Volunteer Foster Carers Are Needed To Help Rehabilitate Bushfire Affected Animals
Published
| Last updated
There have been countless images and videos uploaded to social media showing Australian wildlife affected by the bushfire crisis.
We've collectively been heartbroken seeing little koalas and kangaroos suffer with burnt paws and singed fur. It's left many people feeling helpless because they can't do anything about the suffering.
But it looks like an opportunity has arisen to give people a chance to get involved.
Animal shelters and rehabilitation centres around fire affected areas are overrun with loads of different species and they need help getting everyone back to perfect health.
They're looking for foster carers to help rehabilitate some of the animals affected by the bushfire tragedy.
Healesville Sanctuary senior veterinarian Dr Leanne Wicker has told the Sydney Morning Herald: "It's so vital for places like Healesville Sanctuary [and] for the experts that we have here working
together collaboratively with volunteers to get in as early as we can...to give every creature the best possible fighting chance of survival.
"I know that through the extra resources and the absolute love, dedication and skill that has been
combined across volunteers and professionals that they will do all they can to be able to give the
fighting chance of survival to each and every creature that is able to be saved...[but] not all of them
will be,"
These shelters are getting a helping hand from the Victorian government, with grants of up to $1,000 now available to those who need it most.
According to the SMH, anyone who is keen on applying to become a volunteer foster carer can request to be considered by contacting the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
You'll have to go through some checks and those people with experience in handling wildlife will likely be preferred but, hey, it can't hurt to apply.
