The fires in Australia have stopped burning, but the work to help the continent’s wildlife has just begun. To aid in ongoing recovery efforts, the Oregon Zoo will donate all proceeds from its popular Wild Connections program to Zoos Victoria’s Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund. During Feb. 17–23, any ticket purchased to meet Josie the sloth, Bebeto the prehensile-tailed porcupine and other Oregon Zoo residents will benefit relief efforts in Australia.
“As the news cycle moves on to the next story, Australia still needs our help,” said Tanya Paul, who oversees the zoo’s Wild Connections program. “Recovering from the devastating fires there won’t happen overnight, and resources are still needed to care for injured and displaced animals, as well as to restore their natural habitat.”
Proceeds from next week’s Wild Connections will benefit the Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund, which organizes volunteers at a number of Australian triage centers, tending to imperiled animals on the front lines. Donations to the fund are pooled to support long-term plans and immediate action to aid Australia’s wildlife, including its many endangered species.
Each Wild Connections experience includes an up-close encounter with an animal and an inside look at the zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts. To learn more and purchase tickets to aid the Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund, visit oregonzoo.org/make-wild-connection-and-help-australian-wildlife.
Source: Oregon Zoo