Researchers backed by the most popular zoo in the US are preparing to head into fire-ravaged areas in the Blue Mountains for a koala rescue mission.

San Diego Zoo's global organisation is providing resources for the team to analyse the damage in the Blue Mountains, estimated to be more than 1 million hectares, and strategise how to revitalise animal numbers and habitats in the area when the fires are eventually out.

An injured koala is rescued in the Blue Mountains. Credit:San Diego Zoo Global

"These fires are completely changing how wildlife management will be carried out in future in Australia,” said Kellie Leigh, a researcher and the executive director of not-for-profit conservation organisation Science for Wildlife.

Dr Leigh said the short-term goal would be to engage in search and rescue for wildlife that needs help and to provide water sources for the wildlife that has been left behind.