February 9, 2026
IFAW responds to bushfires and floods in Australia
IFAW Bushfire Animal Rescue
IFAW Bushfire Animal Rescue
International Fund for Animal Welfare
Extreme heat takes a heavy toll
Heat, fires, and flooding are putting wildlife in urgent danger.
How to help >>>
A koala rescued during extreme heat conditions in South Australia amid heightened bushfire risk. Photo: © Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue
Wildlife caught between bushfires and floods in Australia
January 21, 2026
IFAW is in South Australia to support our long-standing partners Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER) after a bushfire swept through an area known to be home to koalas, kangaroos, possums and native birds. The fire has added to the extreme heat pressures already facing wildlife across the region. With temperatures expected to rise again this weekend, the team has a narrow window to find and assist animal survivors.
Australia is currently facing two sides of a worsening climate crisis. While the north is being inundated by record breaking floods, and an ex-tropical cyclone, the south is being ravaged by devastating bushfires. The consequences are far-reaching—not only for people, but also for the many animals that depend on fragile habitats. Read more >>
$15🌿Could help feed koalas each day : You can help >>>
Two macropod joeys in care, during Australia heatwave Photo: © Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue
IFAW responds as South Australian wildlife faces new bushfire impacts
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. Read more >>
$19🐨 Can help raise & release orphan koalas : How to help >>>
Flying fox mass deaths in heat stress event in Victoria, Australia Photo: © Fly By Night Bats
Extreme heat takes a heavy toll
Flying foxes have been among the hardest hit. Already weakened by a seasonal shortage of food, prolonged heat has caused animals to collapse from trees from dehydration and heat stress. IFAW is supporting Fly By Night Bat Clinic, which is currently caring for more than 330 threatened flying foxes across its statewide network. Many of these animals—especially pups—will require weeks or months of rehabilitation before they can be safely released.
In South Australia, IFAW is supporting our long-term partner, Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue, with fuel for rescues and vital veterinary equipment to treat heat stress, including oxygen support and fluids. We are also assisting Wildlife Welfare Organisation as they care for waterbirds affected by heat-related disease outbreaks, including botulism linked to warming waterways. Read more >>
$25🍼 Can help keep a baby koala’s bottle full : Help now >>>
Today we're challenging you to seriously consider making a monthly gift commitment as an IFAW sustainer.
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