Help us provide urgent heatwave support to wildlife
Victorians have been feeling the effects of extreme heat this week, and the forecast tells us it’s only going to get worse in the weeks to come.
For native wildlife, these heatwaves are catastrophic.
Unlike us, our native animals can’t escape the heat and are highly vulnerable to dehydration, disorientation, burns and even blindness.
Wildlife cannot prepare for the extreme and unpredictable — but we can, and we must.
To find out more about how to spot native animals experiencing heat-stress and help wildlife during heatwaves read below.
Heat-stressed koala spotted in a tree and a ringtail possum seeking refuge under a bin during extreme heat.
A call every 2 minutes
At the moment, our emergency response team is triaging over 800 reports per day from the public who are seeking help for our native wildlife.
That is more than a call every 2 minutes.
This week we have been dealing with a surge in heat stressed wildlife cases. In just one day reports of wildlife needing emergency assistance increased by 30%, with heat stressed wildlife cases increasing ten-fold.
Heatwaves put vulnerable native species at risk
Our wildlife vets and support staff have been deployed at Victoria’s largest Grey-headed flying fox (GHFF) colony in Yarra Bend this week, monitoring these precious animals for risk of mass heat-stress fatalities.
These animals cannot escape the oppressive heat. Heat stress in bats is often fatal.
Our mobile travelling vet vehicles are equipped with life-saving fluids and the necessary veterinary equipment to treat native animals in the wild.
During extreme heat events our ability to provide this service is the difference between life and death for countless species.
Vet nurse, Evie, admininstering essential fluids for a heat-stressed GHFF in field (left), a GHFF being treated for heat stress (centre) and a heat-stressed GHFF being rescued after being found on the ground and called into our Emergency Response Service (right) this week.
With more extreme heat predicted, we need your help to continue to provide life-saving assistance to wildlife this summer.
Wildlife Victoria is predominantly funded by donations. We are a charity, and our services are essential. Support out vital work by making a donation today.
Every day counts. Every animal counts. Every dollar counts.
Feature image by Doug Gimesy.