Community shows compassion for bushfire-affected animals

PHD student Elleke Leurs was hoping for $300 when she started her Facebook fundraising account for Tasmania’s bushfire-affected wildlife. The response she received was “uplifting and inspirational” - far exceeding her expectations.

Teena Maree Hanslow, of Wildlife Bush Babies and Snake Rescue Tasmania, with Elleke Leurs, who has raised $11,500 since Monday for wildlife affected by the bushfires. Picture: FIONA HARDING

PHD student Elleke Leurs was hoping for $300 when she started her Facebook fundraising account Fur on Fire for Tasmania’s bushfire affected wildlife.

Now she is sitting on $11,500 and counting as her plea for aid has reached a global audience.

“I’m receiving donations from Europe and the US and everywhere really,” she said.

Ms Leurs, a UTAS student from Cygnet, is researching the impact of roadkill on the experience of Tourists in Tasmania and said she had a “strong interest in wildlife and the natural environment”.

“I saw Wildlife Bush Babies and Snake Rescue were trying to raise funds to assist the animals impacted by the fires.

“They’ve been doing it for years and were involved in with the Dunalley bushfires, so I was like ‘okay, I’ll start a fundraiser online’.”

Ms Leurs said the global support for Tasmania’s wildlife was inspirational.

Elleke Leurs has raised $11,500 since Monday to give to Wildlife Bush Babies and Snake Rescue Tasmania for wildlife affected by the bushfires. Picture: FIONA HARDING

“It’s not just about the money, it’s all these people showing they are compassionate about our wildlife. That just in itself is so uplifting and energising and inspirational.

“It helps you to ease the pain of realising what’s happening to all these animals.”

Ms Leurs said the money will be used for medication, vet bills, ongoing care and accommodation for injured animals and food and water deliveries to affected areas.

“We have just been buying lots of pellets because the natural habitat has been destroyed and there is no vegetation left for them to feed on.

Ms Leurs said she will be transparent with the donated funds and answer any questions from the public.

“I have to really ensure that it’s all transparent and that people can see every single dollar, how it’s spent and where.

“I’ve just had a chat with the local Bendigo Bank and I’m hoping to set up an account with them and just give the credit card to [Wildlife Bush Babies and Snake Rescue Tasmania].

“They are the experts so they will just have full access to the funds.”