Maryland Zoo To Help Animals Affected By Australian Wildfires
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As devastating wildfires continue to rage across Australia, The Maryland Zoo has started a campaign to raise money to help animals displaced by the flames.
There are accounts that as many as a billion animals have been killed in the Australian wildfires, which have consumed an area twice the size of Maryland.
The zoo is donating $3,000 from its Conservation Emergency Fund to Zoos Victoria, which is running three wildlife triage centers to rescue animals and help them heal.
Julie Grove of the Maryland Zoo said it is a huge operation.
"We're talking everything from providing animals with the medical care they need, the shelters that they need, in addition to the people taking care of the animals getting them the support they need," Grove said.
The extent of the disaster means long term recovery.
"What we see a lot is the efforts to save kangaroos and koalas," Grove said. "What we'd also like to focus on is so many amphibians and reptiles that are also being affected in these wildfires."
The Maryland Zoo is also raising money on its website for the effort, which it says will go toward the animals' immediate medical needs and long-term care.
To learn more or to donate, click here
