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.
Sam the Koala it turned out had a disease that has devastated nearly 50% of the Koala species. It is called "urogenital chlamydia" which you may have heard of as a sexually transmitted disease in humans. The disease affects Koalas similarly, leading to female infertility, urinary tract infections and can lead to blindness.
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, David Tree, was said to be very upset at the news of Sam's death. After all this Koala had shown real survival skills and had become a symbol of hope for the Victorian Bush Fire survivors. The good news is there will be a commemorative plaque put up near the place he was found.
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.
They are marsupials which means they carry their young in a pouch. The baby Koala is called a joey and is only 2cm long when it is born. It then lives inside the pouch for about 6 months. After that it spends time in and out of the pouch until it is big enough and strong enough to 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.
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 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.
More Information:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her site,
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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