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.
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.
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.
There are many places you can see Koalas from wildlife parks to special Koala sanctuaries. Some of these places even allow you to hold them and cuddle them. It's best however to see them in the wild and there are a few places that the locals know about where you are likely to spot Koalas. They are certainly harder to see than Kangaroos, but if you know where to look, you can see them in the wild.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are many places you can see Koalas from wildlife parks to special Koala sanctuaries. Some of these places even allow you to hold them and cuddle them. It's best however to see them in the wild and there are a few places that the locals know about where you are likely to spot Koalas. They are certainly harder to see than Kangaroos, but if you know where to look, you can see them in the wild.
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.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in travelling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com gives practical 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
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