As wildfires rage on in their native Australia, the Irwin family and their medical team at the Australia Zoo are doing everything in their power to help animals in need.
In an interview earlier this week for the Australian news showSunrise,Terri Irwinand sonRobert Irwinsat down to talk about the devastation and some of the more difficult injuries they’ve seen coming through the zoo.
“We’re seeing all kinds of different injuries,” he continued. “Obviously smoke inhalation and burns are happening frequently, but also animals are going into areas where they’re not supposed to be to escape the horrific conditions.”
“It’s definitely an ongoing issue and we’re just trying to do ourbest to help in any waywe can,” Robert added. “It’s a pretty tough situation. We’re absolutely heartbroken.”
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As of Jan. 1, experts said the fires burning across Australia have leftan estimated half-billion animals dead.
Ecologists from the University of Sydney believe 480 million total mammals, birds and reptiles have died since September, according to anews.com.aureport. That massive number includes a third of the New South Wales koala population, and fatalities are only expected to increase.
Sunrise on 7
“[Koalas’] instinct is to go up — safety’s in the top of the tree,” Terri, 55, said onSunrise. “And with a hot fire, the eucalyptus trees have so much oil in their leaves that they ignite and actually explode. So being able to treat and help koalas is few and far between because they’rebasically incinerated, which is absolutely heartbreaking.”
“Koalas are classed as vulnerable, and I think after this event, we need to really sit down and look at classing them as endangered and protecting our icons,” she added. “Our kangaroos, our koalas, [they are] inspirational to Australians as well as our visitors from overseas.”
RELATED VIDEO: Mob of Kangaroos Rushes to Escape Fires Raging in Southern Australia
Robert, Terri andBindi Irwinhave been open about how much the fires have affected what they do at the zoo on a daily basis, and how much devastation they have seen as of late.
“With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much. I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE,” Bindishared in an Instagram poston Thursday.
“There are no fires near us@AustraliaZooor our conservation properties,” the 21-year-old conservationist said, adding that the Wildlife Hospital had been “busier than ever” and treated more than 90,000 patients so far.
source: people.com
