Wildlife Woes

The news over the last few weeks has been full of the devastating effects of the bushfires around the country – not only damage to people and property but the heartbreaking vision of our wildlife woes. Koalas and kangaroos in distress have featured heavily on some of the news programs and the estimated number of deaths in our wildlife populations is truly horrendous.

Although the news has settled down now the fires are (mostly) under control, the effect on our wildlife is ongoing, sadly. Loss of habitat has caused just as much damage as the fires themselves and many animals are still presenting in dire straits several weeks after the fires have been stopped.

At Gawler Animal Hospital, we’ve had our share of distressed animals to deal with. Some recovered, some didn’t , sadly.  The majority of these animals presented to us were Koalas suffering from heat stress and dehydration. Much like with domestic pets, if we are able to start treatment early, we have a much better chance of success. If we don’t get them early enough, however, they often go into kidney failure.

It’s been heartwarming to see the number of people offering to help with the wildlife care since the fires went through our area. This ranges from monetary donations through to offering practical help. Several of our staff (both vets and nurses) have volunteered their time at a temporary hospital set up by the Adelaide Koala Rescue group. Koalas make up the bulk of the patients there. The encouraging news is that a number of these affected pets have been treated successfully.  There has been a massive response from the South Australian veterinary community in helping man shelters such as this.

A bit closer to home, we set up a fund-raiser of our own so that we could do a bit more to assist. We arranged a raffle for any clients who wished to make a contribution with a basket of goodies for the lucky winner valued at over $200. We originally offered to donate all proceeds from our hydrobath dogwash through the month of January.  We’ve decided to extend this out through February and so you can still do your bit to help by bringing your dog in for a wash!!

Total funds raised (so far) have come to over $1500 and this is a great effort! The money has been sent through directly to the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Shelter. Thanks to all of you who helped with this fund-raising effort – it’s a very worthwhile cause so please keep going!

For those of you who would still like to donate, it’s not too late. As mentioned, we’ve extended our dogwash donations. As well as this, Maggie Graham, one of our valued clients, has set up a film night with funds also going to Kangaroo Island Wildlife Shelter. This is being held at the Gawler Cinema and the film is ‘The Fishermans’ Friend’ – set in Cornwall and it looks like a really uplifting, enjoyable film. You’ll have to be quick, though, as the film night is being held this Wednesday, February 12^th.  If you’re interested in going, please contact Maggie directly on 0418 262 038.

In the meantime, if you come across any injured or distressed animals, please don’t hesitate to either call us for help on 8522 3500 or (if you feel confident) just bring them in (a large bath-towel can be very helpful in wrapping them up).

In the meantime, if you come across any injured or distressed animals, please don’t hesitate to either call us for help on 8522 3500 or (if you feel confident) just bring them in (a large bath-towel can be very helpful in wrapping them up).