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Sam the Koala

Sam the Koala.
Source: Musuem Victoria

The story of Sam the Koala has touched millions of people across Australia and around the world.

Sam became the symbol of the terrible loss and also of the community spirit felt by so many in the aftermath of the devastating bushfires in February 2009.

As the State museum, Museum Victoria collects and records significant events, like natural disasters, so that future generations can learn and reflect on the events that have shaped our lives.

Sam’s placement in Melbourne Museum preserves her story, and her extraordinary role in providing a source of hope to those devastated by the February bushfires. She also plays an important role in educating the community about issues relating to koalas, changes in habitat, the impact of fire on wildlife and the role of wildlife rescue. Sam is permanently on display as part of the Wild exhibition.

EVENT DETAILS

Comments (10) popular  |  oldest  |  newest

Hamish murphy 21 Nov 2010 09:38

It was sad that many people died but Sam brang hope into millions of peoples hearts and proves even after these horrible disatsters we might lose homes it lives but we don't lose one thing hope

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jacinta kelly 24 Mar 2011 17:08

i feel so so so sorry for sam the koala it was so so cute but very very very SAD!!!!!

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Chloe 27 Mar 2011 11:27

I feel sorry for sam the koala but thank gosh for him he brang happiness and joy to us kids and parents . i was in victoria in the bush fires to save some horses and saw him from getting burns on my body i put into the hospital i was flown in to the hospital i also got to pat him and was very pleased to seee some wildlife and i have a very burnt and scared leg but the burn is the coulorof my skin

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Rachel 20 Apr 2011 12:53

I feel so sorry for Sam the koala. It's a shame that he died after the bush fires. I wish that he was back.

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jenny 28 Apr 2011 16:47

how did he survive that long?? like what did he do to survive

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Discovery Centre 02 May 2011 14:42

Hi there Jenny, could you clarify what you mean by how did she survive so long? Do you mean between when she was first hurt and when the shelter picked her up or between when she was picked up and when she died? Have a read of some of the infosheets that are linked at right as they may answer your question. Otherwise, please let us know the exact question and we'll try to help you out.

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Tim 04 May 2011 16:26

1. Did Sam die in the bushfires or did a fireman save him? 2. Is Sam a he or a she? 3. Whereabouts can I find the Sam The Koala exhbitiion in Melbourne Museum?

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Discovery Centre 05 May 2011 12:32

Hi Tim, thanks for your questions. Sam didn't die in the fires but several months afterwards. She was rescued by the Southern Ash Wildlife shelter, after they were informed by the firefighters about her location. She was a female koala. You'll find further detailed information about Sam and the events surrounding her rescue, care and death by reading the information sheets linked at right.

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Riley Sheldon 13 Oct 2011 09:03

R.I.P sam

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Holly Bowin 19 May 2012 12:04

Hi, i was wondering what year it was and how the fire started

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