The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has approved an emergency animal crisis grant to the Minton Farm Animal Rescue Centre located in South Australia, to assist with wildlife rescue efforts in the wake of the massive bushfires sweeping the country. To date an estimated 15 million acres have burned and 1 billion animals have been lost. Minton Farm is on the forefront of wildlife rescue and support efforts in South Australia, including hundreds of species left injured and homeless on Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide Hills region.

The Emergency Crisis Grant will be used by Minton Farm to purchase medical supplies and medicines to treat the sick and injured, and to extend and add enclosures to accommodate rescued patients.

“We are desperately trying to keep up with the wildlife that is brought in by our volunteers but we are quickly going through supplies and running out of room to accommodate everyone’s critical needs," explained Minton Farm founder Bev Langley. “This funding will aid our ability to care for rescued animals and give them the best chance of survival and ultimately a return to the wild.”

The Conservation Fund has provided support to wildlife and rescue organizations in Australia since 2005 including previous fire related emergencies.

Dr. Hendrik Nollens, President of the Conservation Fund said, “Minton Farm is on the front lines of this crisis, working around the clock to help save as many animals as possible. The quick work of the Conservation Fund in approving this grant speaks to our shared mission of animal rescue and wildlife conservation.”

To learn more about the critical work of Minton Farm Rescue Centre visit their site at http://www.mintonfarm.org/

Photo captions:

Cherry Gardens, South Australia (Jan. 10, 2020) -- Many of the rescued animals being treated by Minton Farm Rescue Center have burns to their feet and hand pads, including a rescued kangaroo (top) and echidna (bottom)

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