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The Red List of Threatened Species had already classified the koala as vulnerable, but the species is being threatened even more by devastating bushfires that have already burned more than 2.5 million acres of Australia’s east coast.
But one recent act of bravery has given the country hope in fighting the blaze. After spotting a koala crossing a road amongst the flames in New South Wales, a local woman named Toni rushed to the animal’s aid, wrapping it in her shirt and pouring water over it.
The hero said she was planning to take the injured koala to the nearby Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, a facility that is taking care of up to 15 affected koalas.
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Devastating bushfires have already burned more than 2.5 million acres of Australia’s east coast
The koala population have had it particularly bad
As many as 350 koalas are feared to have died from bushfires that ripped through a vital koala habitat in New South Wales
Search and rescue teams are working the area non-stop
So far, they’ve brought at least 31 koalas to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital to be treated for burns and dehydration
The hospital and a few other organizations created a GoFundMe campaign to purchase automatic drinking stations and install them in the burnt areas to help in koala and wildlife survival
However, since people have already raised over $879,000 (the goal was $25,000), the project is being expanded
Volunteer groups are also taking in koalas found burned and dehydrated after the fires
Koalas are especially vulnerable to the fires because they instinctively climb to the tops of trees, straight into the heat
Even if they survive the fires, they still have to walk across scorched earth when they come down
“This male koala who was so disorientated by the flames and unfortunately was burnt further as he headed back into active fire. He has been called Ellenborough Lewis (after her grandchild). He has been treated and is now in the five star accommodation at the Koala Hospital”, reported the doctors from Koala Hospital Port Macquarie
Twitter is in tears after seeing the woman’s heroic actions
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What do you think ?
Foxxy’s #1 fan 5 years ago (edited)
I just want to say a HUGE thank you to all the men and women helping during this devastating time whether they are fire fighters, other emergency responders, volunteers and even people like the person in the article. Sadly 6 people have died and approx 550 homes have been destroyed. There are still approx 80 fires still blazing in QLD and 54 in NSW. Thirty bushfires including 2 major fires started in my state today too and what makes it worse is we have strong winds predicted over night. So far over 1.7 million hectares have been destroyed and still no sign of an end yet.
Janine B. 5 years ago
This sounds really, really horrible. I sent best wishes from over here. May you all be safe.
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Janine B. 5 years ago
Oh my god. This is just heartbreaking. I won't ever forget his crys... I wonder what happened to the little guy? Kudos to the lady, she's my hero of the day.
Night Owl 5 years ago (edited)
He has been treated and is now staying at the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie
Load More Replies...
Foxxy’s #1 fan 5 years ago (edited)
I just want to say a HUGE thank you to all the men and women helping during this devastating time whether they are fire fighters, other emergency responders, volunteers and even people like the person in the article. Sadly 6 people have died and approx 550 homes have been destroyed. There are still approx 80 fires still blazing in QLD and 54 in NSW. Thirty bushfires including 2 major fires started in my state today too and what makes it worse is we have strong winds predicted over night. So far over 1.7 million hectares have been destroyed and still no sign of an end yet.
Janine B. 5 years ago
This sounds really, really horrible. I sent best wishes from over here. May you all be safe.
Load More Replies... Janine B. 5 years ago
Oh my god. This is just heartbreaking. I won't ever forget his crys... I wonder what happened to the little guy? Kudos to the lady, she's my hero of the day.
Night Owl 5 years ago (edited)
He has been treated and is now staying at the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie
Load More Replies...
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