Maryland Zoo Helps With Australia Wildfires

BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Zoo is donating $3,000 to zoos in Australia to provide emergency relief in the wake of bushfires that have burned millions of acres there and resulted in the loss of millions of animals. In addition to medical help, the money will provide food, care and refuge for animals whose habitats have been destroyed, according to a statement Friday from the zoo in Baltimore.

"The impact of the Australia bushfires on wildlife is devastating," President/CEO of The Maryland Zoo Don Hutchinson said in the statement. "Rescue and rehabilitative efforts will continue for a long time to come, and the needs will certainly grow. Conservation is at the forefront of The Maryland Zoo’s mission, and we want to support our conservation colleagues at Zoos Victoria."

Fires in recent months have wiped out as many as 1 billion animals, including thousands of species — from Australia's signature kangaroos and koalas to lesser known reptiles, inspects and amphibians, according to The Maryland Zoo. Officials said the blazes have consumed 15 million acres, which is more than double the size of Maryland.

The bushfires burning since September in Australia have killed more than 30 people and destroyed more than 2,600 homes, according to the Associated Press.

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A drought, heat wave, strong winds and humans have contributed to the spread of the blazes, CNN reports.

The Maryland Zoo is sending $3,000 from its emergency conservation fund to Zoos Victoria, a state-run nonprofit that includes the Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo. On top of that, officials said Zoos Victoria is operating three wildlife triage centers on the front lines of the bush fires.

• Here is how to donate to Australia wildlife through The Maryland Zoo.

American firefighters went over to Australia in December to help battle the blazes, according to Newsweek, which reported Friday that there were still dozens of fires burning across the country.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.