The Koala population has been so devastated already by the Australian Wildfires that the marsupial may end up on the endangered species list - a tragic thing to happen to such an iconic animal!
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Over 50,000 square miles of land have been devastated in the Australian brushfires which are expected to continue for several months. They have destroyed homes, and killed more than 20 people and one billion animals – that’s “billion”, with a ‘B’ - including the kangaroo and the koala, two of Australia’s iconic animals.
Among those helping is the family of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. His wife Terri, daughter Bindi and son Robert own the Australia Zoo, whose Wildlife Hospital has helped over 90,000 animals from the fires, including birds, koalas and platypus.
Humane Society International has deployed disaster response experts to assist with animal rescue and recovery efforts, sending emergency truckloads of water, feed for rescued animals, and team members to help with animal care.
The Animal Rescue Craft Guild, a group of Australian crafters who help animals all year long, put out a call on Facebook for joey pouches and other items which can be sewn, and crocheted bird nests. They started with a thousand members, but have more than twenty times that now, with people contributing from several countries.
If you are wondering what you can do to help, make a donation to a group or organization that is involved in assisting the people and animals affected by the wildfires. Go to vic.gov.au and click on Brushfire Appeal to donate to a fund for affected families and communities.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital needs donations for new enclosures to house animals displaced by the fires.
Or search online for other ways to help the victims of the Australia fires.
A word of caution – before donating, check out the organization on CharityWatch.org or the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission website – to make sure your money is going to a worthy cause.
The Australia wildfires will require a long-term sustained response, including rescue, rehabilitation, and rebuilding. This is a chance for all of us to make a real difference, when we’re speaking of people, wildlife, and even pets.
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