The year before last I was chosen by our local chapter of MISA (Media Institute of Southern Africa) to attend the science journalist conference in Australia. At the last minute I was unable to go because of a mix up regarding who was funding the trip, but from the moment I knew I might be going, besides being excited about my Australian writing friends I’d finally be able to meet in person, I dreamed about holding a koala bear. I thought about the feel of its fur (I thought it would be a bit like a raccoon’s) and the solid roundness of its belly and the rubbery feel of its hands. So though it is tragic that human lives were lost and so many homes and other buildings burned to the ground, a bit of my mind has been wondering about the fate of the koalas.
This morning one of my Aussie writing friends, Wendy Noble, a great writer and a lovely, supportive person, sent me these pictures of some of the rescued koalas. She also passed on this link. I love the idea that a volunteer fire fighter named Mr Tree saved Sam the koala bear.
It’s all very sad and tragic so a few happy stories are always welcome.
Awww, how cute is that? Can you imagine the relief he must be feeling after all that searing heat? Thanks so much for this. It has cheered me up!
ReplyDeleteI first thought the koala pic was a hoax, because it was forwarded to me in an email. Knowing it's real makes it double sweet and encouraging!
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