Sharyn, a quick update on the fires and how much needed funds are being utilised:
New fires are still breaking out across the state, with fire fronts changing rapidly. We have at this stage lost 6 of our volunteer Wildlife Shelters to these devastating fires. We are doing what we can to get these shelters up and going as soon as we can.
Wildlife Victoria volunteers are scouting large areas of burnt bushland and have already rescued 100s of animals from the fire grounds. More animals are being found and saved every day, receiving emergency first aid followed by longer term treatment and care.
We are doing what we can to relieve the suffering of burnt animals quickly, setting up triage centres for emergency treatment and doing food drops for animals we can't find or reach.
We are organising the distribution of $50,000 worth of food supplies for animals who have survived the fires but are now starving because their food source is now gone. We are supplying vets in the field with supplies they need to cover the wildlife (and some other animals), including the Kinglake vet clinic that was burnt down where we are providing support for medical supplies, veterinarian staff, and logistical support.
We are supplying temporary cages, food for the animals, medical supplies for shelters whose equipment was burnt. We are supplying fire-proof safety gear for volunteer shelter operators to wear while out on their own properties, caring for wildlife that is coming to them. We are doing all we can to ensure the volunteers and the animals have everything they need to have the best possible chance of recovery and long term survival.
I can report that 'Koala Sam' is doing well, responding to treatment, and is at this stage likely to make a full recovery.
Just a few days ago we brought out another 17 koalas from another area of burnt bush (near Colac) and taken them into care. The koalas had been burnt a week earlier, and were severely dehydrated so our rescuers got there just in time.
Just one koala in care costs around $400 per week (including burns creams, dressings, IV fluids, food, antibiotics and general care) and rehabilitation can take many months before the koala can be successfully released back to its natural habitat.
The recuperation and recovery of the animal victims will take many months, the recovery of their habitats, food supplies and bushland will take years.
Each donation will make a huge difference to our capacity to get resources on the ground quickly and save as many animals' lives as possible.
Just a reminder that regular updates are available, including becoming a Wild Friend, Member, and other important information by visiting www.wildlifevictoria.org.au
Kind regards,
Amy Amato
Wildlife Victoria
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You can also go to: http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/wildvic/web/bushfire.html These links will allow you to make a donation via PayPal in other currencies... |
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