17/01/2026
Absolutely shameful
KOALAS- VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT’S HOLOCAUST ON WILDIFE
Wildlife shelters are carrying the immense burden of caring for mega numbers of injured, burnt, starving wildlife. The situation is nothing short of a national scandal. Stretched to the limit, groups needing not only funds but government intervention that provides serious help.
Koala Crisis can affirm the following information on the non-action by RSPCA Victoria and Zoos Victoria. Please note the information is dated l6th January. Also remember that RSPCA Victoria was funded more than $3 million to construct a koala hospital which is fully operational in 2022. $1.5 million was donated during the 2019-2020 bushfires with the specific purpose of caring for koalas and other wildlife. The facility is known as the RSPCA Koala Ward.
From RSPCA Vic. “Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo’s RSPCA Koala Ward, and Kyabram Fauna Park have not yet received inpatients from these fires.
Please note that Werribee Open Range Zoo’s RSPCA Koala Ward has been designed with the specific requirements of koalas in mind but is fully capable of treating and rehabilitating all wildlife requiring treatment, not just koalas.
DEECA wildlife assessment teams will assess the situation and determine whether further support and resources are required through the Wildlife Emergency Support Network (WESN).”
The WESN -the Wildlife Emergency Support Network where is it operating? Many carers have heard nothing from the network, others involved in the network have not been notified, called up and are deeply frustrated.
RSPCA Victoria says “ A triage unit comprising Zoos Victoria vets and vet nurses is awaiting deployment to the field as soon as it is safe to do so as directed by DEECA as the lead agency.”
Victorians and all concerned Australians, international organisations need to know about the irresponsible lack of treatment or care for wildlife by a state government and agencies with statutory responsibility to provide that care. Victoria has experienced a number of catastrophic bushfires. Their response – a complete failure. The Victorian government’s response plan for wildlife impacted by fire is a 44 page document which is out of date and an example of the lack of ANY real support by government.
RSPCA’s Mobile Animal Care Unit is “ prepared for use and has been offered to relevant authorities for deployment – when its safe to do so.” So the mobile unit continues to be parked.
RSPCA Victoria suggests “ anyone who finds injured wildlife to call DEECA on 136 186 or download the outdated Wildlife Emergency App where you will find this statement :-
“You can use the app to quickly report to DELWP, by providing some basic information, adding photographs (if appropriate) and confirming the location. If your device is not connected to the internet, you can still create a report and will be prompted to submit it when your device has an internet connection.
For injured wildlife not associated with a fire or emergency event, please call Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.”
Koala Crisis called Wildlife Victoria requesting the names of any Otways Wildlife Shelters as we’ve had information from various sources the situation there is very serious.
WV was unable to provide any name of any Otways shelter and told KC to google the info. On googling, only two names come up. Wildlife Victoria and DEECA.
Koala Crisis is deeply concerned by the complete lack of environmental responsibility,the suffering of our wildlife by Labor governments. Some have commented that Victoria is becoming a fascist state when international photographers are threatened and agencies responsible for wildlife exist on paper, failing failing failing a critical horrendous tsunami of wildlife suffering.
The Victorian Greens website makes no mention of suffering wildlife, only humans. https://greens.org.au/vic/news/victoria-must-do-more-protect-communities-bushfires-escalate-amidst-worst-fire-conditions
When the fires are finally extinguished, and the amount of acreage is more than the Black Summer bushfires in 2009, the biggest problem will be finding food, shelter and protection for surviving wildlife
Please support wildlife shelters. We have listed two in desperate need. Comments in sympathy need to be put into action by DONATING TO DESPERATE SHELTERS. PLEASE DONATE. Every dollar helps provide fuel, food, and whatever is needed.
Koala Crisis has published the bank/paypal details of two shelters urgently needing financial help. Koala Crisis strongly supports these shelters.
Account Name: Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter
Account Number: 159658038
BSB: 633-000
Alternatively our PayPal link is https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick.
Rescue Rehabilitate Release
BSB 704230 A/C 100627651
