Amid Bushfires, Three Bottles of Hope

Although the bushfires that have struck southeastern Australia in the past month are thousands of miles away, that doesn't lessen the concern I have for my many friends living in in the state of Victoria. But last week a glimmer of hope came to all Australians in the fuzzy form of a now very famous koala.

David Tree and his fellow firefighters--who shot the video, above--spotted the female koala, who they named Sam, while driving through Mirboo North. The Herald Sun reports:

"I could see she had sore feet and was in trouble, so I pulled over the fire truck. She just plonked herself down, as if to say 'I'm beat'," [said Tree]. "I offered her a drink and she drank three bottles. The most amazing part was when she grabbed my hand. I will never forget that."

Sam happily drank three bottles of water before wildlife rescuers came to get her. The koala is now in the care of Coleen Woods, who says Sam has become rather friendly with male koala Bob. A happy ending for everyone.