portable shelters help wombats survive floodwaters

Sydney, 26 September 2022 – Portable shelters are being used to help wombats survive extreme weather events which are continuing to increase in frequency and intensity because of climate change.

After the catastrophic floods across New South Wales, Australia in April this year IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) provided critical resources to Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary which was heavily impacted by the deluge.

Burrowing animals such as wombats are some of the most heavily impacted during floods because their homes become filled with floodwaters and mud. The sanctuary, in southern New South Wales, came to IFAW asking for financial support to build portable shelters with recycled materials which can be moved to higher ground during a flood or other emergency.

As a result of IFAW’s support, eight innovative shelters were constructed and have since been used by wombats in care during several other flood events.

“With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like the catastrophic floods and heavy rains of 2022, we need to help empower and equip wildlife rescue groups to be prepared so they can help more wildlife and save more lives,” IFAW Wildlife Campaign Manager Josey Sharrad said.

“The rain has not stopped pouring at Sleepy Burrows and it is only forecast to continue but it is encouraging to know that these emergency shelters are already being used by wombats. It is such a simple but extremely effective and potentially life-saving resource, and we hope other carers will be inspired to use them.

“The wildlife community has been hit by continuous extreme weather events over the past few years and IFAW is committed to being there to provide emergency response and recovery and ensure groups and carers are prepared because being prepared saves lives.”

ENDS

Photos available here. 

Press Contact

IFAW Australia

Dominica Mack

m: 0460 432 901

e: dmack@ifaw.org

About the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) - IFAW is a global non-profit helping animal and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org

Information on Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary can be found at www.sleepyburrows.com.au