The world has been watching fires devastate Australia for months now. About one-third of Kangaroo Island has been decimated, in addition to significant damage in New South Wales and Victoria.
Located on the southern coast off of Australia, Kangaroo Island was until recently home to many koalas and wallabies. But since the fires began, approximately 20,000 koalas have died. The fires have also taken the lives of two people on the island and destroyed 50 homes.
The Guardian reports that Kangaroo Island was previously a haven for many endangered species endemic to Australian. Its fairy tale-esque settings were a quiet home for the many animals that lived there, and the natural beauty of the island attracted tourists from all over the world.
Photos show the extent of the damage. This is Flinders Chase National Park in 2017.
Sadly, this is a recent shot of the same area.
Posted by Kayne Davis on Monday, January 6, 2020
More from the burned-out forest:
It was a harrowing first day for our team on Kangaroo Island, words cannot describe the wildlife devastation we have…
Posted by Humane Society International Australia on Saturday, January 11, 2020
HSI Kangaroo Island koala rescue
Another non-stop day scouring Kangaroo Island for signs of life. As we were putting in a water station CEO Erica Martin spotted another survivor that would turn out to be our last rescue for the day.If you would like to donate and support ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts you can do so at www.hsi.org.au/bushfire.
Posted by Humane Society International Australia on Sunday, January 12, 2020
The island was also home to the Southern Ocean Lodge, a luxury resort in Kangaroo Island.
The founders of Kangaroo Island's Southern Ocean Lodge have vowed to rebuild the luxury South Australian tourism icon after it was destroyed in a devastating bushfire. https://t.co/QmvwTSJ3Hl #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/rfuRn7pgML
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) January 15, 2020
1/2
This is the devastating aftermath from a fire in the Flinders Chase National Park SA. This was the Southern Ocean Lodge and was frequently held up as the golden example of private, luxury developments within protected areas. It's burning is nothing to celebrate.pic.twitter.com/GXubmrudN4
— Fishers And Walkers Against Helicopter Access (@AndFishers) January 13, 2020
Many have done their part to rescue koalas and other animals who have lost their homes, food, and sources of water.
A rescue operation organized by a local family on Kangaroo Island transported injured koalas from areas devastated by bushfires. Though one koala died in the process, the family took the rest of the distressed animals to receive care. https://t.co/Q1Xtzrfzpy pic.twitter.com/ZhHRbXqUeo
— ABC News (@ABC) January 8, 2020
NASA has also shown sobering images of what the ecologically diverse island has lost.
Australia's Kangaroo Island is a haven for rare wildlife. A third of it has burned in bushfires, NASA images show: https://t.co/vtL2iU9jY5 pic.twitter.com/7vAuomF1ub
— CNN (@CNN) January 8, 2020
Even if these fires eventually stop, which they presumably will, local channel 9News says new fires could start again because of the summer hot weather coupled with many years of drought.
The Australian government has set up a help page for those interested in assisting residents of Kangaroo Island. You can also help by donating to volunteer firefighters, who are the primary force fighting to control these fires.
No matter that the fires will eventually come under control, these pictures are a reminder of what humanity has lost.
Feel free to share your thoughts and wishes in the comments section below. Maybe sharing your opinion could inspire others to take action.
The post Before and After Photos Show the Horrific Effects of Australian Fires in Kangaroo Island appeared first on UberFacts.