SAM'S STORY Victoria, Australia February 7, 2009 Slides advance automatically

Sam lived in bushland like this. . .

before it was ravaged by bush fires. . . . since her photos were flashed around the world, she Has become AUSTRALIA'S Most famous KOALA

A bewildered and badly burned koala, Sam is comforted by country fire authority volunteer, david tree who rescued her after deadly fires swept through areas of mirboo north. . .

Thirsty. . . . rescuer David gives Sam some water. the koala, who suffered second and third degree burns to her paws, was taken to southern ash wildlife shelter, south-east of melbourne. . .

WITH TLC, SAM HAS HER PAINFUL FEET bandaged at the shelter. . .

ESkimo kiss - david tree is reunited with sam for the first time since her rescue. koalas can identify people they know from their scent, and sam was at ease with david immediately.

old buddies. . .DAVID spends some time with sam in the comfort of the shelter. . .

Enter bob. . .he was also taken to the shelter, after his feet were scorched in the inferno. . .

Love at first sight. . .

Bob puts his paw around his new friend and fellow fire survivor, sam, as she recovers from her burns. . .

side by side, the two koalas were given painkillers when they first arrived at the shelter, but are coping without them, now. . .

protective. . . bob hugs girlfriend, sam, as they huddle together in their cage. . .

lucky - sam and bob are a sign of hope, so many other animals didn't make it out of the inferno alive. . .

TO BE CONTINUED ? Photos from the melbourne herald-sun whose Excellent coverage gave us these touching photos Music: “If tomorrow never comes” - phil coulter