February 2009 saw a huge natural disaster in Australia - The Victorian Bush Fires. In total, 210 people lost their lives and thousands lost their homes and livelihood. The fires burnt over 400,000 hectares.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 travelling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. 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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