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.
There was one ray of hope that united the nation during these difficult times - the rescue of a Koala called Sam. Millions saw the video of Sam being given water from a fire fighter. The Koala had second and third degree burns on its paws but recovered well 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.
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.
If you are planning a visit to Australia, then you should make sure you see a Koala. They are native to Australia and live high up in the trees. They are very particular though and only like to eat Eucalyptus leaves. Only when they are sick will Koalas drink water as they get 90% of their water requirements from these 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.
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.
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.
There was one ray of hope that united the nation during these difficult times - the rescue of a Koala called Sam. Millions saw the video of Sam being given water from a fire fighter. The Koala had second and third degree burns on its paws but recovered well 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.
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.
If you are planning a visit to Australia, then you should make sure you see a Koala. They are native to Australia and live high up in the trees. They are very particular though and only like to eat Eucalyptus leaves. Only when they are sick will Koalas drink water as they get 90% of their water requirements from these 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.
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.
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 5 years of experience in traveling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her site, 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 more information on Koala Bears
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