Fundraiser for Koala Insurance Population & Wildlife Hospital in SA
Rescuing injured Australian wildlife ravaged by bush fires is crucial. However, emergency reactions to the devastation are only half the battle. What happens next?
SA’s wildlife deserves to be treated in a purpose built hospital. There are some great facilities across Australia such as the wildlife hospital at Australia Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Warrawong Sanctuary purchased the 14 acre property next door to Warrawong a year ago. They already have the land at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary to build a wildlife hospital. They also have the full-time staff. What’s more, they have 28 vet and animal science students doing work experience with them over the summer break. And, of course, a team of dedicated volunteers.
Short-term Goals:
Their initial goal is small. They have a massive shed on the property that is easily converted into a treatment facility. SA Power Networks have given them a new power connection and there is an unlimited water supply from Lake Cumbungi. There are also 18 enclosures on the property that have already been inspected by the Department of Environment and Water and deemed suitable for quarantine. The basic infrastructure is there so the project can be kick-started immediately.
Long-term Goal:
The long term goal is to build a world class facility on the hill above the lake. It will overlook the underwater observatories, which would be used as a “platypussary”. In other words, there will be a wildlife hospital, which also functions as a platypus and koala research centre.
This is especially important for koalas because they suffer from 3 significant health issues that can be fatal:
- Chlamydia
- Oxalate nephrosis
- Retro virus
Koala Insurance Population:
It’s reported that the Kangaroo Island fires could have wiped out half of the island’s koala population. Whether it’s injury, disease, catastrophic fires, or climate change we need a long term strategy for saving our unique Australian wildlife.
Warrawong Sanctuary are lucky to be in a position to start a koala insurance population. The rescued koalas in their care are all disease free. That makes them great founders for a breeding population.
The breeding program will need to be managed to ensure the greatest genetic diversity. Fortunately they have some expertise in this area, having worked with the critically endangered Tasmanian Devils for years. They will, however, need to work with other organisations, as a successful program would have around 600 individuals. There are lots of zoos and wildlife parks already wanting to help in this area.
They’ve even enlisted the help of Active Tree Services and SA Power Networks. Eucalyptus leaves are constantly being pruned from under power lines. It’s much better for the leaves to go to koalas than to get mulched. Naturally, the resource will be shared with the rescuers and carers, all of whom do a fabulous job.
The Foundation:
Warrawong Sanctuary Foundation is a registered charity and donations to the Public Fund are tax deductible. All funds raised go to the Public Fund, which is managed by an independent committee.
The fires at Cudlee Creek and on Kangaroo Island mean there will be an enormous number of animals needing a wildlife hospital and a safe home in the immediate future so they need to prepare for the influx.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Gofundme here or Warrawong website here
What: Warrawong Sanctuary Foundation Fundraiser for Koala Insurance Population & Wildlife Hospital in SA
When: Donate anytime
Where: Warrawong Sanctuary | 47 Stock Rd, Mylor
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Gofundme
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