Hot and windy conditions over the past weekend led authorities in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to declare a state of emergency.
Top image credit: Peter Tremain
Leading scientist estimate over a billion animals have been killed in bushfires this season, with millions of miles burnt across the country. Recovery from a disaster of this scale is complex and will take months and even years.
Thanks to your support, Australian animals aren’t facing this crisis alone.
Here’s how your support is helping animals now and in the future.
To help local organizations with the immediate response, we’ve provided medical supplies to a mobile triage van, supporting the care of 21 kangaroos like Flame the female joey pictured below.
The vets had to remove damaged tissue and/or foreign objects from her wous and applied a laser treatment to help with the healing. Flame is now with a wildlife carer and will be released into the wild when she has recovered.
We’ve also supported the search for survivors in bushfire-affected area through the use of a thermal imaging drone.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be working to fully assess the impact of the bushfires on Australian animals to support long-term recovery. This assessment will also allow us to more accurately to identify the gaps in our current approach, calling on the government to increase protection, and preparedness to respond to disasters, for Australia’s unique animals, plants and environment.
Over the coming months, we’ll be working to change to legal frameworks, plans, policies and conventions to ensure animals are included in disaster planning.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without people like you who care so deeply for animals in need. Thank you!
Thanks to your support, Australian animals aren’t facing this crisis alone.