The devastating bushfires that swept through the Australian province of New South Wales in recent weeks have tragically claimed the lives of six people. Over 500 homes were destroyed.
In certain areas of New South Wales, residents were forced to evacuate due to more than fifty fires raging in the region. Sadly, only half of these fires could be contained.
The wildlife, unable to escape, suffered greatly with as many as 350 koalas losing their lives, as reported by News.com.au.
The fires have significantly impacted the koala population, with around 600 koalas affected in the Lakes Innes nature reserve.
Burned to Ashes
“We suspect most animals were burned, as if they were cremated,” stated President Sue Ashton in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald.
About 16 koalas have been rescued and are currently receiving treatment at the koala hospital in Port Macquarie.
Many koalas have suffered burn wounds on their feet, hands, and bodies, increasing the risk of starvation due to lack of available food.
The death toll among koalas may rise further, prompting a call for the public to assist in bringing injured animals to the hospital.
The devastation of the wildfires has been a major blow to wildlife, particularly the vulnerable koalas, raising concerns about the risk of extinction.
Deborah Tabart, from the Australian Koala Foundation, expressed, “We estimate that there are a total of 16,000 to 18,000 koalas living in all of New South Wales, so the loss is massive.”
A fundraiser has been initiated to support the affected koalas, generating $800,000 in donations so far.
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