Photo Friday

This is an incredible photo, and while I'm sure most of you would've seen it by now it's worth sharing anyway:

Koalas generally don't drink water - this poor thing drank 3 bottles!

This amazing picture - snapped by a volunteer firefighter on his mobile phone - has actually generated a bit of controversy. Gossip website TMZ has been slammed for poking fun at the picture, and there have been claims that the koala, a female since named Sam, was not in a bushfire but was a victim of backburning. These claims are false - while she was not a victim of the horrific fires that claimed so many lives she was in an area where 31 homes were destroyed and firefighters were backburning to prevent further losses.

The story doesn't end there, however. On a more positive note Sam was picked up by wildlife carers and is now having the serious burns on her paws treated. Not only does she have a bucketload of human admirers, but a furry one as well. Fellow fire survivor Bob, a male koala, has taken quite a shine to Sam. I know we're not supposed to place human characteristics onto animals but how else would you put it:

That's Bob sitting upright with his paw on Sam.

If you haven't already, please consider donating something to the victims - both animal and human - of this overwhelming tragedy. If you don't live in Australia and so can't stop by any of the banks or drop a few coins into a collection tin, or even if you do, consider the Australian Red Cross or even buying a copy of that picture up top (proceeds go to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria).

Stay safe everyone!