Black Saturday Devestated a huge amount of Victorias Wildlife Population

With temperatures soaring to over 47 degrees centigrade combined with hot northerly winds, it comes as no surprise that Victoria was in an extreme fire danger situation. No-one could envisage the horrendous situation that did in fact arise. The worst fires in Australian history continued burning for over two weeks with 209+ human lives lost - homes, businesses, community facilities lost numbering in the thousands. Millions of acres devastated, from residential townships razed to farmland and parks and forest. This singular catastrophe sent the entire country into a state of mourning and emergency. Due to the amazing efforts of the CFA, Police and other emergency crews, thousands of our precious people were able to escape and survive, and for this, every person in Australia will be forever grateful.

While the human factor is and should be to the forefront of this catastrophe, the destruction of native flora and fauna is beyond belief. On ground zero, the animals had no chance. The aftermath shows carnage on a scale that is incomprehensible. For every single Koala survivor there are thousands lying charred on the blackened forest floor. For every rare native possum found still alive, thousands more have been cremated in the trees. The list goes on, for millions of species have been destroyed. Some already on the threatened or endangered list are now on the brink of extinction. If in fact they are not already. It will be many months before we know the true extent of this damage.

The animals rescued by organisations across the country will need care and medical attention for many months to come before they can be repatriated back into the wild, But, the ‘wild’ needs to be a lush bushland setting, not the bleak, scorched inhospitable terrain from whence they came. The areas where these unfortunate creatures usually inhabit will take years to become sustainable to even the most minute denizens, Today, there is nary a leaf or blade of grass, bug, or even ant for these animals to eat. The water courses and creeks have been reduced to black and toxic puddles and ponds, contaminated with the many carcasses of creatures who sought refuge from the fires in these places.

Aid to wildlife seems to always be the last item of any political agenda and it is for this reason we rely mainly of private donations and fundraisers. Corporate sponsorship is desperately needed, as the many rescuers, carers, veterinarians, and others involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of these unique creatures, are all working voluntarily. None receive any monetary compensation for their efforts. We are not asking to be financially rewarded, as the saving of these creatures is our reward. But, our supplies, medical (drugs, dressings, ointments etc), dietary (formula, feed etc.) and temporary accommodation (cages, enclosures etc) need to be purchased and our resources are stretched to breaking point. We need continually to buy fuel for the vehicles, protective clothing, and a range of disposable items Although we have been receiving donations on an amazing scale and are grateful for this ... sadly, it is not enough. Today, EVERY Wildlife Volunteer Organisation in Victoria desperately needs help. Please keep those donations coming in. You can donate
on line with credit card via PayPal, or send a cheque or money order to:

Statewide Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service Inc.
P.O. Box 120
Golden Square VIC 3555