How your support is helping wildlife during heatwaves

As we prepare for a long, hot season ahead, here’s how your support is helping us respond to heat stressed native animals, whenever they need us most!

On an extremely hot day in January, a member of the public encountered a koala on a highway in NSW’s Riverina region. The koala was on the side of the road and appeared to be suffering from extreme heat exhaustion.

They called quickly WIRES help, and we dispatched our volunteer Amanda. Amanda thoroughly searched the area (no easy task in 45 degree heat) and eventually found the koala, who by that time was heading toward the river in a desperate search for water.

The koala, a mature female, was extremely dehydrated, but otherwise healthy. Amanda transported her to a local vet, where she received fluids and a little rest. 

When she was ready, Amanda returned her to her habitat, but this time closer to the river so she had a ready source of hydration.

During that terrible heatwave, Amanda was called to rescue a further three separate koala joeys, who were each found alone and desperately dehydrated.

Amanda provided the three joeys with round the clock feeds, dedicated care and regular vet checks for almost six months, until the three were old enough to be released together into suitable habitat.

Below: Amanda releasing the koala after recovery