Wednesday, February 11, 2009

"Sam" the koala rescued by firefighter in Australia

If you missed seeing the news about this sweet incident when a firefighter rescued a koala from Australian wildfires, it's on YouTube. Thirsty koala becomes YouTube star A thirsty koala rescued from the Australian wildfires has become a star on YouTube, providing much-needed relief from the disaster that has killed more than 180 people. Firefighter Dave Tree stumbled across the female marsupial, nicknamed Sam, as he was battling blazes in Victoria state and was amazed when the parched animal guzzled down water from a bottle as he held her scorched paw. The clip has attracted more than 30,000 hits on YouTube and Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper is selling photographs of the extraordinary encounter, with proceeds going to volunteer firefighting organisations. (link via RTE News) Sam the Koala Gets a Drink After Fire This incident just gets to me. The poor little thing looks so bewildered and so sweet and I love the way the firefighter is holding her front paw. It's just such a heartwarming story out of all the horror of the wildfires there.
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10 comments:

  1. JennytcThursday, February 12, 2009

    I just saw this on the news, Maureen. Poor little fellow. I am amazed that he allowed the firefighter to hold his paw.

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  2. AnonymousThursday, February 12, 2009

    What a wonderful story!
    I've mentioned, and linked, to this post as a follow on to my koala story and picture from last week. xx

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  3. MaureenThursday, February 12, 2009

    I'm amazed by that too Jenny. The koala was obviously in a lot of distress to behave in the way that it did. I think it's the sight of the firefighter holding her paw that really tugs at everyone's heartstrings.

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  4. MaureenThursday, February 12, 2009

    It is a wonderful story indeed, Flighty. And thank you for linking my post to yours about the koala.

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  5. A Free ManThursday, February 12, 2009

    That video really got to me as well. I'm such a softy these days. Gave me a lot of respect for the Aussies around me as well - they act all tough, but have a big heart underneath it all.

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  6. MaureenThursday, February 12, 2009

    I agree. I think everyone has this idea about Aussies being tough guys but as you say they have a big heart underneath it all.

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  7. AnonymousThursday, February 12, 2009

    i loooove koalas

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  8. MaureenThursday, February 12, 2009

    You're not the only one!

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  9. AnonymousThursday, February 12, 2009

    Here's a follow on to the story
    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/a-new-friend-for-rescued-koala-sam-1607449.html

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  10. MaureenThursday, February 12, 2009

    Thanks, Flighty!

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