Bushfire survivor Sam the koala dies of chlamydia
The four-year-old became an internet star after footage of her dramatic rescue from bushfires in Australia was posted on YouTube
6 August 2009
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A KOALA who became an internet star after footage of her dramatic bushfire rescue became a hit has died from chlamydia.
Sam was spotted by firefighters in the Australian state of Victoria, who were tackling the blazes that devastated the country.
A video posted on YouTube shows her limping on her badly-burnt paws. Firefighter David Tree, who originally mistook Sam for a male, gave her a drink of water from a bottle.
He can be heard saying: “It’s alright buddy. This guy has survived. He’s looking pretty bewildered. We need to get him a drink.”
The four-year-old was treated at the Mountain Ash Wildlife Center, where staff say she befriended male koala Bob.
Her burns were treated and she recuperated, munching on a diet of gum tree leaves.
But Sam fell ill with chlamydia , a common killer among koalas, and during an operation to save her the disease was found to be so widespread it was inoperable.
Peita Elkhorne, spokeswoman for the lawyers who represent the shelter, said: "It was so severe that there was no possible way to be able to manage her pain.
"All of those who have been involved with Sam are devastated with this loss."
Australian prime minister, Kevin Rudd, paid tribute to Sam, saying she had been a symbol of hope for Australia during the wildfires in February.
"It's tragic that Sam the koala is no longer with us," Rudd said.
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