Key Points
- Over 75,000 hectares, roughly the size of Singapore, have been burned in the fires around the Grampians.
- Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, says the damage assessment is ongoing.
- The national park is home to hundreds of species.
Introduction
As massive bushfires raged in the Grampians National Park, a group of nervous kangaroos found an unlikely sanctuary inside the home of an animal shelter operator.
Kangaroos in the Lounge Room
Louise Bonomi, a volunteer at Wildwood Wildlife Shelter in Victoria Valley, described how the kangaroos appeared “nervous” when the bushfires intensified in the Grampians on Boxing Day. The roof sprinklers at the home of the shelter operator, Pam Turner, were turned on, causing the kangaroos to become “stressed.” Turner decided to bring 20 of the joeys to her lounge room for shelter.
“They don’t like coming and going. They don’t like the noise of pumps,” Bonomi explained. “I think wildlife can tell when there’s a fire in their region, their habitat.”
Extent of Wildlife Losses Unknown
The full damage of the bushfire to the Grampians National Park wildlife is unclear as yet. Bonomi expressed great concern for their welfare, stating, “Given the scale and the intensity of those fires, I think everybody’s assuming the worst.”
The Victorian Kangaroo Alliance has called to stop the state’s Kangaroo Harvesting Program. Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, mentioned that the damage assessment was ongoing, and there are reports of significant losses of livestock due to the blaze.
Cooler weather has eased conditions for firefighters battling the blaze in Victoria, but Bonomi urged the public to assist wildlife in the region, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and calling local shelters for help if they come across animals in need.
Conclusion
The story of the kangaroos seeking shelter from the raging fires in a home highlights the impact of bushfires on wildlife and the importance of community efforts to protect and rescue animals in times of crisis.
FAQ
What is the current status of the bushfires in the Grampians National Park?
The Victorian premier mentioned that the damage assessment is ongoing, and conditions have eased for firefighters battling the blaze.
How can the public help wildlife affected by the fires?
The public can assist by slowing down while traveling around the fire zone, being cautious of displaced wildlife, and calling local shelters for help if they encounter animals in need.
– additional reporting by AAP