How your support will help Australian animals
News
The devastating wildfires that have torn through Australia have caused immense suffering and destruction, but the generosity of our supporters gives us hope.
Top photo: Plants regrowing in burnt forest areas scarred by the bushfires.
Our hearts go out to the animals, people and property affected by the Australia bushfire crisis.
What we know
Until all the fires stop burning, we won’t know the full extent of damage. But leading experts estimate over a 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 weeks, months and even years.
While we don’t have a complete picture of the scale of the crisis to provide a comprehensive solution just yet, we do know the way Australia plans and prepares for animals in disasters needs to change.
Our disaster management team assessing recovery options for animals.
Here’s how your support is helping Australian animals
Thanks to you, we’re offering support to local wildlife organisations in affected states in their efforts.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be working to 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 Australia's 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.
From our 50 years’ experience in disaster management we know the hardest work is yet to come. 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.
Smoke spreading across Bilpin, in New South Wales. Image by Peter Tremain.
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 to our on-going disaster management work.
Thanks to you, we’re offering support to local wildlife organisations in affected states in their efforts.