As we're sure you've seen in the news, the bushfires currently affecting Australia have taken a devastating toll, not only on the lives and homes of local people but also the country's wildlife. Indeed, the most recent estimates suggest over 1 billion animals have lost their lives, which is a truly shocking statistic.

With this in mind, Wexas Travel Foundation will be raising much-needed funds for WIRES, a wildlife charity based in New South Wales whose aim is to rescue and find shelter for injured and orphaned animals.

A statement from WIRES CEO, Leanne Taylor on 10th January, 2020.

In what has become one of Australia's most severe bushfire seasons, WIRES would like to take a moment to thank everyone for their support.

From funding contributions by businesses, organisations, high profile celebrities and the overwhelming support of the international and local community, we are inspired by your generosity and committed to continuing to provide rescue and care for native animals impacted by the bushfires and preserving and protecting Australian wildlife into the future.

While New South Wales has been hit the hardest with an estimated 800 million of the 1 billion animals affected to date and approximately 5 million hectares of land burnt, a National Emergency requires a national response and WIRES will act to provide assistance to all wildlife in line with our mission.

The allocation of donations received by WIRES will be used to assist as many animals as possible across our nation - we can and will allocate funding and support to all states and territories where needed to assist animals affected by this crisis. We will soon be announcing some new initiatives that have been made possible through these generous contributions.

Right now, our staff, qualified experts and volunteers are working around the clock to ensure that as many native animals as possible receive the ongoing care, supplementary food and recovery they need. This includes koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, possums, echidnas, birds, reptiles and more.

There is an immediate need to locate, rescue and care for injured animals and while this will be a long process in itself, there is a much longer term focus needed on supporting animals affected by the loss of habitat, the shortage of food and depletion of their populations in the wild. With the imminent risk to threatened species on the pathway to extinction as a result of the mass elimination of habitat, urgent action is needed.

During this difficult time we would also like to make a very special mention and pass on our sincere thanks to the thousands of volunteers across Australia who rescue and care for native animals every day. Volunteers have never experienced a crisis of this scale, but they remain fearless and committed to continuing to put the welfare, care and immediate treatment of our precious wildlife at the forefront of all they do.

Our work could also not be possible without the assistance and expertise of thousands of Veterinarians, Vet nurses, Wildlife Clinics and hospitals and many other agencies who support the critical work of the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sector in Australia.

Lastly, to all individuals, local communities and everyone else who has assisted in some way whether it be by reporting an injured animal, getting an animal into immediate care, sending supplies, offering water or a cool and safe resting place, we thank you.