KANGAROO ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

The whole world watched aghast as bushfires ravaged large parts of Australia in late 2019 and early 2020. Yet one image seems to symbolise the tragedy more than anything else: the sight of burnt and injured koalas.

One of the tragic centres of the bushfires has been Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Positioned on the edge of the fire zone, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park has been treating and housing close to 30 koalas a day: such as the injured koala pictured.

The blaze was particularly fierce on the island: on 4 January, fires killed two people and burned more than 155,000 hectares. Almost 100 army reservists were called in to assist with clean-up operations following the fires.

As a nation grieves, the wildlife toll is yet to be determined. Some estimate perhaps half the island’s 50,000 koalas may have perished. The island is a critical breeding ground for koalas as it is the last large population that is free from chlamydia. It is also one of the only places in Australia where it is legal to hold a koala.

Yet the world has stood up and shared its compassion. Stuffed koalas were spotted on posts across New York City to raise awareness about the plight of wildlife affected by Australia’s bushfires. Meanwhile, volunteers from around the world have offered to knit mittens for the paws of injured koalas, as well as donating generously to wildlife charities.

It is a powerful reminder that even in the depth of crisis, people of all nations can come together to care.