Wild Animals

Wild Animal Welfare During Natural Disasters

Wildfires, floods, and hurricanes cause immense suffering for wild animals and wildlife rescue responses remain underfunded and uncoordinated.

Key Facts

The 2019-20 Australian bushfires killed or displaced an estimated 3 billion animals
Flood events can strand wildlife, destroy habitat, and cause widespread drowning
Many wild animals injured in disasters cannot survive rehabilitation and require euthanasia
Wildlife rescue during disasters involves significant human safety risks
Post-disaster habitat restoration is crucial for long-term wildlife recovery

Welfare Considerations

Wild animals have no evacuation plans and no emergency services dedicated to their rescue. During wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, billions of animals face burning, drowning, starvation, and injury with minimal human assistance. Those that survive may be so severely injured that euthanasia is the most humane outcome. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of these events, making wildlife disaster response an increasingly urgent animal welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Donate to wildlife disaster response organizations before emergencies occur
Support habitat restoration programs in fire and flood-affected areas
Advocate for inclusion of wildlife in emergency management planning
Learn basic first aid for injured wildlife common in your region