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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Koalas can be very ferocious so don't think about trying to cuddle one in the wild! You only need to look at their paws to see why and they get very annoyed if they are woken from their sleep.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Koalas can be very ferocious so don't think about trying to cuddle one in the wild! You only need to look at their paws to see why and they get very annoyed if they are woken from their sleep.
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 traveling Australia and has recently had a baby. 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
No comments:
Post a Comment