Spare a thought for the wildlife.

According to the bureau of meteorology, the first three months of 2018 were the driest for more than 30 years. 99% of NSW is now in drought with 15% classified as intensely affected. 

The farmers in rural NSW and their animals are suffering. Our wildlife is struggling to survive in these harsh conditions as the dry land means that food and drinking water is scarce.

Rural members of WIRES are reporting an increase of up to 50% of animals coming into care compared to this time last year. Unfortunately we know that this increase is a lot less than the true amount of animals in need of rescue. 

Our members in Wollondilly are experiencing a spike in joeys needing rescue. Many of the young wombats are small for their age and showing signs of malnourishment. Calls for wombats in their region have increased 60% from this time last year.

Animals are having to expand their range, travelling further to find water sources exposing them to dangerous situations. Sadly, as their normal food sources diminish, many raptors are being hit by cars whilst feeding on the remains of others struck down in collisions with vehicles  

Koalas, who are already on the endangered species list, are greatly affected by these conditions. They exclusively eat the leaves of gum trees and get most of their water from the leaves as well, each day without rain sees the trees get drier. 

WIRES have already responded to 257 calls for assistance for Koalas so far this year. 

In these times of extreme weather, our resources are stretched. Our phone lines are busy and our volunteers are working around the clock.

We need your financial support. Please help if you can as each of these events stretches our resources.