Recent floods from New South Wales and Queensland affected thousands of animals. Most of them died due to the unavailability of rescue services, as the intensity of flood blocked roads in many areas.
State of Animal Rescue from Flood in New South Wales and Queensland
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reported that they received over 600 calls for animal rescue during the flood surge last week. At the moment, the welfare holds over a hundred animals for care.
Many institutes focusing on animal sanctuaries and wildlife rescue located in the southeast region are still receiving numerous calls regarding flood-related concerns for the animals. The groups are also hoping to get ahold of additional funds, equipment, and feeds to support the rescued individuals and respond to other animals who still need assistance.
Although the RSPCA carried out rescue operations at its best, the organization believes that many could not survive the exhausting situations and injuries afflicted by the catastrophe.
Last week endangered, this week flooded outđź’”
— RSPCA QLD (@RSPCAQld) March 1, 2022
Found face down in swampy wetlands, the floods caught Maple off-guard
We watched the water swallow our homes as Maple watched it swallow her habitat
Your kindness will help prevent koala extinction today: https://t.co/WuguReblFG pic.twitter.com/a83PCNyQ0B
Welfare's spokesperson Emma Lagoon explained that many of their rescue teams experienced sadness and devastation following the loss of helpless animals. The organization received calls not just for house pet assistance but also with the region's livestock and wildlife.
Lagoon said that their few operational vehicles were also stranded due to the abnormal height of floods. The welfare is still catering to rescue calls up until today and hopes to relay more aid once the waters subside, she continued.
The animal population rescued by the voluntary group is dominated by wallaby joeys, kangaroos, birds, possums, and koalas. Lagoon emphasized that calamity brings a major impact to all types of animals.
ALSO READ : Frog, Mice, and Beetles Ride on a Snake's Back to Survive Flood After a Heavy Rainfall in Queensland
Organizations Call for Help
Many baby animals were found swimming across the floodwaters, and their state shows that they are already tired and frazzled.
RSPCA redirects some rescue calls to Australia's State Emergency Service (SES) and local authorities as the organization does not have sufficient supplies and facilities to bring in larger animals.
Outback Spectacular rescue team who assisted the Gold Coast carried out an operation that involved 23 horses stranded in the New South Wales town of Ballina. Alongside the animals, the flooded property includes eight caretakers rescued by a helicopter team and equine veterinary experts.
Gold Coast's coastal area was reportedly full of dead livestock, ranging from sheep to cows.
Sunshine Coast's rescue and sanctuary groups, alongside Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue and the Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, had their respective properties flooded twice in a row in a single week. The incident led to the damage of their equipment and stored feeds.
Happily Heifer After co-founder Michelle Dranfield informed through their recent social post that 30 percent of the organization's animal population suffer flood-related illnesses and other health conditions due to the calamity. Queensland Koala Society requests the public to report any sightings of displaced koalas and joeys.
Lagoon said in an ABC report that people should reach out to the RSPCA, local veterinary specialists, or available local rescue teams if they see animals that need help.
Check out more news and information in Animals in Science Times.
