A wildlife rescue group will unveil its new Wildlife Ambulance at a fundraiser event today on Adelaide’s northern beaches in preparation for what is forecast to be a challenging bushfire season for wildlife.

The Walk4Wildlife Challenge sees participants walk 10 kilometre from Semaphore Jetty to North Haven, and back, to raise awareness and donations to help sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

The event is organised by the Save Our Wildlife Foundation Inc (SOWFI) that operates a 24/7 wildlife rescue service and advice hotline, and now Adelaide’s first dedicated wildlife ambulance.

The group is volunteer run and cares for orphaned, sick, injured and displaced wildlife. Last year, SOWFI took a record number 5500 rescue calls to help wildlife.

Across South Australia, more than 700 wildlife carers each contribute a minimum 500 hours’ voluntary work every year to help animals recover so they can be returned to the wild.

To support the volunteers, the State Government recently introduced Koala State number plates to help support South Australia’s dedicated volunteer wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organisations.

So far, 1271 plates have been sold, raising more than $63,000 for the various wildlife rescue groups across the state.

The Walk4Wildlife Challenge starts at 10am, Saturday 7 October, Semaphore Jetty.

Register to take on the challenge or make a donation here.

Quotes

Attributable to Susan Close

South Australia’s volunteer wildlife carers dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to help rehabilitate our unique and popular native animals.

The Walk4Wildlife Challenge is a great way to get some exercise while supporting the important work our wildlife rescue volunteers do.

Attributable to Marian MacLucas, SOWFI Chairperson

With a hot summer ahead we need to be prepared to help our wildlife suffering from heat and bushfires.

The money we raise with the Walk4Wildlife’ Challenge will provide specialised food for wildlife in rehabilitation and fund the very first dedicated wildlife ambulance here in Adelaide.

We have had the Wildlife Ambulance on the road now for just over three weeks and the response from our wildlife carers, vets and the public has been hugely supportive. This is a much needed service that is found in most other states.