worst flooding in WA history: IFAW is providing urgent support for wildlife in need

Latest update: 15 March 2023

The cleanup and recovery after the devastating floods continues, with IFAW’s critical support helping dozens of animals rescued by local organisation Derby Native Wildlife.

Our support enabled the vital team on the ground to rescue animals in need and provide critical supplies such as food and medications to more than 25 animals in care.

Challenging conditions on the ground meant it was difficult – and at times impossible – for the team to safely access flooded areas and search for surviving animals. However, when it was safe enough to rescue animals, the Derby Native Wildlife team had a stock of lifesaving supplies to give them thanks to IFAW’s support.

Although the disaster is over, the recovery is ongoing and IFAW will continue to work with groups on the ground to ensure they are prepared for the next disaster.

For more information on how to prepare for disasters and to ensure you and the animals in your care are safe click here.

15 February 2023

IFAW has been in regular contact with Derby Native Wildlife—a local wildlife rescue organisation—to check how they’re faring during the floods and offer our support. As the carers remain completely cut-off from surrounding towns it is difficult to get supplies to them.

While searching for wildlife, the carers are seeing many birds needing rest and feed, along with many animals they found did not survive the floods. They are hopeful that animals are sheltering on isolated pockets of land and will focus on trying to access these areas when waters recede.

The Derby Native Wildlife team is also trying to access the release pens, where native wildlife usually roams. This area is extremely isolated, and the team estimates it will be a few weeks before they can get to the property and assess the damage.

IFAW remains on standby to help Derby Native Wildlife with their life-saving work.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Through IFAW’s global animal rescue network, we have thousands of strategically located partners, experts, and authorities across almost every continent allowing us to respond immediately when the call comes in.

Thanks to our longstanding work in Australia, we are able to carry out needs assessments in impacted areas and are in communication with key wildlife groups and response agencies to ensure assistance is provided where needed.

IFAW is providing critical support to local group Derby Native Wildlife to help with their ongoing rescue efforts. This has included providing vital resources for the treatment and care of flood-impacted wildlife. We are on standby to bolster our support in the coming days and weeks as we anticipate an influx of animals needing immediate assistance once roads re-open.