Catastrophic wildfires have left a trail of devastation in southwestern France, reducing thousands of hectares of precious wildlife habitat to ash.
Entire forests that once sheltered wild animals created death traps for helpless creatures. Those who weren’t burnt to death were 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.
Even though the fires are now under control, the crisis is far from over for animals in need of rescue and care.
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, have died. Young mammals were separated from their mothers in the chaos of fire, left bewildered, terrified and alone. Birds fell from scorched nests, while reptiles and amphibians perished as their habitats were consumed by fire.
Those that survived arrived at rescue centers with horrific injuries: burned paws, scorched feathers, smoke-damaged lungs, severe dehydration and overwhelming trauma. Many were orphaned. Others continue to fight 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
Veterinarians and wildlife carers are providing emergency treatment, pain relief, oxygen, fluids, wound care and constant feeding for vulnerable, displaced and orphaned animals. But they are being pushed to breaking point. Rescue centers have admitted thousands of wild animals, but supplies are running out and there is no space left.
This is why we need to rush emergency support to the animals.
Please donate as generously as you can today. The burnt, frightened and exhausted wild animals of France are depending on you.
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.
Please make an urgent gift today.
