Koala Bear Survives Bushfire

Yesterday I posted the picture of Australian firefighter, David Tree, giving water to an injured Koala Bear in Mirboo North.

Today I read that David Tree's act of kindness and caring saved the life of the beautiful Koala.

News24 reorts that the Koala was moving "gingerly on scorched paws, crossing the blackened landscape as the fire patrol passed" and it "stopped when it saw firefighter David Tree following behind."

Tree said:

"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.

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.

I love nature, and I've handled koalas before. They're not the friendliest things, but I wanted to help him."

The Koala, now known to be a female, is recovering and doing well.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals has set up shelters for animals affected by the raging bushfires. If you would like to support the RSPCA's efforts you can dontate money here.

The Koala's story of survival touches me in particular because a month or so ago a stray dog (a Boxer) appeared on my sidewalk close to death.

I began feeding her and she started to gain weight and confidence. I call her 'Founder' (found her) and she is perhaps one of the most loyal dogs I have ever come across.

Founder is still scared of most folks that are new to her. I expect that she was used to breed puppies and then tossed aside for whatever selfish reason.

Founder is about 2 or so years old. Like all Boxers she likes to jump up for attention but she is gentle and careful not to be too pushy.

Now if I can just get my 175 pound Boerboel (Leah) to accept her into the pack all will be great.

But as of now Founder, like the Kaola above, has survived and I have a wonderful new friend.

Onward!