Helping Australian animals now and in the future
News
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 scientists estimate that over one billion animals have been killed in bushfires this season, with millions of hectares 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 organisations 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 wounds 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 using 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 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.
For impacted and at-risk communities, we’ll expand our Protect your Pet and PrepVet resources to support capacity-building and preparedness for animals.
Over the coming months we’ll be working to change legal frameworks, plans, policies and conventions to ensure animals are included in disaster planning.
On behalf of the animals, thank you
Animals are often the forgotten victims of natural disasters. However, the global generosity and support Australia has received has been overwhelming.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without people like you who care so deeply for animals in need. Thank you!
Please make a contribution to our disaster management fund to help us be there to protect vulnerable animals and support communities and governments to prepare. Funds raised will support animals affected by this disaster. If the funds raised exceed World Animal Protection’s needs, your gift will go toward our ongoing disaster management work.
Thanks to your support, Australian animals aren’t facing this crisis alone.