Since September, Australia has been struggling to cope with the worst wildfires the continent has experienced in decades. These lethal fires are only likely to get even more dangerous, given how hot January and February are expected to be. And just as prevention and relief efforts for humans are vitally important, there are also ways to help Australian animals who are threatened by the wildfires.

Over half a BILLION animals have been killed and more have lost their homes forever. Ecologists based at the Around 8,000 koalas have been killed, wiping out 30% of the koala population in New South Wales, and thousands of birds, have reportedly been falling out of the sky, killed by the intensity of heat stress and smoke.

As dog lovers and animal lovers, we must do something! Whether you live in the beauty of Australia or you are seas away, there is something YOU can do to help.

1. Donate to WIRES

Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organization, WIRES is seeking emergency donations to increase its capacity to help animals in the midst of the bushfires. According to their website, WIRES receives between 600 and 1,000 calls every day asking for assistance rescuing or caring for sick, injured, or orphaned animals. Let’s help them do more!

2. Leaving Out Water

If you live in Australia and you’re safe but in the area and are noticing animals who are trying to escape the fires, WIRES cautions against attempting to assist the creatures directly without proper training. But, if you do come across an injured animal that you can safely bring to the nearest vet, WIRES asks that you don’t feed the animal, but try to wrap it loosely in the cotton fabric during transport. The rescue organization also recommends leaving out shallow bowls of water for fleeing birds and animals.

3. Donate To The World Wildlife Fund

The World Wildlife Fund is responding to the state of emergency in New South Wales by asking people to donate to their relief efforts. When the bushfires clear, the devastated areas will need to be carefully restored if they are to be made habitable again. The WWF is preparing to restore homes and care for injured wildlife, which will include providing emergency aid and continuing advocacy efforts to try and prevent these kinds of catastrophes.

4. GoFundMe For Koalas

The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in New South Wales has been overwhelmed by the number of koala injuries and deaths during the bushfires. To aid in their relief efforts, you can contribute to a GoFundMe campaign to rescue koalas by rehydrating them and treating their burns in the hospital. Your donation will also go toward the purchase of a water-carrying vehicle to help bring water to drinking stations dispersed through the affected areas.

Whether you’re on the continent itself or on the other side of the world, there are ways you can contribute to the relief effort. Even in the midst of such devastation, you can help people and animals across Australia.

Post from Bustle

Jessica Gilley

South Blogger I am a born and raised Texas girl, who’s obsessed with animals, coffee, and now… blogging! On top of all of that, I am also a first grade teacher. However, the countless and hilarious kid stories will have to be shared elsewhere, because although I love my job, my biggest passion in life is animals! I’ve loved animals, dogs in particular, ever since I can remember… sometimes more than people. “I just want to drink coffee and save the animals,” is my motto! And trust me… I have gone to EXTREME lengths to try and “save” animals. Between stray dogs, abandoned dogs and shelter dogs, (and the occasional cat) I’ve tried to help them all. However, I’ve come to learn, that my biggest goal can’t be to save every animal. Instead, to simply try and spread the love of animals to the world. If I can warm even just one person’s heart to the amazing companionship of an animal, then that’s one less homeless pup. Dogs are incredible and it is so exciting to finally be able to express my craziness about dogs and well… not seem so crazy!