(Video taken 26/12/2024 at Wildwood Wildlife Shelter)

Right now there is an out of control bushfire burning through the Grampians in Victoria, Australia, on the doorstep of one of the state's biggest kangaroo sanctuaries- Wildwood Wildlife Shelter. The sanctuary is a safe haven and home for dozens of kangaroos, including the 14 joeys who share the house, and koalas, birds, possums, flying foxes and reptiles in purpose built enclosures on the property. Pam, who runs the sanctuary is one of my closest friends, and the best wildlife carer I know. She is a quiet achiever who selflessly dedicates her life to raising and rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife. She never asks for help, but she needs it right now more than ever. So I'm asking on her behalf.

We urgently need to purchase a mobile firefighting pump and trailer to protect the shelter against this massive bushfire.

There’s only one trait that rivals Pam’s compassion. She is fiercely protective. Nothing will come between her and the animals in her care. But right now this bushfire on her doorstep is trying.

‘Leave Now’ was the emergency advice given to residents in a government issued message on Wednesday afternoon. But leaving is the last thing on Pam’s mind, while her animals remain. Evacuating kangaroos at short notice is not an option. These animals have been rehabilitated to adapt to life in the wild, and unlike domesticated animals they cannot be transported quickly or easily.

Parts of the shelter are already fitted with fire sprinklers, but this fire is rapidly expanding, and we urgently need to upscale our firefighting efforts. This equipment won't just help protect animals in the shelter now, but over the long and intense fire season in the coming weeks and months.

Pam is no stranger to bushfires. She has experienced many of them, and her resolve to live in the bush and care for these native animals has never wavered. She knows what is needed to protect lives, and she is single handedly ready to do what is needed.

Pam and her two dear friends Tam and Robin are the only ones currently at the shelter with these animals as this emergency unfolds. Please help me show them that the community is with them in spirit.

Thank you so much for your generosity.