A GoFundMe launched by the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to help care for bushfire-affected koalas has raised more than $1 million dollars, smashing its initial target of $25,000 more than 40 times over.
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“We are overwhelmed and humbled with gratitude for the support and care shown by people from all over the world for our efforts to care for koalas now and to try to ensure that we still have koalas for generations to come,” the hospital said.
“The initial target of $25,000 has well and truly been exceeded.”
At the time of writing, more than $1.145 million has been donated. The extra money will now be used to extend drinking stations across a wider area of koala habitat in NSW, as well as establish a koala breeding program, according to the GoFundMe.
“All at the Koala Hospital want to thank each and everyone of you who have donated. Your kind donations make a massive difference in helping us to continue to look after these amazing creatures.”
It’s estimated more than 350 koalas have died in the NSW and Queensland bushfires, devastating an already at-risk population.
The plight of koalas has made headlines around the world – particularly after a video was taken of Port Macquarie woman / deadset legend Toni Doherty, who rushed in to save a terrified koala using the shirt off her own back.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5F7jjjlEul/
That baby boy – named Lewis, after Toni’s grandchild – sustained significant burns in the blaze, and it’s not yet known if he’ll pull through.
“After treatment at the Hospital, Lewis is now receiving round the clock care by one of our long term home care volunteers and Hospital supervisor, Barb. Barb hand feeds Lewis a single leaf at a time, with feeding taking up to an hour a feed,” the hospital said.
“Lewis’s prognosis is guarded as he sustained significant burns however he is receiving the best possible care.”
We love you Lewis <3.
