Sam the Koala

Over the past week bushfires have devastated the Australian state of Victoria. Almost 200 people have lost their lives and thousands have been left homeless. The nation is grief stricken and is still trying to come to terms with this worst natural disaster in our history. Along with the human tragedy, it is feared that up to a million animals have been killed also. Much of the native wildlife that live in bush areas are small marsupials (koalas and wombats) who are slow-moving creatures and had no hope at all of outrunning the flames. Even the fleet of foot kangaroo population has been decimated due to the frightening intensity of the fires and the incredibly large areas the fire fronts swept down on with very little warning.

Wildlife Victoria, a wildlife rescue organization, is coordinating the rescue and care of injured wildlife. Volunteers are combing the bush for these injured animals. Sadly, many have been so badly burned they are having to be put down. Funds are desperately needed to continue the rescue efforts. If anyone is interested in donating please click on the link below to go to Wildlife Victoria’s home page. From there you will be able donate to this worthy cause. Any amount, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. Also, international donors can donate to the organization via PayPal from the Wildlife Victoria home page.

http://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/cms/index.php

Sam gets a helping hand

Posted on February 13th, 2009 by Pat Turner
Filed under: General