Disaster Response
Cyclone Fina’s impact on people and wildlife
Cyclone Fina’s impact on people and wildlife
26 November 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 the Director of Northern Territory National Parks and Wildlife Service (NT NPWS), who is working to assess needs among Indigenous ranger communities impacted by the storm.
A Magpie Goose is receiving emergency care at WoollyButt Wildlife Rescue after Cyclone Fina swept through the region. Photo: © WoollyButt Wildlife Rescue
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 the region’s only wildlife hospital
In Darwin, the territory’s only wildlife hospital, Wild North Veterinary Hospital, admitted more than 80 wild animals in under 48 hours. The influx continues, and their small team is already under heavy pressure.
IFAW is now in active discussions with Wild North about providing an emergency grant to help restock consumables and supplies.
In addition, we are exploring the deployment of IFAW veterinary responders to support triage and case management. We are also considering tapping into our network of graduates from the IFAW × WA Wildlife veterinary mentorship programme to assist where needed.
Why this response matters
A Common Nightingale is receiving emergency care at WoollyButt Wildlife Rescue after Cyclone Fina swept through the region. Photo: © WoollyButt Wildlife Rescue
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 continue coordinating with Northern Territory NPWS, wildlife rescue groups, and veterinary teams on the ground. We are closely monitoring needs, from food and medical supplies to staffing.
Your support can make a difference. Together, we can help turn disaster into hope—for wildlife, people, and the ecosystems they share.
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