Since Half A Billion Animals Were Potentially Lost In Australian Bushfires, The Irwin Family Stepped In And Already Helped Over 90,000 Animals
Bushfires in Australia isn’t a phenomenon that’s entirely unheard of, however the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season is something the world hasn’t seen before. Record–breaking heat and drought, lightning strikes, arson and lack of hazard reduction are the main causes of the enormous damage the bushfires have inflicted so far and with the fires still raging on it’s hard to say how long the season, that started back in August, 2019, is going to last.
With the world’s attention on the continent, people have been sending out aid as well as bringing attention to the ongoing problems. Bindi Irwin, late Steve Irwin’s daughter, went on social media to assure everyone that their family is safe and doing everything in their power to help the animals in need.
The Irwin family are definitely carrying the late Steve Irwin’s legacy
Image credits: bindisueirwin
The young conservationist posted an image on Instagram together with a caption explaining the situation:
“With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much. I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE. There are no fires near us or our conservation properties.
Unfortunately, their homeland Australia has been struck by a terrible tragedy
Image credits: AFP
“Our Wildlife Hospital is busier than ever though, having officially treated over 90,000 patients. My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother. We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can.”
As bushfires destroy millions of hectares of land, the Irwin family are busy helping the animals
Image credits: bindisueirwin
Bindi also shared a picture of a burnt possum that was treated at the Wildlife Hospital. Unfortunately, the poor animal didn’t make it as Irwin explained:
“Blossom the possum was admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital after being caught in one of the bushfires burning in other parts of Queensland. We have such an incredible team who work day and night to protect gorgeous animals like Blossom. Devastatingly this beautiful girl didn’t make it even after working so hard to save her life. I want to thank you for your kind words and support. This is the heart-wrenching truth, every day is a battle to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Now more than ever we need to work together to make a difference and protect our Mother Earth”.
Image credits: bindisueirwin
Image credits: AFP
As the hellish flames continue to rage on, the numbers coming from the officials truly show the vast damage and loss inflicted on Australia. It is estimated that 6,300,000 hectares (16,000,000 acres; 63,000 km2; 24,000 sq mi) were burnt, along with 2,500 buildings (including over 1,300 houses). As of January 4th, 2020, 24 people perished in the fires and 6 other are reported missing in the state of Victoria.
Image credits: bindisueirwin
Image credits: AFP
Image credits: bindisueirwin
Australian firefighters are accompanied by colleagues from New Zealand, the United States and Canada to try and fight the bushfires that the country has never seen before. While everyone’s putting their best efforts to combat the fire and help out those in need, environmental specialist are calculating the enormous impact the fires had on the environment. It is feared that an estimated half a billion animals were either lost to the fires or will likely starve due to loss of the food source and habitat. Australia’s environment minister says that up to 30% of koalas were killed in New South Wales mid-north coast fires, a devastating blow to the population of Australia’s iconic animal.
Image credits: bindisueirwin
Image credits: bindisueirwin
You can watch a video where dozens of kangaroos flee through smoke below
Here’s how people reacted to the story
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While I agree they do an amazing job, their site states 89328 animals between 2004-now. The number of animals in dec 2019 was 1135 Patients. So they havent helped that big amount during these recent fires, and as the number would be slightly absurd if it had been so I am not surpriced. Sloppy journalist job, as the numbers are at the website, turning it into clic bait headlines with assumption made all that saving has been done in a few months. Other sources are more clear that it has been a decade-long process.
That sounds considerably more feasible, thank you.
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Sorry calling BS on this story living in QLD and nothing ever has been written about this , this family was nowhere to be seen during the fires up here a few months ago as this is just PR because the business is not going well
It's so sad that so much wildlife is being destroyed, this should be a wakeup call for the Austrian government to join the fight against global warming.
Exactly these fires are too early , too hot, and don't go out over night. The bush is dry, dry and dry, the temps are hotter than normal. There is less water in creeks, dams, water storage. _______________ Very sad article by N.S.W university from BEFORE these fires started >>>>>>>>>>https://www.thedodo.com/koala-drinking-stations-sydney-2318378024.html
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That poor injured animal that had to be put to sleep was not a photo opportunity.
I agree. Should have been kept in a peaceful environment and handled as little as possible. Photography is important when highlighting a cause but you pick the animals that are well enough to cope with it - I've worked for organisations that handle wildlife rescue and you don't take photos of the sickest ones, if necessary you put them to sleep as gently as possible. People who don't agree probably don't understand the stresses that these poor animals are having to cope with just simply by being handled by humans, let alone the injuries and trauma from the fire. I've always found the Irwins to be a tad too hands-on. With some animals maybe that's okay but with many it really isn't. Rehabilitation relies on minimal handling and even in a zoo environment or for conservation it is kinder to leave them be as much as possible.
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Some species might become extinct, the Irwins and others will do all their best to prevent this.
Recently I learnt there a pile of marsupials that don't get publicity. >>>>>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert%27s_dunnart
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KT, I'm sure (just kidding) that you did a lot. Lets hear it.
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Who‼ ⁉ a zoo‼ ⁉ 90,000 animal saved‼ ⁉ I don't see any details in this article or on their website. Just an IG post. ⚠Look fishy to me.⚠
Human#1.., just tell us how did you helped, before you start criticizing others!!! I'm sick and tired of this!!!!
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Once again the Irwin family show they are amazing people, Steve would be proud.
i wish there was a way so we could all help somehow please if someone knows let us know
Here for animals >>>>>https://rspcavic.org/<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>https://www.redcross.org.au/<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>https://www.greenpeace.org/international/
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I've heard a lot of people criticize the Irwin's for keeping animals in captivity..but this family works to preserve animal species. Their breeding programs for Koalas alone is a testament to their dedication. And the years of their breeding programs, field research and the relationship they have with other zoos is what will help save Australia's wildlife after these fires are over. Their dedication had prepared them for just this kind of tragedy. Thanks to Robert, Bindi and Terri for stepping in and rescuing those animals. Prayers to Australia for a quick end to these fires.
WIRES is a good animal rescue place. Or koala hospital.org.au or this one http://www.bangalowkoalas.com.au/about/?fbclid=IwAR1hXjK1ZswkKexvX1_kc637QpgvELWvKvbPmx8b4o1B5N8oKQ20Uf3XjYc My local wildlife cater is this one https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-saving-injured-orphan-koalas-amp-kangaroos/donate
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I love all these posts about the fies in Australia. Everything that can be done to spread the news and add more depth is very welcome, to my mind. But I wonder...I don't remember seeing anywhere near the same number of posts about Puerto Rico, which went through a catastrophe that has to be similar. In fact, worse, consider 1000s of people died and it's still reeling from it. Do I remember incorrectly? Did we see a lot of posts on BP about it?
".....arson and lack of hazard reduction..."????? These are the easiest things to accomplish fighting wild fires. What it tells you about humanity? People like the Irvin family are in the minority. Human apathy, lack of empathy and universal compassion spell out devastation and total destruction of our planet. "One doesn't have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient." - Charles M. Blow
I think they are doing the best they can and the WHOLE WORLD should be doing more to help instead of criticizing people who are making an effort!
Heartbreaking... I hope many animals in Australia, though "all" is impossibly difficult, will be saved.
The Irwins are always such amazing people who help so many animals.
It is just so heartbreaking that so many animals have been affected by the Australian bushfires, but seeing the Irwin family stepping in to help these animals gives me hope that maybe we'll be alright.
It is good and hard to focus on a positive in this situation. But I think it helps. ( from a lightly smoked, worried but safe Victorian)
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Thank goodness for the Irwins. Thankfully I haven't been evacuated but there has barely been any rain and it is so hot here.
Stay safe hun. And keep checking >>>>https://www.abc.net.au/<<<<<< that also has links to your state's emergency services. Get the gear you *really* need to evacuate packed NOW. Please. And if advised to evac go EARLY.___________________ With loving kindness , best wishes, from a lightly smoked Victorian. If you are in danger zone, and can, evacuate now any way.
Load More Replies...
This is beyond devastating. Many thanks to the Irwin family and the Firefighters!
I'm not sure. If in doubt, check your browser has a security lock thingy, Or pick a well known established charity. Such as >>>>https://rspcavic.org/<<<<<<<<<< that has links to national rspca , or other states if you prefer.
Load More Replies...
...The Irwin family is such a blessing they are amazing people, helping with conservation and protection of animals. So PETA, what are you doing in behalf of the animals affected by this massive Australian wildfires? I guess, none.
Fortunately there are other animal welfare organisations besides PETA and it isn't that the irwins are alone.
Load More Replies...
Well, there are. It isn't as if they are doing this single-handedly, to be fair.
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Sorry calling BS on this story living in QLD and nothing ever has been written about this , this family was nowhere to be seen during the fires up here a few months ago as this is just PR because the business is not going well
Load More Replies...
A half billion is fewer animals than are killed to make one breakfast for all the people who eat meat.
There is a big difference though. The animals killed for food are farmed and around worldwide. Many of the animals that have been killed are native to Australia and a lot are vulnerable and endangered species.
Load More Replies...
My heart goes out to all the victimized animals.😰 Stupid Aussies re-elected the Morrison government and helped killing animals and damaging the environment. “Every nation has the government it deserves.” AwfulStralia doesn't deserve that part of the planet.🤬
and Donald trump is starting a WW3 so maybe we arnt the stupid ones. also most aussies hate scomo do your research first dumbass
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Australia's been failing to deal with fires for 2 months. Never asked the neighbours for help. I guess, it's not profitable to invest in extinguishing conflagrations, does not generate profit.
The average Australian has not been failing. They have been trying their damned hardest with what resources we have. The Australian government on the other hand is a different story, citizens have begged and pleaded for weeks to get them to get their fingers out their arses to get more help, more resources and funding. Finally a few days ago they decided to bring the military in and we have had firefighters from other countries coming for a few weeks now. Trust me, a lot of regular Australians are angry at the lack of action from the government.
Load More Replies...
Do you think people know anything about proper grammar? I'm astonished by this second sentence.
This is a Lithuanian website and not everyone speaks English as a first language.
Load More Replies... While I agree they do an amazing job, their site states 89328 animals between 2004-now. The number of animals in dec 2019 was 1135 Patients. So they havent helped that big amount during these recent fires, and as the number would be slightly absurd if it had been so I am not surpriced. Sloppy journalist job, as the numbers are at the website, turning it into clic bait headlines with assumption made all that saving has been done in a few months. Other sources are more clear that it has been a decade-long process.
That sounds considerably more feasible, thank you.
Load More Replies... Sorry calling BS on this story living in QLD and nothing ever has been written about this , this family was nowhere to be seen during the fires up here a few months ago as this is just PR because the business is not going well
It's so sad that so much wildlife is being destroyed, this should be a wakeup call for the Austrian government to join the fight against global warming.
Exactly these fires are too early , too hot, and don't go out over night. The bush is dry, dry and dry, the temps are hotter than normal. There is less water in creeks, dams, water storage. _______________ Very sad article by N.S.W university from BEFORE these fires started >>>>>>>>>>https://www.thedodo.com/koala-drinking-stations-sydney-2318378024.html
Load More Replies... That poor injured animal that had to be put to sleep was not a photo opportunity.
I agree. Should have been kept in a peaceful environment and handled as little as possible. Photography is important when highlighting a cause but you pick the animals that are well enough to cope with it - I've worked for organisations that handle wildlife rescue and you don't take photos of the sickest ones, if necessary you put them to sleep as gently as possible. People who don't agree probably don't understand the stresses that these poor animals are having to cope with just simply by being handled by humans, let alone the injuries and trauma from the fire. I've always found the Irwins to be a tad too hands-on. With some animals maybe that's okay but with many it really isn't. Rehabilitation relies on minimal handling and even in a zoo environment or for conservation it is kinder to leave them be as much as possible.
Load More Replies... Some species might become extinct, the Irwins and others will do all their best to prevent this.
Recently I learnt there a pile of marsupials that don't get publicity. >>>>>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert%27s_dunnart
Load More Replies... KT, I'm sure (just kidding) that you did a lot. Lets hear it.
Load More Replies... Who‼ ⁉ a zoo‼ ⁉ 90,000 animal saved‼ ⁉ I don't see any details in this article or on their website. Just an IG post. ⚠Look fishy to me.⚠
Human#1.., just tell us how did you helped, before you start criticizing others!!! I'm sick and tired of this!!!!
Load More Replies... Once again the Irwin family show they are amazing people, Steve would be proud.
i wish there was a way so we could all help somehow please if someone knows let us know
Here for animals >>>>>https://rspcavic.org/<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>https://www.redcross.org.au/<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>https://www.greenpeace.org/international/
Load More Replies... I've heard a lot of people criticize the Irwin's for keeping animals in captivity..but this family works to preserve animal species. Their breeding programs for Koalas alone is a testament to their dedication. And the years of their breeding programs, field research and the relationship they have with other zoos is what will help save Australia's wildlife after these fires are over. Their dedication had prepared them for just this kind of tragedy. Thanks to Robert, Bindi and Terri for stepping in and rescuing those animals. Prayers to Australia for a quick end to these fires.
WIRES is a good animal rescue place. Or koala hospital.org.au or this one http://www.bangalowkoalas.com.au/about/?fbclid=IwAR1hXjK1ZswkKexvX1_kc637QpgvELWvKvbPmx8b4o1B5N8oKQ20Uf3XjYc My local wildlife cater is this one https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-saving-injured-orphan-koalas-amp-kangaroos/donate
Load More Replies... I love all these posts about the fies in Australia. Everything that can be done to spread the news and add more depth is very welcome, to my mind. But I wonder...I don't remember seeing anywhere near the same number of posts about Puerto Rico, which went through a catastrophe that has to be similar. In fact, worse, consider 1000s of people died and it's still reeling from it. Do I remember incorrectly? Did we see a lot of posts on BP about it?
".....arson and lack of hazard reduction..."????? These are the easiest things to accomplish fighting wild fires. What it tells you about humanity? People like the Irvin family are in the minority. Human apathy, lack of empathy and universal compassion spell out devastation and total destruction of our planet. "One doesn't have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient." - Charles M. Blow
I think they are doing the best they can and the WHOLE WORLD should be doing more to help instead of criticizing people who are making an effort!
Heartbreaking... I hope many animals in Australia, though "all" is impossibly difficult, will be saved.
The Irwins are always such amazing people who help so many animals.
It is just so heartbreaking that so many animals have been affected by the Australian bushfires, but seeing the Irwin family stepping in to help these animals gives me hope that maybe we'll be alright.
It is good and hard to focus on a positive in this situation. But I think it helps. ( from a lightly smoked, worried but safe Victorian)
Load More Replies... Thank goodness for the Irwins. Thankfully I haven't been evacuated but there has barely been any rain and it is so hot here.
Stay safe hun. And keep checking >>>>https://www.abc.net.au/<<<<<< that also has links to your state's emergency services. Get the gear you *really* need to evacuate packed NOW. Please. And if advised to evac go EARLY.___________________ With loving kindness , best wishes, from a lightly smoked Victorian. If you are in danger zone, and can, evacuate now any way.
Load More Replies... This is beyond devastating. Many thanks to the Irwin family and the Firefighters!
I'm not sure. If in doubt, check your browser has a security lock thingy, Or pick a well known established charity. Such as >>>>https://rspcavic.org/<<<<<<<<<< that has links to national rspca , or other states if you prefer.
Load More Replies... ...The Irwin family is such a blessing they are amazing people, helping with conservation and protection of animals. So PETA, what are you doing in behalf of the animals affected by this massive Australian wildfires? I guess, none.
Fortunately there are other animal welfare organisations besides PETA and it isn't that the irwins are alone.
Load More Replies... Well, there are. It isn't as if they are doing this single-handedly, to be fair.
Load More Replies... Sorry calling BS on this story living in QLD and nothing ever has been written about this , this family was nowhere to be seen during the fires up here a few months ago as this is just PR because the business is not going well
Load More Replies... A half billion is fewer animals than are killed to make one breakfast for all the people who eat meat.
There is a big difference though. The animals killed for food are farmed and around worldwide. Many of the animals that have been killed are native to Australia and a lot are vulnerable and endangered species.
Load More Replies... My heart goes out to all the victimized animals.😰 Stupid Aussies re-elected the Morrison government and helped killing animals and damaging the environment. “Every nation has the government it deserves.” AwfulStralia doesn't deserve that part of the planet.🤬
and Donald trump is starting a WW3 so maybe we arnt the stupid ones. also most aussies hate scomo do your research first dumbass
Load More Replies... Australia's been failing to deal with fires for 2 months. Never asked the neighbours for help. I guess, it's not profitable to invest in extinguishing conflagrations, does not generate profit.
The average Australian has not been failing. They have been trying their damned hardest with what resources we have. The Australian government on the other hand is a different story, citizens have begged and pleaded for weeks to get them to get their fingers out their arses to get more help, more resources and funding. Finally a few days ago they decided to bring the military in and we have had firefighters from other countries coming for a few weeks now. Trust me, a lot of regular Australians are angry at the lack of action from the government.
Load More Replies... Do you think people know anything about proper grammar? I'm astonished by this second sentence.
This is a Lithuanian website and not everyone speaks English as a first language.
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