Cyclone Fina’s impact on people and wildlife

The hospital initially received more than 80 patients in the days following the cyclone. Thanks to coordinated efforts, the current number of animals under care has decreased to 33—demonstrating both the scale of the initial need and the success of the care provided so far. IFAW also provided essential supplies such as medications and food to help meet the sudden increase in demand.  

Beyond the hospital, IFAW has extended support to several wildlife rehabilitation groups also facing overwhelming caseloads. Woollybutt Wildlife Rescue, which is caring for over 30 birds and other animals, received an emergency grant to secure equipment and consumables to manage the crisis. Meanwhile, Wildcare Darwin—a longstanding IFAW partner—reached out for assistance after struggling to meet care demands for another 30+ birds in the region. With most local carers already at full capacity, IFAW is helping Wildcare Darwin secure portable aviaries and other critical equipment to support ongoing rehabilitation efforts. 

Together, these actions represent hope in motion—practical, immediate relief for wildlife in crisis, and a testament to the strength of local responders when equipped with the right tools and support. As the situation continues to evolve, IFAW remains on the ground and committed to ensuring that every animal receives the care it deserves. 

Cyclone Fina’s impact on people and wildlife

November 26, 2025

When Cyclone Fina tore through Australia’s Northern Territory on 22–23 November 2025 as a Category 3 cyclone, it left widespread destruction in its wake—damaging homes, downing trees, cutting power to 19,000 people, and putting immense pressure on emergency services. While damage assessments are ongoing and no human fatalities have been reported, another crisis has been unfolding quietly—one threatening the region’s wildlife and the ecosystems they call home.

Thanks to our renewed partnership with NT Fauna Solutions—reinvigorated at the July 2025 Australian Wildlife Rehab Conference—IFAW was able to act quickly. Through this network, we were introduced to several local wildlife groups and Northern Territory National Parks and Wildlife Service (NT NPWS), who are working to assess needs among Indigenous rangers and their communities impacted by the storm.

Among those groups is Woollybutt Wildlife Rescue, now caring for more than 30 animals injured or displaced by the cyclone. After a swift due diligence process, IFAW awarded an emergency grant to support urgent needs—food, consumables, and essential equipment—giving those animals a better chance to recover and return to the wild.

Expanding support for one of the region’s wildlife hospitals

Why this response matters  

Disasters like Cyclone Fina don’t only harm people—they put wildlife, ecosystems and communities that depend on them at grave risk. By acting fast, IFAW helps ensure that wild animals affected by the storm don’t suffer alone.

Our support offers hope: rescued wildlife have a chance to recover, rehab groups have the supplies they need, and local hospital staff can get extra help during a critical influx of cases.

We believe in solutions rooted in partnership—with local wildlife rescuers, Indigenous ranger services, veterinary networks, parks and wildlife authorities, and communities. This collaborative approach helps deliver tangible, timely aid where it is most needed.

What comes next

Over the coming days, IFAW will be on the ground supporting the wildlife. We’ll continue coordinating with Northern Territory NPWS, wildlife rescue groups, and veterinary teams to closely monitor additional needs, from food and medical supplies to personnel.

Your support can make a difference. Together, we can help turn disaster into hope—for wildlife, people, and the ecosystems they share.