This season's bushfires and the ongoing drought represent an unprecedented threat to our native wildlife. An estimated 480 million animals have been affected since bushfires in NSW started in September. However, the number above does not include insects, bats or frogs, so the true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million.
Firefighters and emergency services are not the only heroes saving lives in the East Coast bushfires. FNPW has launched this appeal to recognise and support the army of dedicated carers and rescuers working behind-the-scenes to help animals that have been left hungry, homeless or hurt as a result of the devastation.
Wildlife workers take time off work and away from families to visit bushfire-ravaged areas. They treat animals large and small for burns, pain, smoke inhalation and dehydration. They take stressed and traumatised wildlife into their homes giving them quiet and comfortable space to rest and recover. They hand-raise bushfire orphans until they are old enough to return to the wild.
Funds raised through this appeal will be directed towards providing financial assistance to those groups most impacted by the fires through targeted funding for first aid and rescue equipment for injured animals, as well as providing support for wildlife carers through this difficult time.
On behalf of our Wildlife Heroes, Thank you! When FNPW launched its bushfire emergency appeal in support of Australia’s wonderful volunteer wildlife rescuers and carers back in November, we had no idea just how busy those volunteers would be this summer… nor the enormity of the challenges they would face, ahead of some of the worst bushfires our country has ever experienced. In response to the catastrophic fires that have ravaged the country, FNPW acted swiftly to implement a coordinated support program to address the immediate needs of the wildlife rescue and recovery sector. Through our Wildlife Heroes project, initial emergency funding has been provided and will continue to flow to the amazing volunteer groups that are rescuing and caring for injured wildlife. FNPW has made sure that the money you have generously donated has immediately been put to work. We’ve allocated emergency grants to wildlife organisations across the country helping the animal survivors that have been and are still being rescued. And we are coordinating our efforts with State governments in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA and WA to ensure that funds are used in the most effective way and compliment other relief efforts. With the expansion of the Wildlife Heroes program, your support will ensure there is long term funding for wildlife rehabilitation and habitat restoration so that animals can be safely released back into the wild. You can also be part of the long-term restoration of our damaged landscapes by becoming a Habitat Hero monthly donor. By doing this you will be supporting the immediate disaster response taking place right now, as well as the extensive program that will be needed to rehabilitate our natural environment in the difficult months and years ahead. On behalf of the dedicated team here at FNPW, thank you for your tremendous support of our important work. We can’t do it without you. Yours sincerely, Ian Darbyshire CEO - Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife