Jump to content

Sam (koala): Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→Controversy: Removed the "two koalas" argument - part is OR and part rleies on an unreliable source. Will explain on talk.
Added category
 
(190 intermediate revisions by 78 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Koala rescued from a bushfire}}
⚫
{{Infobox Animal
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
⚫
{{Infobox animal
| name = Sam
| name = Sam
| image = Bushfire Aid.jpg
| image = Bushfire Aid.jpg
| caption = Sam on the cover of the ''Bushfire Aid'' CD
| caption = Sam on the cover of the ''Bushfire Aid'' CD
| species = [[Koala]]
| species = [[Koala]]
| gender = [[Koala#Physical_description|Female]]
| gender = [[Koala#Characteristics|Female]]
| birthdate =
| birth_date = 2005–2007
| birthplace = [[Australia]]
| birth_place = [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]]
| deathdate = 6 August 2009
| death_date = 6 August 2009 (aged 1–4)
| deathplace = [[Morwell, Victoria]], Australia
| death_place = [[Morwell, Victoria|Morwell]], Victoria, Australia
| restingplace =
| restingplacecoordinates =
| relativeage = 4 years
| nationality = [[Australia]]
| yearsactive =
| known = [[Backburning]] survivor, subsequently linked to [[Black Saturday bushfires]]
| known = [[Backburning]] survivor, subsequently linked to [[Black Saturday bushfires]]
| website = [http://www.samthekoala.com.au Sam the Koala]
| website = [http://www.samthekoala.com.au Sam the Koala]
}}
}}


'''Sam''' (died 6 August 2009) was a female [[koala]] from the forests of [[Mirboo North, Victoria]], [[Australia]], who became known when a video of her being rescued from a [[bushfire]] by a [[firefighter]] was distributed on the internet and through the media.
'''Sam''' (2005–2007 – 6 August 2009), also known as '''Sam the Koala''', was a female [[koala]] from the forests of [[Mirboo North, Victoria|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==
==Initial encounter==
A mobile phone video of the event,<ref name=reutersfeb11>{{cite web|author=Belinda Goldsmith|title=Koala love story wins hearts after deadly Aussie fires|publisher=[[Reuters]]|accessdate=2009-02-11|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE51A1AB20090211}}</ref> which attracted over 1,100,000 hits on [[YouTube]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://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|publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=2009-02-11}}</ref> 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.<ref name=reutersfeb11/> Sam is then shown drinking from a bottle he is holding for her.<ref>{{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|work=[[The Associated Press]]|publisher=[[Los Angeles Times]]|accessdate=2009-02-11}}</ref> She is also seen allowing herself to be patted, and holding her paw on his hand. Sam became a symbol of hope.<ref>{{cite news
A mobile phone video of the event,<ref name=reutersfeb11>{{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}}</ref> which attracted just over 1.4 million views on [[YouTube]],<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref name=reutersfeb11/> Sam is then shown drinking from a bottle he is holding for her.<ref>{{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}}</ref> She is also seen allowing herself to be patted, and holding her paw on his hand. Sam became a symbol of hope.<ref>{{cite news
| url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0211/breaking23.htm
| url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0211/breaking23.htm
| date=11 February 2009 <!-- , 09:33 -->
| publisher=The Irish Times
| date=Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 09:33
| accessdate=21 February 2009
| accessdate=21 Feb 2009
| title=Sam the koala, a symbol of hope, rises from Australia's ashes
| title=Sam the koala, a symbol of hope, rises from Australia's ashes
| work=The Irish Times}}</ref>
| work=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref>
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 [[controlled burn|backburning]] operations initiated by firefighters.<ref name=agefeb12>{{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|publisher=[[The Age]]|accessdate=2009-02-12}}</ref> Tree and his crew came across Sam when they were blacking out<ref>[http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/incidents/images/news_image/150209_Beechworth_Fire_Newsletter_9__AM___21819.pdf Bushfire information, including 'blacking out']</ref><ref>[http://www.glenhaven.rfsa.org.au/serv02.htm Bushfire prevention, including 'blacking out']</ref> after the fires had gone through. The video was recorded by Tree and other firefighters; it had been intended for Tree's daughter.<ref name=agefeb12/>
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 [[controlled burn|backburning]] operations.<ref name=agefeb12>{{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}}</ref> Tree and his crew came across Sam when they were blacking out (making sure that a contained or checked fire does not restart)<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> after the fires had gone through. The video was recorded by Tree and other firefighters; it had been intended for Tree's daughter.<ref name=agefeb12/>


==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Sam was subsequently taken to the Southern Ash Wildlife Centre in [[Rawson, Victoria|Rawson]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff Writer|title=Koala Sam meets her saviour|year=2009|publisher=Gold Coast|accessdate=2009-02-11|url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/02/12/48331_gold-coast-news.html}}</ref> where she was found to be suffering from [[second-degree burn]]s to her paws and given painkillers.<ref name=reutersfeb11/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://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|publisher=[[The Associated Press]]|accessdate=2009-02-12}}</ref> Caretakers at the shelter expected that it would take her about eight months to recover.<ref name=reutersfeb11/><ref name=apfeb11b>{{cite news|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hn9MswZT1UDQOM4JFexha4JktfeQD96994VO0|title=Turtle's shell melts in Australia's fires|last=Gelineau|first=Kristen|date=11 February 2009|work=[[The Associated Press]]|accessdate=2009-02-11}}</ref> Based on the condition of her teeth, the shelter manager estimated her to be between two and four years old.<ref name=reutersfeb11/> She was placed with a male koala named Bob,<ref name=apfeb11b/> who had been rescued from another of the bushfire areas two days earlier and was suffering from [[third-degree burn]]s.<ref name=reutersfeb11/>
Sam was subsequently taken to the Southern Ash Wildlife Centre in [[Rawson, Victoria|Rawson]]<ref>{{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}}</ref> where she was found to be suffering from [[second-degree burn]]s to her paws and given painkillers.<ref name=reutersfeb11/><ref>{{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}}</ref> Caretakers at the shelter expected that it would take her about eight months to recover.<ref name=reutersfeb11/><ref name=apfeb11b>{{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}}</ref> Based on the condition of her teeth, the shelter manager estimated her to be between two and four years old.<ref name=reutersfeb11/> She was placed with a male koala named Bob,<ref name=apfeb11b/> who had been rescued from another of the bushfire areas two days earlier and was suffering from [[third-degree burn]]s.<ref name=reutersfeb11/>


==Subsequent events==
==Subsequent events==
[[File:Taxidermied Mount - Sam the Koala 1.jpg|thumb|Sam's remains exhibited at [[Melbourne Museum]]]]
Sam's story was featured in media outlets worldwide, including the ''[[The New York Times]]'' and [[CNN]].<ref>{{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|publisher=[[Herald Sun]]|accessdate=2009-02-11}}</ref> Gossip site [[TMZ.com]] mocked the rescue, calling Sam "pampered";<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25042176-5006785,00.html|title=Victoria fires koala image of Sam mocked by TMZ.com; Sam reunited with rescuer David Tree|author=Megan McNaught and Sean Plambeck|date=12 February 2009|publisher=[[The Australian]]|accessdate=2009-02-11}}</ref> this drew significant reader backlash and attention. TMZ later apologised to Sam and to Australia as a whole.<ref>{{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=February 11, 2009 | accessdate=2009-02-11}}</ref>
Sam's story was featured in media outlets worldwide, including ''[[The New York Times]]'' and [[CNN]].<ref>{{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}}</ref> Gossip site [[TMZ.com]] mocked the rescue, calling Sam "pampered";<ref>{{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 (Western Australia)|The Sunday Times]] |accessdate=30 October 2010}}</ref> this drew significant reader backlash and attention. TMZ later apologised to Sam.<ref>{{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}}</ref>


Sam was [[Animal euthanasia|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 [[Chlamydophila pecorum|urogenital chlamydiosis]]. As her condition was inoperable the veterinarian stated that the decision was made to euthanise to prevent her suffering.<ref name="Death">{{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}}</ref> Sam's remains were moved to [[Melbourne Museum]] where they were preserved as a symbol of the bushfires.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref><ref>{{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}}.</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref>
⚫
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bushfireaid.com.au/|title=Bushfire Aid: Artists for the Bushfire Appeal|publisher=bushfireaid.com.au|accessdate=2009-02-26}}</ref> A total of AU$300,000 has also been raised for the [[Country Fire Authority]] and other charities through selling photographs of Sam's rescue.<ref>{{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|publisher=Herald Sun |accessdate=2009-02-22}}</ref>


The Giant Koala (one of [[Australia's big things]]) was renamed Sam to raise awareness of koalas.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
Sam was [[Animal euthanasia|euthanised]] on 6 August 2009. The decision was made after exploratory surgery on her [[bladder]] and [[uterus]] to evaluate the possible removal of [[cysts]] caused by [[Chlamydophila pecorum|urogenital chlamydiosis]]. As her condition was inoperable the veterinarian stated that the decision was made to euthanise to prevent her suffering.<ref name="Death">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25887443-661,00.html|title=Sam the koala loses battle for survival after illness|last=Horan|first=Patrick |coauthors=Schulz, Matthew |date=6 August 2009|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News
Limited|accessdate=2009-08-06}}</ref> Sam's remains were moved to [[Melbourne Museum]] where they were preserved as a symbol of the bushfires.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kathleen |last=Cuthbertson |title=Sam the Koala to be preserved like Phar Lap at Melbourne Museum |date=8 August 2009 |accessdate=11 August 2009 |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25899593-662,00.html}}</ref><ref>{{Citation
| last = Magee
| first = Antonia
| last2 = Harris
| first2 = Amelia
| title = Dead bushfire Koala Sam stuffed for museum
| newspaper = The Herald Sun
| year = 2010
| date = 14 January 2010
| url = http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/dead-bushfire-koala-sam-stuffed-for-museum/story-e6frfku0-1225819263345
| accessdate = 4 February 2010
}}
</ref>


== Related products ==
==Controversy==
⚫
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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> A total of A$300,000 was also raised for the [[Country Fire Authority]] and other charities through selling photographs of Sam's rescue.<ref>{{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}}</ref>
On 20 February 2009, a retired army engineer major, Mary-Ann Martinek, applied to use the words "Sam the Koala" as a trademark for chocolates and in February-March 2009 submitted an application to the Trademark Office. Following two media articles on 11 and 12 August 2009, written by the HeraldSun's Amelia Harris and Megan McNaught, the journalist Ben Butler (and Harris) approached the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) media office for comment about the pending trademark applications. Butler then wrote an article <ref>{{cite news|first=Ben | last=Butler | title= Mary-Ann Martinek could win rights to sell Sam chocolate | date = 12 August 2009 | accessdate= 21 January 2010|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/mary-ann-martinek-could-win-rights-to-sell-sam-chocolate/story-e6frf7kx-1225804544440}}</ref> The DSE filed a notice of opposition and later filed an evidence in support of their opposition on 15 December 2009. The DSE and Martinek are now engaged in a standard opposition process. The Trademark Office accepted Martinek's trademarks for registration and they were assessed as meeting the requirements of the Trademarks Act. An opposition process permits third parties to object but they must state their reasons in writing and this is considered by the Trademark Office.

== 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).<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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'.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

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);<ref>{{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}}</ref> however, DSE Application TM1374402 was issued an "Adverse Report1"<ref>{{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}}</ref> on 27 August 2010.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{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==
==External links==
*[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/sam-the-wildfire-koala-is-dead-1768015.html Obituary - The Independent, United Kingdom]
*[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/sam-the-wildfire-koala-is-dead-1768015.html Obituary – The Independent, United Kingdom]
*[http://www.samthekoala.com.au Sam the Koala]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sam (Koala)}}
[[Category:2000s animal births]]
[[Category:2009 animal deaths]]
[[Category:2009 animal deaths]]
[[Category:Koalas]]
[[Category:Animal deaths by euthanasia]]
[[Category:2009 in Australia]]
[[Category:2009 in Australia]]
[[Category:Famous animals]]
[[Category:Individual marsupials]]
[[Category:Koalas]]

Latest revision as of 23:04, 10 August 2024

Sam
Sam on the cover of the Bushfire Aid CD
SpeciesKoala
SexFemale
Born2005–2007
Victoria, Australia
Died6 August 2009 (aged 1–4)
Morwell, Victoria, Australia
Known forBackburning survivor, subsequently linked to Black Saturday bushfires
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

[edit]

A mobile phone video of the event,[1] which attracted just over 1.4 million views on YouTube,[2] 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.[1] Sam is then shown drinking from a bottle he is holding for her.[3] She is also seen allowing herself to be patted, and holding her paw on his hand. Sam became a symbol of hope.[4] 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.[5] Tree and his crew came across Sam when they were blacking out (making sure that a contained or checked fire does not restart)[6][7] after the fires had gone through. The video was recorded by Tree and other firefighters; it had been intended for Tree's daughter.[5]

Treatment

[edit]

Sam was subsequently taken to the Southern Ash Wildlife Centre in Rawson[8] where she was found to be suffering from second-degree burns to her paws and given painkillers.[1][9] Caretakers at the shelter expected that it would take her about eight months to recover.[1][10] Based on the condition of her teeth, the shelter manager estimated her to be between two and four years old.[1] She was placed with a male koala named Bob,[10] who had been rescued from another of the bushfire areas two days earlier and was suffering from third-degree burns.[1]

Subsequent events

[edit]
Sam's remains exhibited at Melbourne Museum

Sam's story was featured in media outlets worldwide, including The New York Times and CNN.[11] Gossip site TMZ.com mocked the rescue, calling Sam "pampered";[12] this drew significant reader backlash and attention. TMZ later apologised to Sam.[13]

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.[14] Sam's remains were moved to Melbourne Museum where they were preserved as a symbol of the bushfires.[15][16][17]

The Giant Koala (one of Australia's big things) was renamed Sam to raise awareness of koalas.[18]

[edit]

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.[19] A total of A$300,000 was also raised for the Country Fire Authority and other charities through selling photographs of Sam's rescue.[20]

Trademark dispute

[edit]

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).[21][22] 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'.[23]

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);[24] however, DSE Application TM1374402 was issued an "Adverse Report1"[25] on 27 August 2010.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Goldsmith, Belinda (11 February 2009). "Koala love story wins hearts after deadly Aussie fires". Reuters. Archived from the original on 13 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  2. ^ "Australian bush fires: Thirsty koala becomes Australia's wild fire star". The Daily Telegraph. London. 11 February 2009. Retrieved 11 February 2009.
  3. ^ "Burned koala accepts a hand". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. 11 February 2009. Retrieved 11 February 2009.
  4. ^ "Sam the koala, a symbol of hope, rises from Australia's ashes". The Irish Times. 11 February 2009. Retrieved 21 February 2009.
  5. ^ a b Vincent, Prue (12 February 2009). "'Koala Man' footage not what it seems". The Age. Melbourne. Archived from the original on 15 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  6. ^ "Beechworth Area Fire Community Update Newsletter – Edition 6, 9 a.m." (PDF). 15 February 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  7. ^ "Bushfire prevention". Glenhaven Rural Fire Brigade. 19 May 2007. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  8. ^ "Koala Sam meets her saviour". Gold Coast. 2009. Archived from the original on 15 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  9. ^ Gelineau, Kristen (12 February 2008). "Koala saved from Australia's wildfires doing well". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 15 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  10. ^ a b Gelineau, Kristen (11 February 2009). "Turtle's shell melts in Australia's fires". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 15 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  11. ^ "Say it for Sam the koala". Herald Sun. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 14 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  12. ^ "Victoria bushfires victim Sam the koala earns US apology". Perth Now. The Sunday Times. 11 February 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
  13. ^ "Our Apologies to Sam, Australia". TMZ.com. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 12 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  14. ^ "Sam the Koala dies". Herald Sun. News Limited. 6 August 2009. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
  15. ^ Cuthbertson, Kathleen (8 August 2009). "Sam the Koala to be preserved like Phar Lap at Melbourne Museum". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 12 August 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  16. ^ Magee, Antonia; Harris, Amelia (14 January 2010), "Dead bushfire Koala Sam stuffed for museum", Herald Sun.
  17. ^ Carland, Rebecca (2017). "Sam the Koala". Museums Victoria Collections. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  18. ^ DRYBURGH, MICHELLE (9 August 2009). "Giant Koala to be renamed in honour of Sam the koala". The Wimmera Mail-Times.
  19. ^ "Bushfire Aid: Artists for the Bushfire Appeal". Bushfire Aid. 12 February 2009. Archived from the original on 20 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  20. ^ McNaught, Megan (18 February 2009). "Sam the Koala raises $300,000 for CFA". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 18 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  21. ^ "TM application for Sam the Koala". IP Australia. 20 February 2009. Retrieved 20 February 2009.
  22. ^ "Aussie publicists applies to make chocolate of Sam the Koala". 3news.co.nz. 11 August 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  23. ^ "Aussie Opposition History". IP Australia. 15 September 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  24. ^ "Sam the Koala". IP Australia. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
  25. ^ "Adverse Report1". IP Australia. 27 August 2010. Retrieved 27 August 2010.

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Sam_(koala)&oldid=1239698134"