Record-breaking heat and fast-moving wildfires are tearing through southwestern France, reducing thousands of hectares of precious wildlife habitat to ash.
Entire forests that once sheltered wild animals are infernos, creating death traps for helpless creatures. Those who aren’t burnt to death are forced to flee through walls of fire and choking smoke, leading to severe and debilitating injuries.
Wild animals suffer severe injuries, burns and trauma when wildfires tear through forested areas. Source: FRANCE 24 English
We are in a race to save and treat wild animals in France.
We are working with Réseau Centres de Soins Faune Sauvage (RCSFS), in one of the largest wildlife emergency responses in France as these unprecedented heatwaves and wildfires overwhelm animal rescue centers.
Animals big and small, from tiny hedgehogs – who curl into defensive balls instead of running – to foxes, squirrels and deer, which collapse from dehydration after fleeing the flames are dying. Young mammals are separated from their mothers in the chaos of fire, left bewildered, terrified and alone. Birds fall from scorched nests, while reptiles and amphibians perish as their habitats are consumed by fire.
Those that survive often arrive at rescue centers with horrific injuries: burned paws, scorched feathers, smoke-damaged lungs, severe dehydration and overwhelming trauma. Many are orphaned. All are fighting for their lives.
Emergency teams are on the ground providing life-saving help to wildlife affected by the fires in southwestern France. For illustrative purposes. Photo credit: Réseau Centres de Soins Faune Sauvage (RCSFS). Source: Réseau Centres de Soins Faune Sauvage
Your gift today will help cover the costs of emergency evacuation and transport, life-saving vet care, critical medications and vital supplies that rescue teams desperately need to continue saving lives.
Every hour matters. Every minute matters. We cannot wait a moment longer to help.
