As nasty bushfires rage in south-eastern QLD and the NSW north coast, images have begun trickling in around all the animals that have been rescued by RSPCA teams across both states, as well as wildlife volunteer teams like WIRES and Wildcare.
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As per the ABC, a koala and her little joey, named Aisling and Rupert by their carers, have become the sign of hope and enduring hardship in the unseasonally hectic bushfires, as they recover with singed fur in a Brisbane wildlife hospital.
Michael Beatty from RSPCA QLD has told PEDESTRIAN.TV that wee Rupert is in good health, but fear for Aisling’s health, who the RSPCA believe is in more of a touch-and-go state at the moment.
He also told us that animals are now being brought into care from fire sites, with the koala and baby arriving over the weekend, but anticipates that a lot more animals will be brought into shelters as the days progress and the fires continue.
Michael and the wider RSPCA teams are encouraging people in Queensland to call their hotline if an injured animal is found, who then contact the nearest wildlife carer.
“Basically we’re just urging people to call 1300 ANIMAL if they see any injured wildlife,” Michael said.
“Although there are quite a few areas that are still inaccessible.”
A young, orphaned swamp wallaby was also brought into a QLD RSPCA shelter, and after losing its mum in the bushfires, it will now be rehomed with a carer. If you’ll excuse me I’m just going to sob at my desk over how much of a pure angel this little hoppy baby is.
Wildlife rescue teams are also reminding people driving near bushfire sites to be hyper-vigilant of animals that may be using the roads to escape.
“People also need to be aware when driving that wildlife can be running from the fires and will be crossing roads more than usual.”
If you come across an injured animal, it’s important that you don’t try and remove larger wildlife like wombats, koalas or kangaroos from the road as they could lash out while in shock, but giving them water while waiting for wildlife carers to arrive is a way that you can provide immediate assistance to injured or fire-affected wildlife.
For those in QLD, immediately call 1800 ANIMAL (1800 264 625) with your location and any information on the animal’s injuries. If you’re in NSW, you can contact WIRES on 1300 094 737.
