Disaster Response
IFAW responds to bushfires and floods in Australia
IFAW responds to bushfires and floods in Australia
21 January 2026
IFAW responds as South Australian wildlife faces new bushfire impacts
21 January 2026
IFAW is now deploying to 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.
Flying fox mass deaths in heat stress event in Victoria, Australia Photo: © Fly By Night Bats
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
14 January 2026
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.
Conditions are still changing, and wildlife responders across Australia continue to need help as this situation unfolds.
Carers across Australia are telling us that this summer has been "chaotic" with barely any respite from multiple back-to-back extreme weather events and an inundation of wildlife needing care.
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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