Jerusalem Zoo to send aid for animals in Australia fires

(ISRAEL21c)—The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is collecting donations to help the Animal Rescue Collective purchase veterinary supplies for animals affected by wildfires in Victoria, Australia.

“The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo and its staff are distressed by the horrific fires in Australia and the widespread devastation to its unique wildlife,” the zoological park announced Jan. 5.

The bushfires began in New South Wales in September, where about 130 fires continue to burn, and have spread to Victoria, where some 31 blazes are burning.

University of Sydney Prof. Chris Dickman estimates that 480 million animals have been affected by the fires in New South Wales alone. No one knows exactly how many have been injured or killed.

Supplies requested by the Animal Rescue Collective include burn creams, milk replacers, hydration concentrates, wound sprays, syringes, disinfectant, feeding bottles and more.

“The supplies will be purchased in Australia and sent directly to the volunteers on the ground,” according to the zoo’s press statement. Those volunteers are working with the East Gippsland Fire Wildlife Support Team.

The campaign was initiated by the Biblical Zoo’s International Relations Manager, who is originally from Melbourne, Australia.

Officially named the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, the Biblical Zoo has a long relationship with Australia.

Its Australia Yard houses species including kangaroos, bettongs, tawny frogmouths, a cassowary, blue-tongue lizards, a kookaburra and more.

The zoo also houses a colony of 16 flying foxes sent from a special bat shelter in Sydney, where they were rehabilitated after being injured in farmers’ fruit-protecting nets.