On August 13th, a wildfire broke out in Piódão, in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park in Portugal.

This fire has already destroyed thousands of hectares of protected fauna and flora — and it is still burning today (August 21st).

Almost the entire mountain range and natural park has been reduced to a black wasteland. Countless deer, wild boar, red foxes, birds, rabbits, badgers, genets, and many more have perished. The survivors desperately need our help.

Their habitat — and therefore their food supply — is gone. Without support, they won’t survive. While small initiatives have begun to provide food and water, what’s needed now is a larger, coordinated effort. That’s why I’m starting this crowdfunding campaign. My heart breaks for the animals and the natural beauty of this region, now devastated.

What we will do with your support:

Raise awareness: Print and distribute posters and flyers in nearby villages to explain why and how locals can help feed the wildlife. This requires both time and materials.

Provide food supplies: Many families in central Portugal have low incomes and lost their own vegetable gardens in the fires. They cannot afford to feed the animals. Donations will go toward buying dog food, grain mixes, seed mixes, fruit, and more, which we’ll distribute so people can help.

Support local organisations: If enough money is raised, the remaining funds will be donated to local groups working tirelessly to care for injured animals and to begin the urgent reforestation needed to restore their habitat.

Every euro you give will go directly to these goals. Even the smallest contribution can make a difference. My hope is that this campaign will spread widely so we can raise as much as possible — because right now, every single penny counts.

Thank you for caring.

Sarah Devlieger