IFAW responds to bushfires and floods in Australia

In an update to IFAW, Bouddi Wildlife Flying Fox facility said: 

“The cost to support a flying fox pup from admission through to release and successful reintegration into colony life is considerable. It includes intensive and crèche care, daily fruit provision, and specialised flying fox protein supplementation until independence is achieved. We would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank IFAW for the pivotal role your organisation played in responding to this event and supporting the rescue and triage of affected animals under exceptionally challenging conditions.” 

As Australia continues to feel the impacts of a changing climate, IFAW remains on standby to rescue and protect wildlife and provide its expertise and support to groups on the ground. 

“We were preparing for catastrophe, but we know it’s always better to be over-prepared,” he said. 

Thankfully, only one additional flying fox pup needed rescuing today by the team. In total, nearly 40 flying foxes have been rescued this week and are now in the care of experienced wildlife rehabilitators across the state. 

With temperatures expected to ease over the weekend, Robert and the team will begin travelling home.   

Meanwhile, in South Australia, our partner Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue continues to treat heat-stressed animals, particularly koalas. IFAW is providing further support with essential supplies, including sprinklers for fire prevention and veterinary equipment to help them save more lives. 

Wildlife carers across the country are now looking to the weekend, hoping for relief as temperatures begin to drop. 

In Cowra, New South Wales, IFAW’s animal rescue officer Robert Leach is coordinating a response for a vulnerable flying fox colony, working closely with a team of local experts and with support from the Landcare group on logistics. 

Flying foxes are highly vulnerable to extreme heat, with consecutive hot days often proving fatal. On 28 January, the team rescued another seven flying foxes, bringing the total number of rescues this week to nearly 40. All are now receiving care from experienced wildlife rehabilitators across the state. 

In South Australia, partner organisation Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue continues to respond to the heat crisis, with 20 koalas currently in care due to heat stress. 

Temperatures are expected to remain high until the weekend, when some relief is forecast. 

Supporting frontline efforts as heat intensifies 

January 27, 2026

IFAW’s animal rescue officer Robert Leach spent two days in South Australia searching for surviving wildlife alongside partners Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER) and the Wildlife Welfare Organisation SA. 

Tragically, many of the animals the team found had suffered catastrophic burns and could not be saved. 

Robert also visited SKER’s onsite vet clinic, where the team had moved all the koalas inside ahead of extreme heatwave conditions over the weekend. The move enabled the team to set up sprinklers to keep the koalas cool. This type of preparation can make all the difference, both for animals and the SKER team. 

With extreme temperatures forecast in other parts of the country this week, Robert is now deploying to New South Wales, where there are serious concerns over the survival of a flying fox colony. 

Flying foxes are vulnerable to heat stress and often collapse from the trees due to extreme exhaustion in high temperatures. IFAW is joining a team of experts on the ground to help rescue as many as possible. 

Searching for survivors amid the devastation 

January 22, 2026

IFAW’s animal rescue officer Robert Leach joined partners Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue and the Wildlife Welfare Organisation SA in the fire-affected areas of South Australia, searching for any signs of surviving wildlife. 

Formally integrated into the incident response, the team participated in the morning fire crew briefing before heading out into the field. 

Robert described large sections of the landscape as “completely incinerated,” though scattered pockets of unburnt refuge and small water bodies remained. 

Tragically, many of the animals the team found had sustained catastrophic burns and could not be saved. 

The team is scheduled to return for another search on Friday, ahead of worsening conditions with high temperatures and strong winds forecast. 

IFAW’s animal rescue officer Robert Leach is on the ground as the team conducts a black walk—a systematic search for surviving wildlife in need of urgent care. The operation has state government and local fire authority approval.

Trained SKER rescuers and a veterinarian have already begun assessing the fireground. In an initial survey on 21 January, the team found a burnt koala drinking from a dam, though they were unable to rescue it at that time. Additional animals with burns are believed to be in the area.

IFAW has supported SKER with critical supplies, equipment, and wildlife search and rescue training. Earlier in January, we provided essential supplies to help SKER rescue and treat animals suffering from extreme heat. According to SKER director Mish Simpson, that recent training gave her team the confidence and capability to undertake the black walk now.

With temperatures expected to rise again this weekend, the team has a narrow window to find and assist animal survivors. “If anything was injured in this fire, I don’t think it would be able to cope in the heat again. We are hoping to find some life,” Mish said. “The support from IFAW has been hugely helpful so we can scale up our efforts if we need.”

Temperatures are expected to soar once again over the coming week in South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. IFAW remains on standby to provide additional support where it’s needed most.

Wildlife caught between bushfires and floods in Australia

January 14, 2026

Extreme heat takes a heavy toll 

Parts of Australia endured the longest spell of extreme heat and catastrophic fire danger since the 2019–20 Black Summer fires. Temperatures above 40°C have moved across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia, increasing fire risk and taking a heavy toll on wildlife. 

Extreme heat is proving deadly for wildlife—particularly for species already under pressure.

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