While the Sampson Flat bushfires were put out a few weeks ago, the work of volunteers to rehabilitate hundreds of displaced and injured animals is only just beginning.
A team of up to 180 volunteers with Fauna Rescue has opened their homes to assist koalas, kangaroos, birds and possums to recover from smoke inhalation, shock and severe burns.
Fauna Rescue is a South Australian non-profit organisation that relies on volunteers to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife until they can be released back into the wild.
Its work following the bushfires is being supported by a $10,000 community grant from National Australia Bank.
“The bushfires have been a double tragedy for native wildlife,” Chairperson of Fauna Rescue, Ms Liz MacGuinness, said.
“In addition to the widespread loss of life and injury, entire habitats have been destroyed, leaving refugee wildlife without homes or food.
“Country Fire Service (CFS) and South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM) volunteers did a fantastic job at the frontline of the bushfires, rescuing injured wildlife and applying emergency veterinary care.
“While some animals are already with Fauna Rescue, many have spent the past few weeks in the care of veterinarians and are now ready to be taken in by our volunteers.
“These animals will require ongoing care and medication until they can be released. Some can be rehabilitated in a few weeks but others will require up to 18 months of care including food, dressings and medication.
“Volunteers who live in the bushfire area have also suffered property damage. Bird release aviaries, animal housing, food storage and grazing areas have been destroyed.
“Fauna Rescue volunteers give all that they can but many are on minimal income.
“We are pleased to receive much needed financial assistance from NAB which will help us to rebuild and support the work of our volunteers. It will make a big difference.”
Fauna Rescue’s NAB community grant will be used to purchase animal feed, dressings and medication as well as rebuild volunteers’ bird release aviaries, animal housing, food storage and grazing areas.
NAB has established the South Australian Bushfires NAB Community Relief Fund to provide grants to local community organisations that have lost infrastructure or assets in the fires, or are directly servicing the needs of fire impacted communities.
Grants of up to $10,000 were available to help community groups as they start the recovery and rebuilding process.
“The Sampson Flat bushfires have had a devastating impact on the local community,” NAB Retail State General Manager Gregg Harris said.
“Our thoughts have been with all of our customers and employees in the impacted areas and we are here to support them.
“We commend the efforts of Fauna Rescue in caring for our injured wildlife and we are pleased to support their valuable work. A range of community organisations were eligible for NAB’s Community Relief Fund including food banks, welfare charities, community assistance programs, animal shelters, local CFS teams, restoration and resilience building initiatives and sports clubs.
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