updated 7 January 2020
Our hearts go out to everyone being affected by the bushfires in Australia. Thank you to the remarkable men and women currently fighting fires and helping to rescue and care for our precious wildlife.
Thank you also to the many concerned people who have contacted us asking how they can help wildlife affected by the fires and for the wonderful donations we have received.
Donations
Whilst Wildlife Queensland is not actively collecting donations for bushfire-affected wildlife, please be assured that we will forward any donations received to wildlife care and rescue organisations in need.
If you wish to donate cash directly to any of the following causes, the funds will go where they are needed instantly.
WIRES
WIRES is a wildlife charity that relies on community support to operate its rescue and care services for wildlife 365 days a year. They have a dedicated Rescue Office and 28 branches covering all of New South Wales. They are asking for emergency bushfire/drought donations to help rescue and care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. You can donate via PayPal through the Paypal Giving Fund. If you wish to donate over the phone or via bank deposit, please email support@wires.org.au.
Wildlife Rescue South Coast
Wildlife Rescue South Coast is volunteer-run and covers the coast along New South Wales from Wollongong to the Victorian border. They are asking for donations to help get veterinary help, medicine and supplies to animals who have been affected by the fires. You can donate via PayPal or through their website.
The Rescue Collective
The Rescue Collective is based in Brisbane and is rescuing wildlife like kangaroos and birds from the fires. They are providing food and water to animals who are starving in burnt bushland. You can donate to their fundraising campaign to provide bushfire relief for wildlife here.
RSPCA New South Wales
RSPCA NSW is asking people to donate to their bushfire appeal to help keep their inspectors on the road responding to emergencies, assisting animals in need and helping members of the public keep their pets and livestock safe from the fires. You can donate via their website here.
RSPCA Western Australia
RSPCA WA is asking for donations to help animals affected by the bushfires. They will distribute donations to the RSPCA societies in other states on your behalf and in the state of WA where it’s needed. You can donate here, and please include “Bushfire Appeal” in the Your Comments section, so that your donation reaches these animals.
RSPCA Queensland
RSPCA QLD is asking for donations to help them to continue running the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital and save koalas. Donations can be made here.
Adelaide Koala Rescue
Adelaide Koala Rescue Limited is a not for profit organisation and registered charity providing a free 24/7 wildlife rescue service to the South Australian community. They are asking for donations for veterinary bills including medication, formula and nutritional supplements for handraised joeys and koalas in rehab and essential equipment such as transport carriers and rescue poles. Donations can be made here.
Additional Queensland-based charities and organisations:
Counselling
Caring for the wildlife carers
WildTalk is Australia’s first counselling service dedicated to the wildlife carers who pour their hearts and souls into looking after sick and injured wildlife. The level of distress has catapulted during this horrific bushfire season, with carers confronted with thousands of sick, starving, scared and injured wildlife.
The service is free. Carers can access up to six support sessions from accredited professional counsellors across Australia, 24/7.
Phone 1300-307-111 or for more information visit the WildTalk website.
If you find injured wildlife
Wrap in a towel and place in a secure box, then call the:
- Wildcare emergency hotline on 07 5527 2444 (QLD) OR the
- RSPCA hotline on 1300 264 625
Other ways to help
Wildcare Australia Inc. and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation have communicated important information about the South East Queensland bushfires and how you can help:
- Don’t enter fire-affected areas to search for wildlife – please leave this to trained personnel
- Don’t attempt to handle dangerous animals such as koalas, adult kangaroos and wallabies, snakes or bats – always call for help
- You can help your local wildlife by placing bowls of water out in various places in your backyards as we experience this incredibly dry and hot weather. They will be very grateful (make sure kitty is indoors, so you don’t provide her with an easy meal at the water bowl!).
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