How to help wildlife victims of fires in Australia

The deadly brush fires are burning in Australia have scorched nearly 18 million acres of land and caused massive devastation. Undeveloped areas such as forests and national parks have been particularly hard-hit and have caused great suffering and loss of wildlife.

Scientists estimate that 480 million animals may have already perished and expect that that number is likely to be much higher. While the situation is catastrophic, there is work being done on the ground to provide aid to or otherwise assist the many animals that have been affected by this tragedy.

.@BBCRealityCheck also gives a clear explanation about how ecologists estimate how many animals have died, and the many caveats that come with these numbers.#AustraliaFires #AustraliaBurning https://t.co/ryErdNZGfJ

— Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) January 7, 2020

In the immediate term, you can help by donating to organizations that are working to provide this aid and assist Australia’s wildlife.

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and organizations that are working along with it have created a Gofundme page to raise needed funds to set up drinking stations for animals that remain in burned areas and to create a koala breeding program to recover this species.

WIRES Australia is rescuing and caring for victims of the fires and drought and reports that it attended more than 3,000 rescues in December.

The Minny Kitty Commune is accepting donations to organize emergency food and water delivery.

Animals Australia is providing support to wildlife veterinarians that are providing medial care to surviving animals.

The New South Wales RSPCA is working at evacuation centers to treat affected animals and is going into cleared areas to search and provide aid.

The New York Times has compiled an additional list of organizations working to respond to these fires. Please comment below if there are organizations doing direct service in Australia that you are supporting.