Veterinary centres and wildlife carers were at the forefront of caring for pets and wildlife displaced and injured in the bushfires.By Kath Gannaway
ANIMAL-LOVERS will have an opportunity to commemorate the loss of loved pets and wildlife lost in the February bushfires with a special Animal Remembrance Day to be held at Rochford Winery in Coldstream.
The fires devastated many areas of Victoria and many animals including pets and native wildlife lost their homes, habitats and lives.
The Animal Remembrance Day has been organised by the RSPCA in recognition of those losses and to acknowledge the emergency services, animal aid organisations, volunteers and the public who rescued and cared for countless animals affected by the fires.
RSPCA chief executive officer Maria Mercurio said the Animal Remembrance Day would provide an opportunity for the community to come together to remember the beloved pets that were lost or injured in the fires.
“It is also an opportunity to reflect on the devastating and unprecedented loss of over one million animals and native wildlife on Black Saturday,” she said.
Ms Mercurio said the free, outdoor event would bring together Victoria’s fire affected communities, emergency services, animal aid organisations and the general public for a morning of reflection and contemplation.
Participants will be able to share their memories and stories of pets and other animals through seed cards, which will be planted in the areas affected by the fires.
The trees that grow from the seed cards will ultimately provide habitat and feed for animals in the different regions.
Transport is available for people living in the bushfire affected regions. For further information, phone RSPCA Victoria on 9224 2222.
Tickets to the event are free but must be obtained through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster. com.au
