Mandatory Credit: Photo by Rebecca Michael/Newspix / Rex Features ( 848260c )
A koala named Sam has been rescued from the bush fires near Mirboo North in Gippsland. She is now recovering well in the care of Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter in Rawson. Bushfires.

ANIMALS DEVASTATED BY AUSTRALIA FIRE

The RSPCA is gearing up to take care of family pets, livestock and wildlife hurt in the ferocious Australian bushfires that tore across Victoria.

RSPCA shelters and inspectors had been working around the clock to be ready to provide emergency assistance to animals injured or left homeless by the killer blazes.

One of those recovering in just such a centre is Sam the Koala, who has found fame after being pictured being offered a drink by firefighter David Tree.

When he stopped to help a thirsty Sam, who later turned out to be a girl, David had no idea that millions would see him do it.

However, pictures of him and Sam soon travelled around the globe, providing an image of hope in a week of despair.

Mr Tree said: “I offered her a drink and she drank three bottles – but the most amazing part was when she grabbed my hand”.

The world’s most famous koala is now recovering in Mountain Ash Wildlife Shelter.

According to carer Jenny Shaw, she has suffered second-or third-degree burns on her paws but is expected to make a full recovery.

Sam isn’t the only Koala or animal to be injured by the fierce fires and domestic and wild animals a like are now finding their way to shelters across the area, suffering from conditions such as burns, smoke inhalation and dehydration.

And in the desperate attempts to save human life, and get out of the way of the fire, many survivors were forced to leave their pets behind.

Once they have recovered many of these animals will either be released back into the wild, re-united with their owners or re-homed.

However, with swathes of native h…
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