Sam the KoalaPrint Page 
The Koala Information Centre commemorates Sam the Koala who died as a result of the "Black Saturday" bushfires in February 2009.
Sam (2005-07 – 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.
Sam was euthanised on 6 August 2009. The decision was made after exploratory surgery on her urinary baldder 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. Sam's remains were moved to Melbourne Museum where they were preserved as a symbol of the bushfires.
Location
| Address: | Western Highway, The Giant Koala, Dadswells Bridge, 3385 |
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| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -36.918117 Long: 142.513882 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Structure |
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| Monument Theme: | Culture |
| Sub-Theme: | Animals |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 07-February-2009 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 07-February-2009 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Saturday 10th October, 2009 |
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Plaque :
On This Day, The 10th October 2009,
John Forrest MP
Minister for the Mallee
Officially Renamed The Giant Koala
"Sam"
And Opened The Koala Information
Centre In Memory Of "Sam" The
Koala Who Died As A Result Of
The "Black Saturday" Bushfires
On The 7th February 2009
By The Owners : Robert & Julie-Anne McPherson
