El Niño response: Australia bracing for potential catastrophe this summer

“Australia is facing a potentially disastrous summer. A repeat of the Black Summer would be catastrophic for wildlife, landscape, and communities,” IFAW Animal Rescue Officer Robert Leach said.

“The sad reality is that our wildlife cannot handle much more. After the 2019-20 devastation, koalas were uplisted to an endangered species in QLD, NSW and the ACT. I don’t want to imagine what another catastrophic summer would do to already declining population numbers of our iconic Aussie species.

“We must do all that we can now to ensure our wildlife and the people who care for them are prepared. Too often we see people put their own lives at risk and refuse to evacuate if they cannot take their animals with them. Preparation saves lives. Now is the time to make sure you’ve created and trialled your evacuation plans and that the animals (be it pets or wildlife) in your care are considered in that plan. Remember, if it is not safe for you, it is not safe for the animals in your care.

“We ask people to download the IFAW Wildlife Rescue App which puts you in touch with your nearest wildlife rescue group which will be able to guide you on the best way to help an injured or displaced animal.”

ENDS

Press contact:
Dominica Mack
e: dmack@ifaw.org
m: +61 460 432 901