MsCowgirl's Journal

The Victorian bushfires have not only caused loss of human life, possessions and homes; but also great loss to the natural environment, particularly the native wildlife and livestock. Through all the sadness there are some really heart-lifting stories coming through of the efforts being made to help our furry and feathered friends.

It is estimated that a million native animals have perished in the fires. Kangaroos, wallabies, possums, and all range of small creatures. Birds, if they were able to out-fly the fire, have lost their nests and nesting grounds. Animals (like humans) panic when threatened by fire and often become disorientated in the direction they need to flee. The Wildlife Service and RSPCA are working around the clock to save little and big fire victims - treating burns mostly and relieving pain and suffering.

Koalas are common in the areas affected, and many had trouble fleeing the fires and sadly have perished. There is a beautiful little clip of a volunteer fireman offering a traumatised koala a drink from his bottle. Both the fireman and the koala have been reunited at the animal sanctuary - a story good for the soul. The koalas being treated for their injuries are given a toy koala to hug - they need to feel the reassurance of a hug, just like we do too.

Donations of vetinary supplies, burns treatments, blankets and even laundry baskets for housing injured animals are now flooding into the bushfire area. Good people are housing animals where they have the capacity - not everyone can cope with a big kangaroo in their house!

It's really good to know the human spirit is alive and kicking!

Have a look at a couple of pics of the koalas on my photos - so nice.