Local CFA firefighter David Tree shares his water with an injured Australian Koala at Mirboo North after wildfires swept through the region on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Mark Pardew)
HEALESVILLE, Australia – The koala moved gingerly on scorched paws, crossing the blackened landscape as the fire patrol passed.
Clearly in pain, the animal stopped when it saw firefighter David Tree following behind.
"It was amazing, he turned around, sat on his bum and sort of looked at me with (a look) like, put me out of my misery," Tree told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "I yelled out for a bottle of water. I unscrewed the bottle, tipped it up on his lips and he just took it naturally. He kept reaching for the bottle, almost like a baby."
The team called animal welfare officers as it resumed its patrols on Sunday, the day after deadly firestorms swept southern Victoria state.
"I love nature, and I've handled koalas before. They're not the friendliest things, but I wanted to help him," Tree said.
Tree says he's spoken to wildlife officials, and the koala, nicknamed Sam, is doing fine. And he, it turns out, is a she.
The rescue was one small bright moment in Australia's wildfire tragedy. Thousands of acres (hectares) have been burned out, almost 1,000 homes destroyed and more than 180 people killed.
Countless animals were killed in the disaster, which hit farming and forest regions to the north and east of the Victoria state capital of Melbourne, and many more fled in panic.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals said it was establishing shelters to care for thousands of pets and livestock affected by the disaster. 
3 comments:
The new definition of HOT !!
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Note to Cara,
Dear Cara,
It is 47.3 today. ( 117 deg !! )
The hottest day on record, in over 150yrs of record keeping in Victoria.
Birds and possums are dropping from the trees.
We have tried to cover up all of our tress and roses from the sun.
Since we just took down our rotted pergola, there is absolutely NO shade int he back yard.
All of the leaves are dropping from the trees...looks like Autumn, but it's not.
The wisteria and hibiscus are burned to a crisp!
You are SO lucky you are not here!
Have started handing out invites to the bbq.
Do you have your guest list yet?
Can't wait to see you on the 23rd!!
Mum
ur mum is right cara. u are so very lucky that u werent here. that day was so awful. 181 people have died at last count.
but on the up side all of us aussies have donated $50 million to help with the relief effort.. steve and I donated to the rspca appeal to help the animals affected by the fires..
-kris
see u soon!
YAY! Help the animals!
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