Healing Koalas Steal Hearts

Marsupial web sensations sneak into tennis star's TV appearance

(NEWSER) - The week's hot viral video is an interview with tennis star Andy Roddick in which the background activity becomes so compelling that it quickly turns into a video of the tennis star's left shoulder. Yes, those are koalas, getting busy in a tree. The video was a sensation—Roddick, not one to hold a grudge, helped by tweeting a link—even before it emerged that both marsupials are female. More»

Rescued animal was symbol of strength after devastating wildfires

(NEWSER) - The koala bear that became a symbol of hope after Australia's devastating wildfires earlier this year died before surgery today, the Melbourne Herald-Sun reports. Sam was saved by a firefighter who found her moving through the scorched landscape on badly burnt paws, and her image was broadcast around the world. "It’s tragic that Sam the koala is no longer with us," said PM Kevin Rudd. More»

Fires bared worst of nature, best of humanity, says prime minister

(NEWSER) - As bells tolled, mourners throughout Australia prayed at services today for the 209 people killed in wildfires and those still missing, CNN reports. “House is gone, friends are gone. This is total destruction,” said one resident. Rescue teams continue to search through the devastation as firefighters still battled blazes in some areas and prepared for more possible flames in a coming heat wave. More»

(NEWSER) - When firefighter David Tree noticed the koala, it was moving gingerly over the blackened landscape, its scorched paws clearly causing pain. "I could see she had sore feet and was in trouble, so I pulled over the fire truck," Tree told the Herald Sun. “It was amazing,” said the firefighter. “He turned around, sat on his bum and sort of looked at me like, 'Put me out of my misery.'" Tree got a bottle of water, and as he tipped it to the koala's lips, the koala “just took it naturally…almost like a baby.” More»

Small town declared crime scene as devastation continues

(NEWSER) - The death toll from angry bushfires in Australia jumped to 171 today, reports Reuters, as the country's prime minister, fighting back tears, accused suspected arsonists of "mass murder." Up to 5,000 people have been left homeless; at one relief center, boards covered with Post-It notes beg for news of loved ones, reports the Times of London. "This is a level of horror that few of us anticipated," said PM Kevin Rudd. More»