Australia's bushfire update - latest news
The latest news from Tania Duratovic who has just returned from nearly three weeks on the ground in Whittlesea.
Friday 6 March
(Photograph ©IFAW/T.Duratovic)
I am now back in Sydney – after a few days rest – but the situation down in Victoria is still not over – there are still a number of fires raging in the State and the IFAW team is on stand-by to re-deploy if we are needed.
Dr. Ralph returned for the final few days of our time in Victoria to help out. We travelled to Southern Ash Wildlife Centre run by wildlife carer Colleen Wood where the world famous ‘Sam the Koala’ is being cared for. We spent the whole day treating burns and changing bandages of the koalas Colleen has in her care. I have to admit I took a bit of a shine to Sam, who is actually a Samantha - she was so gentle and allowed us to treat her without batting an eyelid!
Incidentally, I spoke to Colleen last night and she now has 52 koalas at her place!!
We also travelled to another wildlife carer who was looking after the young wombat that was bought into us at Whittlesea which needed Dr. Ralph's expertise to treat an infected burn on it’s bottom - ouch.
Many of the carers who were based with us in Whittlesea had to return to their own homes at the end of last week – which were coming under threat with more bad weather reported. But since returning home these carers are still receiving many calls and reports of injured wildlife which they continue to respond to – often having to travel great distances to get to the animals.
I’m too am receiving calls from carers with updates of the animals I helped to rescue and treat. Many are doing well and some have been released into safe areas. It is important to remember that these carers are now dealing with the long road to recovery and rehabilitation for these animals, which is some cases will take many months. continued......
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(Photograph ©IFAW)
Since leaving Whittlesea I’ve been reflecting on the last couple of weeks. I will never forget the images I’ve witnessed, areas of total devastation, hammered by the fires, with absolutely nothing left on the trees – to areas where houses were left totally untouched by the flames. Army tanks on the road, fire fighters bringing in burnt animals, wildlife carers and vets administering treatment in the ‘shed’ – too many things to mention.
I also met some amazing people, wildlife carers, fire fighters, police and the general public who’d had their whole lives turned upside down by this disaster. I heard so many sad stories, but also stories of survival and pure luck. One of the main things that will stand out for me is the positive attitude of so many of these people, some of who had lost everything, and the support they gave us for the work we were doing. These people had seen so much devastation, yet were clinging to the hope these animals would survive. I was truly amazed and humbled at their determination.
What also amazed me was the resilience of the animal survivors – the ‘quiet victims’ of these fires. The numerous domestic animals we treated in the beginning to the native wildlife that were found as more areas were accessed, some areas that were still dealing with the loss of human lives. Many of these animals had sustained severe burns and were hungry and dehydrated yet were so well behaved and allowed us to help them. I had a few favourites but each animal I encountered was truly amazing.
Some of the lessons learned from this emergency response will prove invaluable as IFAW plans for future disasters, and it is vitally important to work with local organisations, wildlife carers and State authorities to ensure that animals are included in disaster management plans.
Fingers crossed we won’t be needed back down in Victoria any time soon - but if we are – I’ll keep you posted.
Tuesday 24 February
(Photograph ©IFAW/Richard Gould)
I just wanted to share with you the story of Wattle, the possum in this photo, one of the lucky survivors from these terrible bushfires.
We named her Wattle, after Australia's national floral emblem, with it's beautiful yellow flowers as she is such a sweetie. So gentle and quite happy to eat from my hand. Given that she has bandages on all her paws, not surprising really! Wattle hated having those bandages on her front paws and would whack them against the cage wall in frustration when she couldn’t eat properly. Poor little thing!
We changed her bandages yesterday with a volunteer vet and poor little Wattle really struggled with the cleaning of her burns. It was awful. So painful for her and distressing for me. The same can be said for a little Feather tail Glider we treated yesterday – hence the 2 bites on my finger!
Anyway, Wattle went to a carer last night. I miss the late nights holding up little bits of watermelon and plums for her to munch away on. All the animals are lovely but Wattle and Wilhelmina, the young Eastern Grey Kangaroo with the badly burnt feet and front paws - were special creatures. Amazing how these wild animals trust you enough to come close and not bite. OK, the Feather tail Glider did, but that was just because he was distressed from me changing his bandages. I think I would have done the same!
Well, it’s almost midnight so I will say good night before I turn into a pumpkin as my Mum would say.
Monday 23 February
(Photograph ©IFAW/Richard Gould)
Yesterday was the official national Day of Mourning for victims of the Victorian bushfires with Australians pausing to reflect on the loss and horror experienced over the past few weeks and to commit to working together to rebuild.
The official death toll remains at 209 with four fires still burning and seriously threatening communities in the Yarra Valley. Severe fire weather is predicted for this week and many communities are preparing to implement their bushfire survival plans – or are already under the ‘Stay or Go' bushfire survival policy, which means people who decide to leave need to do so quickly because when flames are seen it’s too late to leave. A truly frightening thought for the rest of us.
Over the weekend the IFAW team was kept extremely busy caring for the possums, wallabies, kangaroos and other animals we already have in, plus the extra animals that were bought in for treatment including echidnas, wombats and a dog that was found wandering the streets which was dropped in by a fire fighter.
Some of the animals have been transferred to local wildlife carers but we are fast running out carers who are able to take on the more animals.
On Saturday the team went into a formerly restricted area and we were horrified at the devastation we saw. We didn’t find any surviving animals and it unlikely that anything could possibly have lived in this area. This makes us all the more determined to ensure the ones we find survive.
We are unsure where we will head next as much depends on access to restricted areas and with the predicted weather conditions we will remain flexible with our plans.
Friday 20 February
(Photograph ©IFAW/Chris Ord)
A personal message from Tania Duratovic, as she takes a well deserved rest following 10 days of being on 24 hour call.
“It’s very early in the morning and I can’t sleep. I’m lying in bed thinking of what animals are in, if they’re OK, are they getting enough pain relief, is someone ensuring they are fed and watered enough etc etc. But I needn’t worry as I know they are in the best possible hands. It’s just hard to switch off.
I’ve come to stay at a friend’s place in the country. It’s very peaceful here and so many birds around. As I type, a big flock of galahs is flying over. I haven’t seen or heard many birds at all in the fire affected areas, other than my little mate the magpie lark who visits every morning.
These fires have been totally devastating. People all over the country are offering their support, as well as internationally. I am getting calls from wildlife carers from all over the place every day wanting to donate materials or their time. Sadly the fires killed so many animals, not many are coming out – they just didn’t stand a chance. But the lucky survivors are definitely keeping us busy.
Burns are such a nasty, painful injury. As time passes, the animals we are seeing have deeper burns as they have gone untreated for almost two weeks. Fortunately, most of them can be treated. We are eternally grateful to the care and skills of the wonderful Dr. Howard Ralph and the volunteer vets we have had in from Hurstbridge and Ringwood as well as the rescuers from Help for Wildlife and the carer network in Victoria for treating and caring for these victims, and to all those who have sent their well wishes and heart felt support.”
Thursday 18 February
(Photograph ©IFAW/Jerry Galea)
The wonderful Dr. Howard Ralph is taking a well earned break after working tirelessly over the past week, rescuing and treating over 100 animals. IFAW would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Dr. Ralph for all he has done so far. He really is a true champion for animals!!
A local volunteer vet from the Ringwood Vet Clinic helped out in the trailer this morning and another IFAW volunteer, Richard Gould, arrived this afternoon to replace Dr. Ralph to ensure we can provide ongoing care to all the animals.
It's been another busy day – travelling to Whittlesea Animal Hospital where we helped the vet treat a large dog with badly burnt paws as well as helping out with some of the other cats and dogs. We also meet with the local authorities to talk about what animals we've been treating and the issues we've encountered as well as highlighting the need to include animals in disaster management plans.
We also checked up on some of the animals we’ve been monitoring – thankfully none needed to be brought in for urgent care.
Following the unfortunate death of the fire fighter many areas that had been opened up have once again been closed - so we will have to wait until these restrictions ease to continue some of the search and rescue missions in the area.
Wednesday 18 February
(Photograph ©IFAW/Jerry Galea)
We worked late into the night again treating patients in care and new arrivals. Yesterday we received more kangaroos and echidnas as well as wombats. We also transferred some of the more stable animals to wildlife carers, including the koalas and the endangered greater glider, who will care for them until they are fully recovered and prepare them for their release back into safe bushland.
One wallaby we received was particularly sad as its paws were filled with maggots in its wounds from the burns. It was in need of full anaesthesia so we took it to a local vet clinic with the proper equipment necessary to carry out the procedure.
Later today we hope to get into another previously restricted area to do some search and rescue to see what we can find.
Loss of biodiversity and habitat are huge problems for the area. It is essential that we save as many animals as possible and find safe areas for recovered animals to return to.
It has proved invaluable working with the locals who have the knowledge of the area as the region is littered with hazards such as mine shafts.
Tuesday 17 February
(Photograph ©IFAW/Jerry Galea)
Since arriving on the scene last Tuesday the IFAW team has worked with local community, vets, the authorities and wildlife groups to help close to 100 animals affected by the fires so far.
There are still nine blazes raging around Victoria – but The Country Fire Authority (CFA) say they are taking advantage of the cooler conditions today to consolidate containment lines, with temperatures expected to rise again mid week.
The number of animals being brought in for treatment has risen dramatically over the past few days as survivors emerge from the fire zones in search of food and water. Many have terrible burns, dehydration and wounds from fleeing the fires. Search and rescue operations are also being conducted as previously unsafe areas are being opened up. Many local residents are also bringing animals to us for treatment; there is a strong desire for these innocent creatures to survive.
With so many animals being brought in for treatment the team converted an old footy shed into an intensive care unit yesterday as we were running out of room for the seriously ill patients.
At around 1.30am last night the police brought in a possum they’d found on the road with badly burnt feet. The IFAW team treated the little fella and I finally crawled into bed at around 3am.
On a brighter note – yesterday afternoon we went out to an area where burnt kangaroos had been reported – but when we arrived we determined that these roos were in fact OK and just needed a food drop – which we arranged for these lucky survivors!
Monday 16 February
(Photograph ©IFAW/Marcus Fillinger)
It’s been an incredibly busy weekend for our team – treating the animals we’ve already got in care plus receiving numerous new cases. As some of the fires are being controlled we’ve been able to access previously prohibited areas where there are animals in need of immediate care, suffering from burns, dehydration and hunger.
The mother and baby koala that we received on Friday are doing well - the mother had burnt feet and was badly dehydrated – amazingly the baby had no burns but both suffered smoke inhalation issues.
We also rescued an older girl – we found her badly singed at the side of the road – Dr. Howard treated her for burns and dehydration and she’s now on the road to recovery.
Sadly, a wallaby that we’d been treating in intensive care died over the weekend but on a brighter note, we treated a Greater Glider – a threatened species in this area. Amongst the numerous cases we’ve seen over the past 2 days, we’ve treated a rooster, a chicken with a broken toe and 25 hungry and thirsty sheep!
Below: the 'old girl' as we found her, exhausted, thirsty and badly singed.....and her being treated by Dr. Howard Ralph at the treatment trailer! (Photographs © IFAW/Marcus Fillinger)
Friday 13 February
(Photograph ©IFAW/Marcus Fillinger)
Tania has just phoned in her latest report but had to rush off as she was in the middle of helping IFAW vet, Dr. Howard Ralph, treat a mother and baby koala which were bought in to the treatment trailer late last night.
Tania said that the IFAW team worked through the night – responding to numerous call outs from emergency crews reporting injured wildlife in need of help including a wombat, a badly burnt wallaby and a turtle. Two echidnas which were also brought in have been given a clean bill of health and after a long night of care, along with the recovered turtle, will be released later today. She also said they received a report of a pygmy possum that was taken to a vet in Kinglake which the IFAW team will pick up later today for treatment.
Wednesday 11 February
(Photographs ©IFAW/Marcus Fillinger)
We arrived in Whittlesea yesterday and set up in the staging area where the emergency services are stationed.
Straight away we were approached by the local fire crews who asked what to do when they find burnt wildlife. We gave them advice and pillow cases to bring any animals they find to the Help for Wildlife/IFAW trailer for treatment.
Today we traveled to Kinglake West and Kinglake Central - two of the worst hit areas. Driving through the affected area is surreal. The Australian bush has been replaced by a blackened wasteland. Remnants of trees and piles of rubble are all that is left of what used to people’s homes and indeed whole towns.
People are happy we are focused on saving animals as they are so pleased to see something emerge alive from the devastation. As one person recounted as they handed over a slightly burned ring-tailed possum, “We have lost our house, our neighbours and our pets but we found this little guy alive – please help him, I just want him to live.”
IFAW’s vet Dr Howard Ralph was able to administer first aid and the possum is now being cared for by Help for Wildlife volunteers.
So far we have been able to provide immediate aid to many animals suffering from the effects of the fire including dogs, cats, horses, ducks, chickens, wallabies, possums, kangaroos, joeys, koalas, a peacock, a lyrebird, a goat, a dingo and an orphaned baby deer.
As the days go on – we are finding more and more animals in need of our help. It is vital that we save as many animals, especially following reports that animals lost to the fires could reach hundreds of thousands, if not millions!
The following is an initial account from Australia's worst bushfires:
First hand accounts are beginning to come in from Victorian wildlife carers who are currently trying to deal with the numerous animal victims emerging from the bushfires. We are receiving stories of koalas, kangaroos, possums, dogs, cats and cattle that have all been caught up in the fires.
There are many stories of animals that didn’t survive or that were killed on the spot – but there are also stories of hope, of the lucky ones that escaped or that were rescued – animals that now need food, care and rehabilitation – which is being provided by the dedicated groups of wildlife groups and carers – carers like Colleen Wood, who runs Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter in Rawson. Colleen specialises in koala care, and currently has 16 burnt koalas in her care plus numerous ring tail possums.
I’ve just come off the phone from Colleen, who told me harrowing accounts of horrendously burnt koalas, an echidna with its spines fused together and a turtle with a melted shell. But she also said that, even from the worst affected areas, miraculously animals are emerging with little more than minor injuries, including blisters and small cuts and bruises sustained from jumping out of the fires path.
For the lucky ones – the focus is now getting them stabilized, on the road to recovery and getting them back out in to the wild – but the problem is where to release them – as much of their release habitat is gone and will not be rejuvenated enough to sustain populations of animals for many years to come. But for now – these animals are in the best of hands with carers like Colleen.
An already exhausted Colleen explained that as people are being allowed back to their properties they are finding more and more animals in need of help – so there is still a long way to go and a lot of work to be done.
To top it all off – she told me that the gum trees around her property that provide food for the koalas she already has in her care are covered in soot so she is having to hose them down, in between nursing the animals back to health and protecting her own property - which incidentally is under threat from the bush fires raging only 2 kilometres away.
These are just one carer’s stories – there are many more individuals and groups involved and our thoughts and wishes go out to them all.
IFAW has rushed urgently needed aid to wildlife volunteers and have a team on the ground, based in the town of Whittlesea, who are working with carers and vets offering assistance to native animals and providing assistance for companion animals and farm animals where ever possible.
More updates will be posted as they come in.
The Animals in Haiti Need Your Support We urgently need your donation to help IFAW's emergency relief teams on the ground in Haiti. Your donation will help us buy the bandages, vaccines, antibiotics and other supplies for our mobile veterinary clinic.
We have partnered with WSPA to mount a coordinated animal relief response, and our team has deployed into the devastated country.
Your donation will go directly into IFAW's Emergency Relief fund, and will be used immediately and where needed most to help the animal victims of Haiti and our Emergency Relief work around the world.
Thank You. I've been devestated to read about the horror's of the ravaging fire's in Australia and the damage it has done to so many animal's. I live on the otherside of the world and it heal's my heart to read of people like yourselves who are so dedicated in helping our planet's precious animal's. Thank You.
Posted by: Kelsey | February 12, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Thanks are definitely in order. It's really nice to hear about some good coming out of such a tragic situation.
Fred Smilek is the acting president of the Society to Save Endangered Species. It was founded two years ago by Fred Smilek along with his two best friends Charles and Jonathan. http://www.fredjsmilek.com
Posted by: Fred Smilek | February 12, 2009 at 11:43 AM
Perhaps instead of sending flowers on Valentine's day you would accept a donation from me on behalf of my sort of on again off again girlfriend.
Flowers are soon forgotten but a Valentine's donation to the IFAW would a gesture that would put the show of two dozen roses to shame, even it she didn't grasp the loss of "show off" roses.
Set something up and send me an email.
Posted by: David | February 12, 2009 at 03:54 PM
It is wonderful to see that someone is looking after the animals - how tragic for them. I live in Italy and have a house full of cats (50) and dogs (5) - but I feel for all animals who are abused by man. My heart goes out to all of you who are helping them.
Posted by: betty johnston | February 12, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Hi David
If you want to help IFAW with donations go to www.ifaw.org and you can donate from there.
Thank you for your kind word, thoughts and support.
Posted by: Beck | February 12, 2009 at 11:42 PM
i live here in Australia and I am completly shattered by what has happened. As a supporter for The Koala Foundation I am hearbroken at some of the stories.It is so good to seere stories like Sam's nad Bob's. There are a lot more out there that need our help.
Posted by: Dorothy | February 13, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Thank you so much to IFAW staff and all other crews' devotion for saving the animals there. I have been so worried about the suffering wildlife since I saw this tragic news on TV. You guys are the hope for all the injured animals, the last victims who can get access to the rescue.
If you have arranged any special fund for this bushfire rescue, please let me know on this blog. I would like to donate and tell my friends too.
Posted by: Yuko | February 13, 2009 at 05:50 AM
I live in Canada and I am heartsick to see the devestation in Austrailia. Thank god for the volunteers who are there to care for the thousands of injured animals. They are innocent victims who depend on the kindness of humans. God bless you!!
Posted by: Melanie Sears | February 13, 2009 at 01:07 PM
I live in Canada and only wish I was closer to help those who are caring for the animals that are so badly injured. I can't imagine the pain they are in being so badly burned. It is wonderful the work that you are doing and to know the sick and injured are in good hands. Stay Safe
Posted by: Lynda Squires | February 14, 2009 at 09:52 AM
HOW CAN WE HELP? We want to go there and provide hands on assistance but can't find an avenue to do so...
Posted by: Darcy | February 14, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Hi,
I feel so sad for everyone in Australia going thru this horrific event. I donated $100 the other day wishing I could give more. I'm glad there are so many wonderful people helping all the innocent victims...
Posted by: Carol | February 14, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Response to Darcy:
Hi Darcy
At the moment there are still many areas that they are not allowing people to enter and anyone going in needs to have fire accreditation training.
As accommodation is unavailable due to the amount of displaced people the authorities are asking that people don't travel to the area.
If things change we will post new information.
Thank you for your thoughts and your support.
Posted by: Beck | February 15, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Thank you so much IFAW and all the wonderful caring people who are helping these poor animals.I wish I could be there with you but I live in SA.Our Creator is watching you.....Keep it up.With all my love and light to you all. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Debbie Barnes | February 16, 2009 at 06:47 AM
Hi I live i Perth, on the west coast of Australia. I am a huge animal lover, and the tragedy of what has happened in Victoria devastates me. Thank you to those of you overseas who care about what has happened here. I cant put into words how it feels to know so many of our wildlife and domestic pets have been killed and badly injured, and now homeless. My friend and I are trying to organise fundraising for the animals. The animal welfare volunteers are heroes. They are amazing.
Posted by: Jenny | February 17, 2009 at 04:30 AM
I have taken the BWA course.Im in Brisbane, but will fly out for a week or 2 to help...just tell me where to go and I will get there...
Posted by: kylie | February 18, 2009 at 05:03 AM
Hi there all well iam in the north of melbourne and if there is any thing I can do just let us know.We can be a career or help on the weekends.
Thanks to all
Posted by: justin | February 18, 2009 at 08:33 PM
I'm from Hoboken New Jersey and heard all about this tragedy in Australia. It's great to see that there are people out there who are willing to devote their time to such a worthwhile cause. Many people have lost their homes, and we tend to forget that animals have lost their places to live as well.
Posted by: Dennis Consorte | February 19, 2009 at 05:17 PM
I just donated. I live in Australia, two suburbs away from Kinglake. I am very touched by all your special hardwork and I want to thank you all for rescuing these animals.
Posted by: Libania | February 21, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Dear Sir,
It was astonishing to learn that someone lit the fire to create panic for people and wildlife in Australia.
It should be treated as an act of terrorism. No excuse for those culprits.Poor animals, they can't even speak or signal their mental and physical strain due to burn injuries.They can only bite us or runaway from us fearing for their life. We have to pray to GOD to shower his mercy and blessings to these poor creatures.
Posted by: Srinivasan | February 24, 2009 at 04:24 AM
I hope little Wattle continues to do well. Here's hoping!!
Fred Smilek is the acting president of the Society to Save Endangered Species. It was founded two years ago by Fred Smilek along with his two best friends Charles and Jonathan. http://www.fredjsmilek.com
Posted by: Fred Smilek | February 24, 2009 at 01:58 PM
Tania,
You are a true and wonderful blessing to this earth. I am so privileged to have met you. You are an inspiration to us all!
And I agree with your comments on Dr Howard Ralph. He is remarkable.
Amber Williams
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Posted by: urgegraro | April 07, 2009 at 02:00 PM
Victoria bush fire was a hard learnt lesson. Lost of lives houses and belongings. we will mourn this forever in our lives. When my website www.onlinepups4sale.com.au is fully functional, i want to help people and put on website like others do.
Kind Regards
Benny
Posted by: Mel | December 02, 2009 at 09:37 PM