State-based wildlife charity to expand borders

Victorian wildlife injured by bushfires are set to receive funding from a NSW animal charity that drew attention – and donations – from celebrities across the globe.

Koalas have been injured and displaced in the bushfires. Picture: Brad Fleet

Millions of dollars raised by a New South Wales wildlife charity will be shared around Australia for shelters and to help carers battling the impact of the devastating fires.

WIRES, the Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, has until now only been able to legally distribute funds to organisations in NSW.

WIRES had been receiving millions of dollars thanks to endorsements by celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, prompting Wildlife Victoria to issue a reminder than Victorian native animals also needed help.

Tippy the Koala, with her baby named Jellybean were lucky to survive the East Gippsland bushfires. Picture: Alex Coppel.

But WIRES chief executive Leanne Taylor said: “We can and will allocate funding and support to all states and territories where needed to assist animals affected by this crisis.’’

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More than $13.5 million in donations had flooded into WIRES which will help rehabilitate native species, the populations of which will have been severely depleted in recent weeks.

The Wildlife Victoria fundraising last night passed the $3m mark.

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