Hundreds of koalas feared dead in Australia’s bush fire

Some 350 koalas are believed to have died after two-thirds of their habitat in the Lake Innes Nature Reserve were destroyed last week due to the bush fire that hit parts of Australia.

The number of deaths could rise as there are a total of 600 koalas living there, according to a report by 9News Australia.

There were already 18 koalas rescued and are now being treated for their burns at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.

Koala Conservation Australia president Sue Ashton said most of those who survived were also suffering from severe dehydration.

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Introducing LINR Paul. He is the first koala admitted from Lake Innes Nature Reserve after the fire. Paul's fur is singed and his feet and hands are burnt. Here he is receiving some fluids from our dedicated volunteers. Our qualified search and rescue volunteer teams are working closely with Fire and Rescue, Rural Fire Service, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service to collect burnt or injured koalas and other fauna for treatment and care.

A post shared by Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (@portmacquariekoalahospital) on Nov 2, 2019 at 5:26am PDT

The sad state of these wildlife struck the heart of many Australians and they’ve made donations that have already reached almost $350,000.

All this will go to the hospital in order to help give aid for the ones who survived.

Since Monday, Australia has declared a state of emergency due to the fire. There were reportedly three people who have died and 200 homes have been lost.

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These two koalas, Peter and Paul, suffered burns to 90% of their bodies and partial thickness burns to their hands and feet. Great to see them eating again.

A post shared by Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (@portmacquariekoalahospital) on Nov 5, 2019 at 4:26pm PST