How You Can Help Vets and Wildlife Rescues Save Animals in Australia

By PetMD Editorial on Jan. 17, 2020

The wildfires in Australia are having an absolutely devastating effect on humans and animals alike. According to CNN, over 17.9 million acres of land have been scorched by the fires—which is an area larger than the countries of Belgium and Denmark combined. (The tragic wildfires in California in 2019 burned 247,000 acres.)

And with the continued images and reports of injured koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies flooding in through the news, many people are clamoring to find meaningful ways to help the animals affected by the fire.

The Guardian is reporting that the ecologist Chris Dickman estimates the total loss of life amongst animals—excluding fish, frogs, bats and insects—to be over one billion.

With so many animals in need, wildlife organizations and veterinarians from all over are stepping up and working to help care for the injured.

NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc. (WIRES)—a wildlife charity—has been working 24/7 to provide care to the wildlife affected by the fires.

The Australia-based team of veterinarians from World Vets, led by World Vets Disaster Response veterinarian Dr. Ben Brown, is working tirelessly on the ground to assist with injured animals—from wildlife to livestock and domestic pets.

So how can you help the veterinarians, wildlife organizations, and volunteers that are on the ground? At the moment, the best way to help is to donate to legitimate organizations to support their work.

These organizations are on the ground opening up their hospitals and homes to care for injured animals. They are also working 24/7 to provide the necessary medical care and supplies each of these animals need to heal their wounds.

Here are a few organizations that are focused on rescue and support for animals affected by the fire:

WIRES Wildlife Rescue
World Vets
Koala Hospital Port Macquarie
Australian Zoo Wildlife Warriors
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
Zoos Victoria
Kangaroo Island Go Fund Me
American Veterinary Medical Foundation (select “Disaster Relief – AVMF Benevolent Fund” in the “Apply my donation to” dropdown)

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is already donating $25,000 to help with wildfire assistance, but they are also willing to match up to $50,000 US dollars in donations for wildlife assistance.

While we may want to volunteer our time or send supplies, these organizations are saying that right now, what they need most is financial support.