Thirsty Koala - A Firefighter Gives Koala A Drink (2009 Australian Bushfires)

The Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter cares for injured wildlife and did a tremendous job rehabilitating Sam the Koala until her passing from an unrelated infectious disease.

Please visit their website here:

http://www.samthekoala.com.au/

... and consider a donation because they are literally working out of their kitchens and lounge rooms.

We are all sad at the news of Sam's passing however, it's important to note that Sam was put to sleep due to a condition unrelated to the Bushfires.

Her condition was 'urogenital chlamydiosis' and is caused by a infection of the intracellular bacteria in the genus Chlamydia, which is transmitted via sexual activity and also vertically to offspring.

The Queensland University of Technology is developing a vaccine for the bacterial infection which is looking very promising in the trial phases.

Before Green Fanatics get the chance to blame this on habitat destruction by 'invading' Europeans, let me say that researchers actually believe Chlamydia was bought into Australia by early Aboriginal tribes from Asia over 40,000 years ago. It now affects approx 50% of the Koala population.

The reason Sam was put down is because as the disease develops it can become quite painful.

• Category

  News & Politics

[pelukkas]

Those who dislike the video should be thrown into that fire. That's right.......with an empty bottle of water.

[Rob Grant]

Definitely one of the most heart warming videos on Youtube. Fantastic!

[Un1234l]

She's too cute.

[AmieB2005]

You Aussies need to be proud of this man....from USA.

[Izabella Legadema]

I have one thing to say: GOD BLESS THIS A-N-G-E-L !!! ♥

[jules winnfield]

God bless you.. I hope your not getting any flak for givin water to a koala in a bushfire because if you are thats not what humanity is about and its just un-australian!

[JillaRose]

so very sad. But at the same time makes me proud to be aussie

[Tom Joy]

You know this bear died of chlamydia during surgery.. gutted :/

[prodajenulje jere]

i am proud to be a firefighter

[Shilo Oxlade]

He got so much hate for this, he still does, its not fair or right, he didnt know or even care if this video would be viral, he was doing his duty as a fire fighter and an animal lover. I think this is a true hero and i will always look up to him.

[2005blackpearl]

WOG is Australian slang for someone of Italian or Greek descent.