All Victorians have felt the devastating effects of the Victorian Bushfires, either directly or indirectly. Melbournians only need to travel an hour out of the city to be confronted by the charred remains of once-lush, vast bushland and historic townships formerly revered for their charm and unique beauty.

Numerous populations of native wildlife were lost in the fires and it is expected that millions of animals perished. There were however many animals found alive but suffering from severe burns, smoke inhalation and dehydration. For weeks following the fires, staff at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary (which is in close proximity to much of the fire-ravaged area) worked around the clock responding to the critical needs of injured wildlife.

In the wake of the disaster and in response to donor requests Zoos Victoria established a Bushfire Appeal to raise money for the work of the AWHC. With 100% of all donations going directly to the AWHC and their bushfire recovery endeavours, Zoos Victoria soon realised just how loved the Sanctuary is by people all over the world. Messages of support and generous gifts were received from over 1,700 people from around Australia and across the globe. Donations arrived from as far as Switzerland and Japan with sentiments reflecting wonderful and memorable visits to the Sanctuary and concern for the native wildlife that lives there.

Over $300,000 was raised. The donated funds enabled Zoos Victoria to provide best practice care for injured wildlife, to mobilise veterinary units to go out into the field and to purchase much-needed equipment to support the diagnosis and management of sick animals.

Zoos Victoria wishes to thank all the people and organisations that dug deep, and generously donated to the Bushfire Appeal.