Emergency response: Helping Australia’s animals recover
Australia is currently experiencing an unprecedented catastrophe. Bushfires have raged for months causing mass devastation to animal populations and habitats.
World Animal Protection goes wherever the need is greatest for animals and, in Australia, the need is great.
Cover photo by Jamen Percy / Shutterstock
Bushfires have led to mass devastation across Australia. In their wake over a billion animals have been killed or are suffering immensely.
Please make a contribution to our disaster management fund to help us be there to protect vulnerable animals, and support communities and governments in preparing for disasters.
Image by Peter Tremain
How we will help protect Australian animals
World Animal Protection goes wherever the need is greatest for animals and, in Australia, the need is great.
For more than half a century, we’ve helped millions of pets, farm animals, and wild animals in 270 disaster responses in over 80 different countries, including in the Amazon, Southern Africa, Indonesia, Mongolia, the Philippines and Haiti. And now, it’s time for action to protect vulnerable animals in Australia.
We have been evaluating how best to apply our global disaster management expertise to support the recovery effort. Scientists are worried that some ecosystems may never fully recover, and we will be focusing on developing longer-term recovery initiatives that will be required in the coming weeks, months and years. This may include partnering with other groups on the ground, supporting disaster evacuation planning, disaster response training and, ultimately, the establishment of a national office for the coordination of animal welfare in disasters.
Image by Peter Tremain
Canadians are stepping up for animals
Colin Saravanamuttoo, Executive Director in Canada, said: “It is heart-breaking to see the devastation in Australia. With more than a billion animals already killed by the raging bushfires, and with that number expected to increase, compassionate Canadians are providing funds for recovery efforts.
“Those animals that have survived now face severe loss of habitat, threat of starvation and dehydration, lack of shelter and increased predator threat. The devastating drought and fires have hit wildlife habitats so hard; recovery efforts will be critical.
“Local animal organizations in Australia are currently responding to the bushfires and are doing an incredible job to give surviving animals a chance. While immediate response is essential, it is also important that we begin planning for long-term recovery efforts for these unique animal populations now, and that’s where we can help.”
Image by Peter Tremain
Animals need your help
Everything is on the table as all support agencies continue to define the most appropriate recovery initiatives for Australia.
Every animal deserves a life without suffering. Together, we can give them that life.
