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Australia Grieves for Sam the Koala

Rescued animal was symbol of strength after devastating wildfires

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 6, 2009 5:20 AM CDT

(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.''

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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. (AP Photo)

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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Australia Grieves for Sam the Koala