Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park (SA) With 400 Koala Fire Victims
Share this page No habitat to return to; generous funds raised. “Originally when we asked for the $15,000 about 50 percent of the koala habitat was burned, so we did have plans on releasing them into the remaining 50 … [Sam Mitchell of Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park told the ABC]. “Since then, another 30 — maybe even more — percent of the habitat has gone, so now we have to house them for quite some time until we know we can release them, because we have to wait for the forests to regrow.” Mr Mitchell said not only koalas but other marsupials and reptiles needed care. (gofundme) Park ‘working flat out’ to house injured animals Mr Mitchell said his business employed 12 staff but would slow down “dramatically” as a result of the fires. He said he had been “overwhelmed” with medical supplies and the park was continuing to receive up to 50 new koalas per day, as well as other injured animals. “I’ve always dedicated my life to saving animals and I’m doing everything I can for these guys,” he said. “Every day we’re seeing more and more animals, we’re building more and more infrastructure, we’re going through a lot more medical supplies.” Mr Mitchell said a final decision had not yet been made on how all of the money raised would be spent. “People keep saying ‘what are you going to do with these koalas in a year’s time? What are you going to do with all these supplies?’ That’s tomorrow’s problem,” he said. READ THE FULL STORY: Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park owner featured in viral drop bear video says he is facing backlash for donation deluge By Daniel Keane, ABC Radio Adelaide MAIN IMAGE: A Humane Society worker gives water to a koala on Kangaroo Island. SOURCE: Humane Society AROUND THE WEB: RELATED STORY RSPCA calls for Kangaroo Island volunteers amid fears of ‘second wave of mass wildlife deaths’ (due to starvation) By ABC News
