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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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6

Australia Grieves for Sam the Koala

Rescued animal was symbol of strength after devastating wildfires

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(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.

Sam had been healing well from her burns but died from chlamydia, a disease that affects 50% of koalas. "It's like not worth it now, that she managed to survive the fires but die from a disease that they should be able to vaccinate her against," said the firefighter who rescued Sam. "I'm sobbing like a baby and I am a grown man. She meant so much—she highlighted the plight and vulnerability of Australian wildlife around the world.''

Firefighter David Tree shares his water with an injured koala, later nicknamed Sam, at Mirboo North after wildfires swept through the region, Feb. 9, 2009.
Firefighter David Tree shares his water with an injured koala, later nicknamed Sam, at Mirboo North after wildfires swept through the region, Feb. 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Mark Parden, File)
Wildlife carer Colleen Wood treats Sam at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center in Rawson, 100 miles east of Melbourne.
Wildlife carer Colleen Wood treats Sam at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center in Rawson, 100 miles east of Melbourne.   (AP Photo)
Sam the koala is treated at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center in Rawson, Australia, as she recovers from her burns.
Sam the koala is treated at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center in Rawson, Australia, as she recovers from her burns.   (AP Photo/File)
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This video of Sam's rescue from the blackened, post-wildfire landscape was shown in news broadcasts around the world.   (Earthstudy)

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The symbol of hope for so many people around the world was the great picture of that wonderful koala being fed water by one of our firefighters.
- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

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6 comments
VIEWING:
 
cochiserocks
Aug 6, 09 5:25 AM CDT
Anthropomorphic personification is a slippery slope. I wish fish were more easily imbued with human characteristics, maybe there'd be a few more left in the sea. Reply
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0
Revenge_of_Mint
Aug 6, 09 5:27 AM CDT
The whole chlamydia thing kinda makes them atleast 80% less cute doesn't it. Reply
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-4
IN RESPONSE:
cochiserocks
Aug 6, 09 5:31 AM CDT
Teddy bear with an STD. Hmmmmm....
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-1
IN RESPONSE:
LuxAeterna
Aug 6, 09 7:30 AM CDT
They're even less cute if you manage to get near one. They reek of urine and have stupidly sharp claws (for climbing). But they make for adorable photographs. :3
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ruserious
Aug 6, 09 9:05 AM CDT
This is sad news--I remember her from the fires, and followed the story in the news. Animals don't have to be cute/lovable to be saved, but she was certainly cute. Reply
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+5

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