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 to have an operation to remove some cysts caused by the disease. Unfortunately when they came to operate, it was clear that the disease was much more wide spread and nothing could be done. It was decided to allow Sam to be euthanized rather than let her suffer.
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.
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.
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.
Just don't think about trying to give them a cuddle in the wild. If you disturb them, they can be very vicious. You only need to take a look at their claws to work that out.
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 to have an operation to remove some cysts caused by the disease. Unfortunately when they came to operate, it was clear that the disease was much more wide spread and nothing could be done. It was decided to allow Sam to be euthanized rather than let her suffer.
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.
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.
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.
Just don't think about trying to give them a cuddle in the wild. If you disturb them, they can be very vicious. You only need to take a look at their claws to work that out.
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 half a decade of experience in traveling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her website, 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 fascinating facts on Koala Bears
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