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.
It turns out that Sam the Koala had a disease called "Urogenital chlamydia" This disease has affected nearly 50% of the Koala population particularly in the Victoria area. It may sound familiar to you as Chlamydia is usually associated with a human sexually transmitted disease. Koalas are affected similarly with females becoming infertile. Other symptoms include urinary tract infections and even loss of sight.
Sam the Koala was taken into surgery to remove cysts that were a direct consequence of the disease. On opening her up, the vet found that the disease had spread much further than they had first thought. It would have left Sam in too much pain. It was decided that it would be kinder to euthanize Sam
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.
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.
My only piece of advice is not to attempt to cuddle one in the wild. If you disturb their sleep they can be ferocious. Take a look at their claws and you'll understand why.
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.
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.
It turns out that Sam the Koala had a disease called "Urogenital chlamydia" This disease has affected nearly 50% of the Koala population particularly in the Victoria area. It may sound familiar to you as Chlamydia is usually associated with a human sexually transmitted disease. Koalas are affected similarly with females becoming infertile. Other symptoms include urinary tract infections and even loss of sight.
Sam the Koala was taken into surgery to remove cysts that were a direct consequence of the disease. On opening her up, the vet found that the disease had spread much further than they had first thought. It would have left Sam in too much pain. It was decided that it would be kinder to euthanize Sam
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.
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.
My only piece of advice is not to attempt to cuddle one in the wild. If you disturb their sleep they can be ferocious. Take a look at their claws and you'll understand why.
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.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years 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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