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Lewis, the koala that captured hearts after being plucked from Australia bushfires dies

November 26, 2019

A badly-burnt koala rescued by a member of the public after crawling through a bushfire in New South Wales has died today.

The marsupial, named Lewis, was rescued by a passer-by as he attempted to walk through the flames in Long Flat, Port Macquarie, last Tuesday.

The koala, who was believed to be around 14-years-old, captured peoples' hearts after making headlines around the world after footage of his dramatic rescue emerged.

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital confirmed Lewis' death in a post on Facebook today, saying his burns got worse and "would not have gotten better".

"Today we made the decision to put Ellenborough Lewis to sleep".

Hundreds of koalas have died in bushfires raging in NSW and Queensland.

World Animals Australia

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