Meet the everyday heroes who saved koalas during the bushfires

WATCH: Take a sneak peek at the very special television event coming to channel Seven on Sunday night, Koala Rescue

Koalas are one of the most iconic Australian animals, and sadly this summer they became a symbol of the devastating megafires that swept across the country.

Photos and videos of burnt, dying, and injured koalas were broadcast around the world, but so too were heart-warming stories of the people who were risking everything to save this beloved animal from a burning habitat. if not for the work of the volunteers who walked into the flames and pulled the animals from the path of the fires, many thousands more may have been killed.

Koala Rescue profiles the courage and determination of these everyday heroes who went out of their way to rescue, treat and rehabilitate the koalas who survived on Kangaroo Island, the Snowy Mountains, the Blue Mountains and Port Macquarie. Koala Rescue is your opportunity to meet rescuers and carers from Australia, and the world, who heeded the call to come and help.

Koala rescue is a must-see event airing on Sunday at 7.00pm on Seven, but you can take a sneak peek at what’s in store by watching the video below.

How you can help koalas in need

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

A GoFundMe page has been set up by the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital so volunteers can set up water stations for affected wildlife in the area and rehabilitation of injured animals. Call the 24 hour rescue hotline if you see or find sick or injured koalas on 6584 1522.

Koalas in Care

If you want to help koalas in the mid-coast region, check out the Koalas in Care Facebook page. Christeen and Paul McLeod are the co-founders of KOALAS IN CARE INC, a 24/7 koala rescue and rehabilitation group. They dedicate their time to rescuing, caring and rearing injured, sick and orphaned koalas. DONATE HERE.

WIRES

You can also donate to the NSW Wildlife Informations, Rescue and Educations Service HERE, which will allow staff to provide more assistance to injured wildlife of all species across the state.

FAWNA

For Australian Wildlife Needing Aid (FAWNA) is the only group in Australia licensed to rescue and care for all species of animals in Australia, and they need your help. FAWNA is powered by volunteers, and last year cared for more than 3000 animals, birds and reptiles that were reported to be at risk or injured by the public. Unfortunately, FAWNA receive no formal funding to carry out its vital wildlife rescue, relocation and rehabilitation work, but you can help the cause by donating. All monies donated to FAWNA go directly to assist wildlife, whether that be buying food or medications for them, or paying vet bills and supporting members with equipment they need to directly care for their injured and orphaned critters. DONATE HERE.

Laura Barry

Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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