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How To Help Animals In The Australian Wildfires
This article contains graphic images that may upset some readers.
So far, CNN has reported that at least 18 people have died as a result of the bushfires, and more than 900 homes have been destroyed. Sadly, the death toll and destruction of wildlife have been even more intense.
Ecologists with the University of Sydney have estimated that since September, almost half a billion animals have died! Let me repeat, half a billion! ABC Radio has reported that 8,000 koalas have been killed, meaning that 30% of the koala population in New South Wales have been wiped out. There have been reports of thousands of birds – including the sulfur-crested cockatoos – just falling out of the skies dead as a result of all the intense heat, stress, and smoke.
Besides all this devastation, the Australian government has come under fire due to it not curbing coal use – something which accounts for more than 60% of the country’s electricity. And while rapid phasing out of coal use is vital to helping curb climate change, Australia’s rank as the globe’s biggest coal exporter is putting both human and animal lives in great danger.
While the bushfires continue to rage with no signs of slowing down, saving lives is currently the top priority. There are plenty of ways to assist the people affected by the fires, but if you’re looking to specifically help save the vulnerable animals, there below are four ways to contribute.
1. Donate To GreaterGood.org
GreaterGood.org is working with responding partners including IFAW, World Central Kitchen, and Humane Society International to fund meals for displaced people, temporary shelter, and medical care for pets and wildlife affected. 100% of your emergency donations will go to support response and recovery from this tragedy. Rush your gift today—any amount helps.
2. Donate to WIRES
WIRES – New South Wales Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc. – is Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organization, and they are desperately seeking emergency donations in order to increase their capacity to aid the poor animals caught in the flames. Based off their website, WIRES receives between 600 and 1,000 calls every single day from people asking for them to provide assistance rescuing or caring for sick, injured, or orphaned animals.
3. Leaving Out Water Helps
This applies to everyone living in Australia who is safe, but still living in the areas close to the fires. WIRES also cautions people not to attempt rescuing animals without proper training first. However, if you do encounter an injured animal that you are able to get to the nearest vet, WIRES says that you shouldn’t feed the animal, but instead try to wrap it loosely in cotton fabric during transport. WIRES also recommends leaving out shallow bowls of water for fleeing birds and animals.
4. Donate To The World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund, also known as WWF, is responding to the state of emergency in New South Wales, and they’re asking people to please donate to the relief efforts. Once the bushfires clear, the areas that have been devastated will definitely need to be restored and made habitable again. The WWF is preparing to restore homes as well as care for the injured wildlife, and these efforts will include providing emergency aid as well as continuing advocacy efforts in order to try and prevent these kinds of catastrophes.
So whether you’re living on the Australian continent itself, or residing on the far side of the world, now is the time for all of us to come together in the face of destruction to help the animals of Australia. Let’s all do the decent thing and donate.
Anastasia is an American writer and journalist living in Dublin, Ireland. Her Twitter is @AnastasiaArell5.
