This is a travel blog… but in my heart, I am an animal rescuer. Watching the news of the spreading fires in Australia hurts me to the core. Today it was recorded that an estimated half a billion animals have died in the fires. Yes, that was a B. I am filled with that feeling of helplessness. I am so far away, what can I actually do to help Australian wildlife during the fires? My emotions begin to get the better of me and then the famous quote by Mr. Rogers always comes back.
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
So that is what we have to do. There are people helping. Fighting. Braving these fires. What we have to do is support them. Because they can’t do it alone.
Here is a list of the groups helping wildlife. I will link to their Facebook pages, because that is where you will find the most up to date information. They are running low on resources and need all the help that they can get. Pick one and donate to them. Follow them on Facebook to see what is needed. Please do whatever you can to help support their efforts.
Australian charities helping the animals
1. The Rescue Collective- The Rescue Collective works together with like-minded people, to support animal rescue, wildlife organizations and their volunteers across the East Coast of Australia. Donate to their Bush Fire Appeal by visiting their website. Follow them on Facebook for up to date news.
2. Wildlife Rescue South Coast– the largest wildlife rescue group in the NSW South Coast region. Follow them on Facebook for the latest news.
3. Wildlife Victoria– Wildlife Emergency Response Service. Good information about how to help during the fires. Follow them on Facebook for the latest news.
4. Koala Hospital– licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility caring for burn victims, including Lewis (the koala made famous by the woman who saved him with the shirt off her back). Follow them on Facebook for the latest news.
5. FAWNA, NSW Inc (which stands for: For Australian Wildlife Needing Aid)- is the only group licensed for all species in its 18,000 sq km area which ranges south from Bulahdelah to the northern part of the Kempsey Shire and west to Stroud and Gloucester. Follow them on Facebook for latest news.
6. Wildlife Rescue & Protection Inc (WRAP) – a network of DELWP registered wildlife shelters, carers and rescuers operating across Gippsland. Follow them on Facebook for the latest news.
7. Wild2Free Inc. Kangaroo Sanctuary- a network of carers, shelters and rescuers dedicated to helping care for Gippsland’s native wildlife. Follow them on Facebook for the latest news.
8. Warriors 4 Wildlife– not-for-profit rescue organization dedicated to rescuing sick, injured, orphaned or abandoned animals in need. Follow them on Facebook for latest news.
This is the best way I know how to help Australian Wildlife during the fires. If there is a good group or organization that I missed, just let me know. Please help if you can. Even if it is words of encouragement so that they know they are not alone. And whatever your religious beliefs are, get on your knees and pray.
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