By Jed Lanyon
Several multicultural community groups have banded together to support Zoos Victoria’s Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund, raising $29,879.
The funds raised will go towards Zoos Victoria’s response in deploying critical care to the front line and recovering surviving wildlife.
Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood, was joined by various multicultural groups at Healesville Sanctuary on Wednesday 29 January to present donations to Zoos Victoria director Ross Williamson.
Donations came from Sri Durga Arts Cultural and Education Centre, Malimage Suganda Fernando, Maulana Al-Shaikh Afeefudeen Al-Jailani, Pakenham’s Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib ji and many more.
Rampal Muthyala, who runs a Dosa Hut restaurant in Wantirna, contributed over $5000 to Zoos Victoria by hosting a fundraiser event, while sending over $17,000 to the Gippsland Emergency Bushfire Relief Fund.
“Being a responsible Australian citizen, I thought we have to show our solidarity and support to the community,” Mr Muthyala said.
“It’s great to see support from so many multicultural communities. Back in India, anytime this kind of thing happens we start with multi-faith prayers… Many religious leaders and pastors come and pray for the wellbeing of Australia and Australians.”
Mr Wood thanked the individuals and groups for their generous donations and support in responding to the bushfire crisis and encouraged tourists to visit the sanctuary and donate generously.
Mr Williamson spoke about Zoos Victoria’s efforts in caring for animals affected by the fires.
“We’ve been very heavily involved in the recovery of wildlife after the fires. We’ve sent vets and vet nurses out to Mallacoota, which was one of the areas that was isolated by the fires for a significant amount of time.
They’ve dealt with dozens and dozens of animals, largely koalas and a lot of them have been brought back to the sanctuary for care.
Healesville Sanctuary’s Wildlife Hospital cares for around 1500 injured animals each year.
To donate to Zoos Victoria’s Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund, Visit https://www.zoo.org.au/fire-fund/.
