We’ve done our best to cover the Australian bushfires and to raise awareness about this unprecedented disaster. And the thing that struck us most was just how much this horrible situation brought out the very best in some people. We can say with some certainty that Australia is full of heroes who don’t hesitate to rescue the endangered animals. It’s time to meet some of them.
Scroll down, upvote the stories that inspired you, and remember to share this post with your friends. When you’ve finished this article, have a read through Bored Panda’s previous posts about teens who drive around saving koalas, a dog that rescues koalas, and a dog that saved a flock of sheep from fire.
In case you want to support the Australian people, here are some recovery efforts and disaster relief organizations that you can donate to: the Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul Society, and the Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund. If you know of any other similar charities, please share some info about them in the comments.
This post may include affiliate links.
Teenagers Filling Their Car With Koalas To Save Them From The Flames
Bear The Koala Detection Dog Saving Koalas During The Australian Bushfires
Koalas In A Home In Cudlee Creek, South Australia, After Being Rescued From Fires In A Garden. Local Firefighters Helped A Woman Move Them Into Her House
Bored Panda reached out to Demi, who goes by the pseudonym CarbonChic online, about the wraps she made for the baby orphan bats of the Aussie wildfires. "There are a lot of confused, injured and scared wild animals in Australia right now. Even more dead ones. And fire is one of those things that is really hard to control when it escalates to this level."
"I’m not someone who can be on the front line fighting fires but I felt like I still needed to do something. Not just donate money, but put my back into it, make something that would directly affect the Australian animals, and not have anything skimmed off the top or have some kind of uncertainty as to where it’s going," Demi said. "The things I make are going directly toward helping the more helpless burn victims of the bushfire."
Since The Fire Has Passed Through Mallacoota This Amazing, Selfless Young Guy Has Been Out Searching For Injured Wildlife. This Is One Of 7 Koalas He's Saved So Far
The Koala Named “Tinny Arse” That Was Rescued By Damian Campbell-Davys From A Bushfire Zone Sits In His Water Tanker
The Kangaroo Is Drenched In Water After Approaching A Human For Help
You know the situation is grave when wildlife approach humans for help.
Demi said that she livestreams on Twitch and it took her an entire stream to get the bat wraps done. "About 6 hours for 18. I made 21 joey pouches in today’s stream. In total, I’ve also raised about $300 during these streams, too for the Animal Rescue Craft Guild, which feels like a pittance compared to celebrities like Celeste Barber but every little bit counts."
"I’m lucky to be living in the heart of Brisbane, so we are safe. The worst I’ve gotten is a few asthmatic symptoms from the smoke in the air, which comes and goes depending on where the fires are," Demi said. "Everyone is pretty nervous still about the continued destruction, it just looks like it’s never-ending! I am really sad about the loss of endangered species and will continue making pouches and wraps until my supplies run out."
Since Half A Billion Animals Were Potentially Lost In Australian Bushfires, The Irwin Family Stepped In And Already Helped Over 90,000 Animals
I'm So Proud Of My Country, Our Volunteer Firefighters Are Legends In Their Own Category
This Fire Fighter (And All Ff’s) Saving The People, Animals, And Homes In Australia
We’re seeing people helping their neighbors and the local wildlife left and right in Australia. It’s a true testament to bravery that they’re putting animal protection and safety above their own.
For example, the staff working at the Mogo Zoo in New South Wales protected all of their 200 animals from danger. The team set a very precise plan into motion. First of all, they removed everything flammable from the area. Secondly, they’d prepared hundreds of thousands of liters of water in advance. Thirdly, they relocated the larger animals to night enclosures. Zoo director Chad Staples, who called the situation “apocalyptic” and compared it to “Armageddon,” opened up his home to some of the smaller animals.
"Right now in my house there's animals of all descriptions in all the different rooms,” Staples told the media. Meanwhile one of the zookeepers even took a tiger home with them (temporarily, of course).
Dog Saves Flock Of Sheep From Australia’s Raging Bushfires
Weighing Less Than A Bag Of Sugar And Snug As A Bug In His Wee Knitted Pouch, This Adorable Koala Joey Called Haze Survived The Raging Australian Bushfires Thanks To The Extraordinary Efforts Of A Firefighter Who Saved Her Life
Picture Of My Cousin Who Is Fighting The Fires In Victoria Saved This Joey
There’s also a place for laughter in the darkest of times (maybe even especially during them). Firefighters with the Urunga Rural Fire Service in New South Wales saved Paul Sekfy’s home from the blaze and left him a wholesome note: “It was our pleasure to save your house... P.S.— we owe you some milk.”
That’s right. The people who risked their lives to battle the elements apologized for drinking the man’s milk. Kale Hardie-Porter, who left the note, later had this to say to Sekfy: “I'm happy to know my note got to you in one piece! We took refuge in your house and that's when we discovered the fridge. It was our pleasure to do a little good in such horrendous conditions.”
Dear Pandas, if you’re currently in Australia, stay safe. And let us know in the comments how you, your friends, family, and neighbors are helping each other and the local wildlife out.
Australian Zookeeper Saves Animals From Terrible Fires By Taking Them Home
Woman Saves Koala From Bushfire
Tonight I Got To Meet The Baby Orphan Bats Of The Aussie Bushfires That I Made The Wraps For
I’m not even sorry for the “selfie”. I am sorry for the bad lighting because it was night time and street lamps are really unflattering but LOOK AT THEM. Massive kudos to Rachael from the Bat Conservation and Rescue Qld for bringing some babies along for me to meet. I had to be mindful of how much screaming I was doing because they were very sleepy but I was pretty much losing my mind the whole time. I think Rachael was pretty amused at my reactions but I had just never met one this close before. They have two noses and wiggly ears and are just so much cuter than you can imagine, I couldn’t believe it.
Shipped up from NSW, their mommas are long gone but they seem to enjoy chewing and snuggling in their brand new wraps. It’s such an incredible feeling knowing that something I’ve done is out in the world doing some good. There’s nobody taking out administration fees or skimming a bit off the top or anything, the things I made are 100% just for the bats. (And will be loved and used by many babies before they’re reduced to shreds from all the claws and teeth.)
Distressed At First, Dolly Calmed Down Quickly. We Needed To Get Her Still Hot Feet Cooled Down Fast So Made Do With Fresh, Clean Water In A Wheelbarrow. Dolly Appreciated A Big Drink And Pain Relief Before Being Transferred To Our New And Temporary Koala Emergency Centre At Paradise
Sad but beautiful. You can see the instant love Dolly has for her rescuers.
Travel Filmmaker Saved This Little Baby Kangaroo That Was Left By Its Self
A Group Of Baby Koalas Were Rescued From The Adelaide Hills Fire Zone Area In Australia And Being Looked After By A Team Of Professional Volunteers
Over 600 Bats Were Transported From Caring Facilities Evacuated In New South Wales Due To Fire. Our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital Has Treated Over 100 Of These Beautiful Little Souls. I Wanted To Share With You Some Of The Sweet Faces That Are Getting A Second Chance At Life
A Koala Drinks Water Offered From A Bottle By A Firefighter During Bushfires In Cudlee Creek, South Australia
Koala Being Rescued
Officers Giving A Helping Hand To Local Wildlife In Fire Affected Bendalong
Kangaroos Gather On A Home’s Lawn In Berrara Beach, Nsw, As Bushfires Spread
Lucky Koala Is Saved From Sa Bushfires
Thanks to all the volunteers, first responders and brave citizens that are trying to save as much of Australia as they can. Prayers to all!
Tyler Duffy, what youre spreading is complete lies...you should be ashamed of yourself
Load More Replies...Their entire habitats are gone meaning that once the fires are out these animals will have nowhere to live. So f*****g tragic.
Maybe in time their habitat will do better if you wonderful survivors can feed the survivors enough. I cant imagine how you all will make it. Bless all.
Load More Replies...Bot and troll accounts are involved in a “disinformation campaign” exaggerating the role of arson in Australia’s bushfire disaster, social media analysis suggests. The false claims are, in some cases, used to undermine the link between the current bushfires and the longer, more intense fire seasons brought about by climate change.
Victoria police say there is no evidence any of the devastating bushfires in the state were caused by arson, contrary to the spread of global disinformation exaggerating arsonist arrests during the current crisis.
I am so angry right now. This beautiful planet is going to pot due to Man's greed and selfishness, and nothing else. People should wake up and realise this is our only home. This is the only planet in the universe with Koalas, rhinos and toucans. Our planet is special and unique and deserves better than Mankind. If everybody just practiced "kindness" towards nature and others, the world would not have problems like hunger, pollution, and general suffering. We CAN do better. We SHOULD DO BETTER. 🖖🏼🌍
BP is indeed raising awareness, however, so far (I may just be blind) I've not seen anything mentioning where we can donate if we wish to. Here is a link that mentions various charities you can donate to to help with the crisis: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/07/australia-fires-how-to-help-donate-victims-animals/2832145001/
I read today about over 180 people arrested for arson. My mind cannot process it. WHAT KIND OF A MONSTER you have to be to do something like that????!!!!! Those people should be fined with all their money. They should pay so much that they would have to become homeless and beggars. And they should be put first to help the firefighters. Or simply left there in the burning bush. Just to know how much the animals and people suffer. So far I was sad and devastated. And now I'm also angry.
Actually, the number you are talking about is incorrect and spread falsely. "But a Rural Fire Service spokesman told Sky News on Wednesday that the majority of the larger fires in the state were caused by lightning, and that arson was a relatively small source of ignition. Arsonists have been responsible for some of the bushfires this season – though specific numbers are not yet available." source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/police-contradict-claims-spread-online-exaggerating-arsons-role-in-australian-bushfires
Load More Replies...I know that these are wild animals and not all fuzz and cuddles, but they are amazingly docile and grateful to their rescuers.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/police-contradict-claims-spread-online-exaggerating-arsons-role-in-australian-bushfires
These courageous and compassionate people are all heroes and saints in my book! Incredibly heartwarming photos.
To all those talking about the umber of arrests. Read this. Excerpt from link below - The figure included statistics from some states covering the entirety of 2019, rather than just the current bushfire season, which began in September. In Victoria, 43 alleged arsonists were counted among the 183 arrested “in the past few months” and “since the start of the bushfire season”. That Victorian figure was, in fact, the figure for the year ending September 2019, meaning it had no relation to the current bushfire season. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/police-contradict-claims-spread-online-exaggerating-arsons-role-in-australian-bushfires
https://thedharmadoor.com.au/blogs/the-dharma-door-journal/how_to_help_wildlife_affected-by_bushfires_in_australia?fbclid=IwAR0n1NIw66YGtqGoLXQfJNM3QLFltRJVX9ah7rUJUPiDi0M3xrVKQjB-HYc Please help the groups listed by state who are helping the animals suffering
this is the saddest part, the God for all the firefighters, volunteers and people helping them
My heart goes out to everyone, human and animal, and I pray that God will forever bless this country. A HUGE thank you to all the people who have, and are still, helped/helping. I have a bit more faith in humanity now.
I wish I could help, but I'm living in Belgium and I've chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and spasmofilia. If I could I really would
The people that started the fires are they the same abusive people that wanted to kill enormous amounts of animals last year. (Cull)they said. Just asking. What was their reason for starting fires according to News.
Everyone who helped animals should get a Steve Irwin medal, which can be added to the firefighters medal, which should have a V for the volunteers. A medal for the truckies bringing feed and supplies, they should design it. A medal for everyone who helped their friends, neighbors, and complete strangers, perhaps A True Aussie award. Survivors citations for everyone who had to go through all this and only stand and wait.
I am going to pass this post around on twitter with the hope that more people will come and help you .I never see something so terrible I am happy that these caring people are helping these poor animals from the US we are all praying for you.
Can this ever be repaired? At least partially? Is there a way to save this continent?
This is so horrible! My heart is breaking every time I see posts and news about this! I hope we humans can fight it, because in moments like this we see how helpless we are against nature. I live in the other side of the world, in South East Europe, an here such fires are very rare. But our Aussie friends have our support - its not much, but me and my friends donated small amounts to NSW Rural Fire Service. It's the least we can do.
Massive respect to ALL of the volunteer firefighters and for helping the poor innocent animals... THANK YOU ❤️
This is all so brutal. So much life lost. Also, think of the animals that aren't making the news. All those snakes and spiders. I am terrified of spiders, but want to cry that even they are burning alive in their homes. So many species, whether mammal, reptile, or insect, that may never come back from this.
"There have been 24 people charged with deliberately setting fires among 183 facing legal action in the state, according to the New South Wales Police Force. In addition to those facing the most serious charges of starting fires intentionally, authorities said another 53 people are facing legal action for not complying with the state's fire ban and 47 people have faced legal action for discarding a lit cigarette or match on land." https://abcnews.go.com/International/24-australians-arrested-deliberately-setting-fires-season/story?id=68108272
I don't know if one can call this terrorism but it surely can be called callous and incredibly stupid, not to mention murderous.
Load More Replies...Aussies does anyone know if there is a drop off centre for medical supplies for animals?
This is heart breaking and sad. But when this has settled down and the regrowth process begins a new generation of life will unfold. A complete new Eco system will evolve from this. And may we hope that the Ausies will also garner a deeper appreciation for the landscape they inhabit and are responsible to protect. As for the Arsonist's who started all these fires. Karma has a special place for these deranged life forms.
The fires were not caused by arsonists do your research.
Load More Replies...Those fires are not natural. Investigate and death penalty who has caused them
I read yesterday that an average 10,000 camels will be culled because they are drinking too much water and Australia is low on water resources. It's all just terrible
That's not *quite* accurate..... Camels are not native to Australia, and there are over 10 million feral camels in Australia. That, plus their destruction of farmland and private property, due to them searching for water during this massive drought, are the reasons for the culling. While it's not a nice thought, it's far better than this over-populated non-native feral animal destroying wildlife, homes, working farms.... and dying very slowly & painfully due to their overpopulation & the drought. It's not as simplistic as "let's kill 'em cos they're drinking water", as inaccurately reported my international 'gossip news' sites in order to get advertising dollars. :(
Load More Replies...It is NOT the story and you are spreading false information, lies and hatred.
Load More Replies...Thanks to all the volunteers, first responders and brave citizens that are trying to save as much of Australia as they can. Prayers to all!
Tyler Duffy, what youre spreading is complete lies...you should be ashamed of yourself
Load More Replies...Their entire habitats are gone meaning that once the fires are out these animals will have nowhere to live. So f*****g tragic.
Maybe in time their habitat will do better if you wonderful survivors can feed the survivors enough. I cant imagine how you all will make it. Bless all.
Load More Replies...Bot and troll accounts are involved in a “disinformation campaign” exaggerating the role of arson in Australia’s bushfire disaster, social media analysis suggests. The false claims are, in some cases, used to undermine the link between the current bushfires and the longer, more intense fire seasons brought about by climate change.
Victoria police say there is no evidence any of the devastating bushfires in the state were caused by arson, contrary to the spread of global disinformation exaggerating arsonist arrests during the current crisis.
I am so angry right now. This beautiful planet is going to pot due to Man's greed and selfishness, and nothing else. People should wake up and realise this is our only home. This is the only planet in the universe with Koalas, rhinos and toucans. Our planet is special and unique and deserves better than Mankind. If everybody just practiced "kindness" towards nature and others, the world would not have problems like hunger, pollution, and general suffering. We CAN do better. We SHOULD DO BETTER. 🖖🏼🌍
BP is indeed raising awareness, however, so far (I may just be blind) I've not seen anything mentioning where we can donate if we wish to. Here is a link that mentions various charities you can donate to to help with the crisis: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/07/australia-fires-how-to-help-donate-victims-animals/2832145001/
I read today about over 180 people arrested for arson. My mind cannot process it. WHAT KIND OF A MONSTER you have to be to do something like that????!!!!! Those people should be fined with all their money. They should pay so much that they would have to become homeless and beggars. And they should be put first to help the firefighters. Or simply left there in the burning bush. Just to know how much the animals and people suffer. So far I was sad and devastated. And now I'm also angry.
Actually, the number you are talking about is incorrect and spread falsely. "But a Rural Fire Service spokesman told Sky News on Wednesday that the majority of the larger fires in the state were caused by lightning, and that arson was a relatively small source of ignition. Arsonists have been responsible for some of the bushfires this season – though specific numbers are not yet available." source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/police-contradict-claims-spread-online-exaggerating-arsons-role-in-australian-bushfires
Load More Replies...I know that these are wild animals and not all fuzz and cuddles, but they are amazingly docile and grateful to their rescuers.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/police-contradict-claims-spread-online-exaggerating-arsons-role-in-australian-bushfires
These courageous and compassionate people are all heroes and saints in my book! Incredibly heartwarming photos.
To all those talking about the umber of arrests. Read this. Excerpt from link below - The figure included statistics from some states covering the entirety of 2019, rather than just the current bushfire season, which began in September. In Victoria, 43 alleged arsonists were counted among the 183 arrested “in the past few months” and “since the start of the bushfire season”. That Victorian figure was, in fact, the figure for the year ending September 2019, meaning it had no relation to the current bushfire season. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jan/08/police-contradict-claims-spread-online-exaggerating-arsons-role-in-australian-bushfires
https://thedharmadoor.com.au/blogs/the-dharma-door-journal/how_to_help_wildlife_affected-by_bushfires_in_australia?fbclid=IwAR0n1NIw66YGtqGoLXQfJNM3QLFltRJVX9ah7rUJUPiDi0M3xrVKQjB-HYc Please help the groups listed by state who are helping the animals suffering
this is the saddest part, the God for all the firefighters, volunteers and people helping them
My heart goes out to everyone, human and animal, and I pray that God will forever bless this country. A HUGE thank you to all the people who have, and are still, helped/helping. I have a bit more faith in humanity now.
I wish I could help, but I'm living in Belgium and I've chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and spasmofilia. If I could I really would
The people that started the fires are they the same abusive people that wanted to kill enormous amounts of animals last year. (Cull)they said. Just asking. What was their reason for starting fires according to News.
Everyone who helped animals should get a Steve Irwin medal, which can be added to the firefighters medal, which should have a V for the volunteers. A medal for the truckies bringing feed and supplies, they should design it. A medal for everyone who helped their friends, neighbors, and complete strangers, perhaps A True Aussie award. Survivors citations for everyone who had to go through all this and only stand and wait.
I am going to pass this post around on twitter with the hope that more people will come and help you .I never see something so terrible I am happy that these caring people are helping these poor animals from the US we are all praying for you.
Can this ever be repaired? At least partially? Is there a way to save this continent?
This is so horrible! My heart is breaking every time I see posts and news about this! I hope we humans can fight it, because in moments like this we see how helpless we are against nature. I live in the other side of the world, in South East Europe, an here such fires are very rare. But our Aussie friends have our support - its not much, but me and my friends donated small amounts to NSW Rural Fire Service. It's the least we can do.
Massive respect to ALL of the volunteer firefighters and for helping the poor innocent animals... THANK YOU ❤️
This is all so brutal. So much life lost. Also, think of the animals that aren't making the news. All those snakes and spiders. I am terrified of spiders, but want to cry that even they are burning alive in their homes. So many species, whether mammal, reptile, or insect, that may never come back from this.
"There have been 24 people charged with deliberately setting fires among 183 facing legal action in the state, according to the New South Wales Police Force. In addition to those facing the most serious charges of starting fires intentionally, authorities said another 53 people are facing legal action for not complying with the state's fire ban and 47 people have faced legal action for discarding a lit cigarette or match on land." https://abcnews.go.com/International/24-australians-arrested-deliberately-setting-fires-season/story?id=68108272
I don't know if one can call this terrorism but it surely can be called callous and incredibly stupid, not to mention murderous.
Load More Replies...Aussies does anyone know if there is a drop off centre for medical supplies for animals?
This is heart breaking and sad. But when this has settled down and the regrowth process begins a new generation of life will unfold. A complete new Eco system will evolve from this. And may we hope that the Ausies will also garner a deeper appreciation for the landscape they inhabit and are responsible to protect. As for the Arsonist's who started all these fires. Karma has a special place for these deranged life forms.
The fires were not caused by arsonists do your research.
Load More Replies...Those fires are not natural. Investigate and death penalty who has caused them
I read yesterday that an average 10,000 camels will be culled because they are drinking too much water and Australia is low on water resources. It's all just terrible
That's not *quite* accurate..... Camels are not native to Australia, and there are over 10 million feral camels in Australia. That, plus their destruction of farmland and private property, due to them searching for water during this massive drought, are the reasons for the culling. While it's not a nice thought, it's far better than this over-populated non-native feral animal destroying wildlife, homes, working farms.... and dying very slowly & painfully due to their overpopulation & the drought. It's not as simplistic as "let's kill 'em cos they're drinking water", as inaccurately reported my international 'gossip news' sites in order to get advertising dollars. :(
Load More Replies...It is NOT the story and you are spreading false information, lies and hatred.
Load More Replies...