
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 a local's perspective on where to see Koalas in the wild, go to the Real Australia Travel website detailed below. It also contains some interesting facts as well as the video of Sam taking the water from the firefighter.
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.
David Tree, the Firefighter who rescued the Koala was said to be in floods of tears. The Koala had become a symbol of hope and of course had shown true survival skills. There will be a commemorative plaque erected in Sam's honour in the place where he was given the water by the firefighter.
A native animal to Australia, the Koala is a must see animal on your visit to Australia. You'll see them high up in the Eucalyptus trees if you are lucky. This is their main food supply and actually gives them 90% of their water requirements. It's very rare for them to drink water.
Koala bears carry their young in a pouch, making them a marsupial. Did you know that the baby Koala is called a joey? It is only 2cm long when it is born and will live in its mother's pouch for at least 6 months. It will then spend time in and out of the pouch until it can survive on its own.
If you want to cuddle a Koala then you need to go to a wildlife park or Koala sanctuary. Not all will let you, but some will. The nicest way to see a Koala though is in the wild. Unfortunately they are no where near as common as the Kangaroo so seeing one can be difficult. You just need to know where to look.
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 a local's perspective on where to see Koalas in the wild, go to the Real Australia Travel website detailed below. It also contains some interesting facts as well as the video of Sam taking the water from the firefighter.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in visiting Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for fascinating facts on Koala Bears
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