‘Intentionally harmed’: Bindi Irwin speaks out as 47 microbats die after Queensland fire

Bindi Irwin has spoken out about the “heartbreaking” death of 47 tiny bats in what Australia Zoo claims was a deliberate act.

Almost 50 little bent-wing microbats have died after being rescued from a fire that Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital claims was deliberately lit.

A volunteer wildlife group took 47 microbats from the Dularcha Railway Tunnel in Mooloolah Valley to the famous animal hospital in Beerwah on Sunday with “severe burns and toxic fume inhalation”.

Most of the microbats had already died, while the others were euthanised after it was determined they would be unable to recover from the burns.

Almost 50 little bent-wing microbats died. Picture: Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

They suffered ‘severe burns and toxic fume inhalation’. Picture: Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

“It is extremely devastating to witness such intentional harm inflicted upon wildlife,” Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital supervisor and veterinarian Dr Ludo Valenza said in a statement.

“These horrific stories constantly shed light on the urgent need for increased awareness and action to combat wildlife crimes.”

Australia Zoo told news.com.au it had contacted Crime Stoppers Queensland, of which it has a partnership with, and filed a report on the incident.

Queensland Police were not aware of the case and did not provide further details when contacted by news.com.au.

Robert Irwin, Bindi Irwin and Terri Irwin, who own Australia Zoo. Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFP

Bindi Irwin, whose family own Australia Zoo, also stated her devastation.

“We are deeply saddened to hear that these beautiful microbats were intentionally harmed in the wild,” she said.

“It is heartbreaking to see these animals suffer in their home, and we hope that we can bring them justice through our partnership with Crime Stoppers Queensland.”

She encouraged Queenslanders to report any information on criminal activities against native animals.

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital said it had previously treated possums shot with an air rifle, a brush-turkey spray painted in toxic paint, and magpies intentionally poisoned.