Godspeed.
Posted on 08/06/2009 9:07:27 AM PDT by Red in Blue PA
ADELAIDE, Australia — Sam the koala, who gained worldwide fame and sympathy when she was rescued during Australia's devastating wildfires this year, died Thursday during an operation meant to save her from a life-threatening disease.
The 4-year-old koala had developed cysts associated with urogenital chlamydiosis, which affects up to 50 percent of Australia's koala population.
During surgery, the disease was found to be so advanced that it was inoperable and Sam was put to sleep, said Peita Elkhorne, spokeswoman for the lawyers that represent the shelter where the koala had lived since the February fires.
"It was so severe that there was no possible way to be able to manage her pain," Elkhorne said in a statement. "All of those who have been involved with Sam are devastated with this loss."
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Godspeed.
How long until the Democrats fly Sam out to a town hall meeting to denigrate surgeons?
The video of the firefighter giving her water after the fire really got to me for some reason.
Farewell Sam, ‘Rainbow Bridge’ has been enriched
Very sad for the little creature.
Here is something about the disease that afflicted her.
“5. NEW PUSH TO FIGHT DISEASE
A newly-formed research team has pledged $1.05 million dollars to fight koala disease head on. It plans to research the treatment and prevention of Chlamydiosis and Cryptococcosis - two widespread diseases affecting the majority of wild populations studied. Similar to Chlamydial infection in people (but not transferable to people), Chlamydiosis in koalas can cause conjunctivitis, urinary and reproductive tract problems, and in severe cases, blindness and infertility. Cryptococcosis can cause inflammation of the nasal passages, pneumonia and meningitis. Experts suspect environmental stress (caused by clearing and other threats) prompts the prevalence and virulence of these diseases.”
https://www.savethekoala.com/conservenews20052.html
What a neat picture.
Oh how sad.
Poor Sam. :( He is forever memorialized though.
Me too, humanity is awesome.
Come on guys, Sam was a girl.
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