Prague Zoo raising money to help Australian wildlife

Prague Zoo is raising money to help Australia recover from the wildfires that have been devastating the continent. More than 84,000 square kilometers have been burned, and up to 1 billion animals have died in the fires.

Among the species
endangered by fire are koalas, though they are certainly not the only
ones. Some species may go extinct due to the fires, according to
experts.

“We have been
working with our Australian colleagues for a long time – for
example, we support the rescue of Tasmanian devils. That’s another
reason why we have decided to help Australia in its difficult
situation. These extensive fires threaten the local fauna and
significantly worsen the already serious situation that many unique
species find themselves in,” Prague Zoo director Miroslav Bobek
said.

“Following our
experience with the floods at our zoo, we know full-well that any
assistance – no matter how small – means a great deal to those
affected,” he added.

Prague Zoo has urged
the public to support the Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund
administered by Zoos Victoria. At the same time, it asked Prague City
Council to release AUD 10,000 (about 157,000 CZK) for this account.
The Council approved the proposal January 8.

“More
specifically, this goes to assist in-situ projects. Every visitor
that comes to Prague Zoo contributes 3 CZK to it,” Prague Deputy
Mayor Petr Hlubuček (United Force for Prague) said. “During this
catastrophe, we will provide Zoos Victoria with the resources for
emergency veterinary care and environmental protection.”

The amount collected
so far surprised Prague Zoo’s director. “All those who are not
indifferent to the fate of the Australian fauna (and others) and who
have contributed or are about to, are owed a huge debt of thanks!”
Bobek said.

The funds obtained
will be used to protect nature and endangered animal species. They
will be distributed after Prague Zoo has consulted with its
Australian colleagues.