Sam (koala)
{{Short description|Koala rescued from a bushfire}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Infobox animal
| name = Sam
| image = Bushfire Aid.jpg
| caption = Sam on the cover of the Bushfire Aid CD
| species = Koala
| gender = Female
| birth_date = 2005–2007
| birth_place = Victoria, Australia
| death_date = 6 August 2009 (aged 1–4)
| death_place = Morwell, Victoria, Australia
| known = Backburning survivor, subsequently linked to Black Saturday bushfires
| website = [http://www.samthekoala.com.au Sam the Koala]
}}
Sam (2005–2007 – 6 August 2009), also known as Sam the Koala, was a female koala from the forests of Mirboo North, Victoria, Australia. She became publicly known when a video and photographs of her being rescued by a firefighter were distributed on the internet and through the media during the aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires.
Initial encounter
A mobile phone video of the event,{{cite news |first=Belinda |last=Goldsmith |title=Koala love story wins hearts after deadly Aussie fires|agency=Reuters |accessdate=29 June 2016 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE51A1AB20090211 |date=11 February 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213110343/https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE51A1AB20090211 |archive-date=13 February 2009}} which attracted just over 1.4 million views on YouTube,{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/4593118/Australian-bush-fires-Thirsty-koala-becomes-Australias-wild-fire-star.html |title=Australian bush fires: Thirsty koala becomes Australia's wild fire star |date=11 February 2009|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|accessdate=11 February 2009 | location=London}} shows firefighter David Tree approaching Sam who initially attempts to flee but then stops—Tree later speculated that the koala had been thinking "I can't run, I'm weak and sore, put me out of my misery"—and Tree calls for water. Sam is then shown drinking from a bottle he is holding for her.{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-koala11-2009feb11,0,5477507.story |title=Burned koala accepts a hand |date=11 February 2009 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=11 February 2009}} She is also seen allowing herself to be patted, and holding her paw on his hand. Sam became a symbol of hope.{{cite news
| url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0211/breaking23.htm
| date=11 February 2009
| accessdate=21 February 2009
| title=Sam the koala, a symbol of hope, rises from Australia's ashes
| work=The Irish Times}}
It was initially thought that Sam had been rescued by Tree following the February 2009 Victorian bushfires; however, the event actually occurred in the week before the worst of the fires, during backburning operations.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/koala-man-footage-not-what-it-seems-20090212-85rr.html?page=-1|title='Koala Man' footage not what it seems |last=Vincent |first=Prue |date=12 February 2009 |newspaper=The Age |accessdate=29 June 2016 | location=Melbourne |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215190930/http://theage.com.au/national/koala-man-footage-not-what-it-seems-20090212-85rr.html?page=-1 |archive-date=15 February 2009}} Tree and his crew came across Sam when they were blacking out (making sure that a contained or checked fire does not restart){{cite web |url=http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/images/news_image/150209_Beechworth_Fire_Newsletter_9__AM___21819.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224212323/http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/images/news_image/150209_Beechworth_Fire_Newsletter_9__AM___21819.pdf |archive-date=24 February 2009 |title=Beechworth Area Fire Community Update Newsletter – Edition 6, 9 a.m. |date=15 February 2009 |access-date=29 June 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.glenhaven.rfsa.org.au/serv02.htm |title=Bushfire prevention |publisher=Glenhaven Rural Fire Brigade |date=19 May 2007 |accessdate=29 June 2016}} after the fires had gone through. The video was recorded by Tree and other firefighters; it had been intended for Tree's daughter.
Treatment
Sam was subsequently taken to the Southern Ash Wildlife Centre in Rawson{{cite web|title=Koala Sam meets her saviour |year=2009 |publisher=Gold Coast |accessdate=29 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215234424/http://goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/02/12/48331_gold-coast-news.html |archive-date=15 February 2009 |url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/02/12/48331_gold-coast-news.html}} where she was found to be suffering from second-degree burns to her paws and given painkillers.{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iCFnwqL47IlTAKIUkz9lxE_BSivgD969QTSO0 |title=Koala saved from Australia's wildfires doing well |last=Gelineau |first=Kristen |date=12 February 2008 |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=29 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215123034/http://google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iCFnwqL47IlTAKIUkz9lxE_BSivgD969QTSO0 |archive-date=15 February 2009}} Caretakers at the shelter expected that it would take her about eight months to recover.{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hn9MswZT1UDQOM4JFexha4JktfeQD96994VO0 |title=Turtle's shell melts in Australia's fires |last=Gelineau |first=Kristen |date=11 February 2009 |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=29 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215065810/http://google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hn9MswZT1UDQOM4JFexha4JktfeQD96994VO0 |archive-date=15 February 2009}} Based on the condition of her teeth, the shelter manager estimated her to be between two and four years old. She was placed with a male koala named Bob, who had been rescued from another of the bushfire areas two days earlier and was suffering from third-degree burns.
Subsequent events
File:Taxidermied Mount - Sam the Koala 1.jpg]]
Sam's story was featured in media outlets worldwide, including The New York Times and CNN.{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25041710-24218,00.html |title=Say it for Sam the koala |date=11 February 2009 |work=Herald Sun |accessdate=29 June 2016 |archive-date=14 February 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214190221/http://news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25041710-24218,00.html}} Gossip site TMZ.com mocked the rescue, calling Sam "pampered";{{cite news |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/koala-sam-earns-us-apology/story-e6frg4nl-1111118833306 |title=Victoria bushfires victim Sam the koala earns US apology |date=11 February 2009 |work=Perth Now |publisher=The Sunday Times |accessdate=30 October 2010}} this drew significant reader backlash and attention. TMZ later apologised to Sam.{{cite web | url=http://www.tmz.com/2009/02/11/our-apologies-to-sam-australia | title=Our Apologies to Sam, Australia | publisher=TMZ.com | date=11 February 2009 | accessdate=29 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212135035/http://www.tmz.com/2009/02/11/our-apologies-to-sam-australia/ |archive-date=12 February 2009}}
Sam was euthanized on 6 August 2009. The decision was made after exploratory surgery on her urinary bladder and uterus to evaluate the possible removal of cysts caused by urogenital chlamydiosis. As her condition was inoperable the veterinarian stated that the decision was made to euthanise to prevent her suffering.{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/sam-the-koala-dies/story-e6frf7jx-1225758651550 |title=Sam the Koala dies |date=6 August 2009 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=News Limited |accessdate=30 October 2010}} Sam's remains were moved to Melbourne Museum where they were preserved as a symbol of the bushfires.{{cite news |first=Kathleen |last=Cuthbertson |title=Sam the Koala to be preserved like Phar Lap at Melbourne Museum |date=8 August 2009 |accessdate=29 June 2016 |archive-date=12 August 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090812125634/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25899593-662,00.html |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25899593-662,00.html | work=Herald Sun}}{{Citation | last = Magee | first = Antonia | last2 = Harris | first2 = Amelia | title = Dead bushfire Koala Sam stuffed for museum | newspaper = Herald Sun | date = 14 January 2010 | url = http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/dead-bushfire-koala-sam-stuffed-for-museum/story-e6frfku0-1225819263345}}.{{cite web |last1=Carland |first1=Rebecca |title=Sam the Koala |url=https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/16415 |website=Museums Victoria Collections |accessdate=4 April 2019 |date=2017}}
The Giant Koala (one of Australia's big things) was renamed Sam to raise awareness of koalas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mailtimes.com.au/story/968996/giant-koala-to-be-renamed-in-honour-of-sam-the-koala/|title=Giant Koala to be renamed in honour of Sam the koala|first=MICHELLE|last=DRYBURGH|date=9 August 2009|website=The Wimmera Mail-Times}}
Related products
An image of Sam with David Tree was used as cover art on a fundraising CD, Bushfire Aid, to which 35 national and international artists donated songs. All proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal.{{cite web |url=http://www.bushfireaid.com.au/ |title=Bushfire Aid: Artists for the Bushfire Appeal |publisher=Bushfire Aid |date=12 February 2009 |accessdate=29 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220234230/http://www.bushfireaid.com.au/ |archive-date=20 February 2009}} A total of A$300,000 was also raised for the Country Fire Authority and other charities through selling photographs of Sam's rescue.{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25071486-661,00.html |title=Sam the Koala raises $300,000 for CFA |last=McNaught |first=Megan |date=18 February 2009 |work=Herald Sun |archive-date=18 February 2009 |accessdate=29 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218213833/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25071486-661,00.html}}
Trademark dispute
On 20 February 2009 and 13 March 2009, an application was made to register the words "Sam the Koala" as a trademark in Class 30 (for chocolates) and as a trademark in Class 16 (for colouring-in books).{{cite news|date=20 February 2009|title=TM application for Sam the Koala|publisher=IP Australia|url=http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/atmoss/falcon_details.show_tm_details?p_tm_number=1286158&p_search_no=1&p_ExtDisp=D&p_detail=DETAILED&p_rec_no=1&p_rec_all=15|accessdate=20 February 2009}}{{cite news|date=11 August 2009|title=Aussie publicists applies to make chocolate of Sam the Koala|publisher=3news.co.nz|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Aussie-publicists-applies-to-make-chocolate-of-Sam-the-Koala/tabid/209/articleID/116209/Default.aspx|accessdate=27 October 2010}} The applications were approved for Acceptance of Registration of a Trademark on 25 June 2009 and 16 July 2009 respectively. An opposition notice was lodged by the Victorian state Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) in September 2009 and that opposition outcome is still pending a final decision by IPAustralia. Media published the trademark applications which led to a dispute called an 'Opposition Notice'.{{cite news |url=http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/atmoss/Falcon_History.Summary_Page?p_tm_number=1286158&p_search_no=1&p_detail=DETAILED&p_extdisp=D |title=Aussie Opposition History |date=15 September 2009 |publisher=IP Australia |accessdate=15 September 2009}}
On 27 July 2010 the DSE applied for a new trademark TM1374402, Sam The Koala, in Class 32 (beverages), Class 33 (alcoholic beverages), Class 41 (education, training and cultural activities), Class 43 (services for providing food and drink), and Class 44 (veterinary services and hygienic and beauty care for animals);{{cite news |url=http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/atmoss/falcon_details.show_tm_details?p_tm_number=1374402&p_search_no=1&p_ExtDisp=D&p_detail=DETAILED&p_rec_no=15&p_rec_all=15 |title=Sam the Koala |date=27 July 2010 |publisher=IP Australia |accessdate=27 July 2010}} however, DSE Application TM1374402 was issued an "Adverse Report1"{{cite news |url=http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/atmoss/Falcon_History.Summary_Page?p_tm_number=1374402&p_search_no=1&p_detail=DETAILED&p_extdisp=D |title=Adverse Report1 |date=27 August 2010 |publisher=IP Australia |accessdate=27 August 2010}} on 27 August 2010.
References
{{reflist}}
Further reading
- {{cite journal |last1=Hess |first1=Kristy |last2=Waller |first2=Lisa |title=Play it again, Sam : How journalists cashed in on Youtube's favourite koala |journal=Australian Journalism Review |date=2009 |volume=31 |issue=2 |pages=75–84 |hdl=10536/DRO/DU:30023640 |issn=0810-2686}}.
- {{cite journal |last1=Due |first1=Clemence |last2=Thompson |first2=Kirrilly |last3=Every |first3=Danielle |title='An Image of Hope in a Week of Despair': Representations of Sam the Koala in the Australian Mainstream News Media |journal=Media International Australia |date=May 2014 |volume=151 |issue=1 |pages=47–55 |doi=10.1177/1329878X1415100107 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259337849}}
External links
- [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/sam-the-wildfire-koala-is-dead-1768015.html Obituary – The Independent, United Kingdom]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sam (Koala)}}
Category:Animal deaths by euthanasia