Outback Photo Reveals Tragic Detail of Australia’s Worsening Crisis
A wildlife rehabilitator warns of the dangers of hazard reduction burns in Australia as conditions worsen this summer, risking wildlife safety.
Queensland, Australia, Kangaroos, Wildlife, Fire Safety
Queensland: A wildlife rehabilitator is sounding the alarm about hazard reduction burns. Shai Ager, who runs The Agile Project, nearly lost 26 kangaroo joeys in a recent fire.
Last week, a neighbor’s controlled burn got out of hand due to hot, windy weather. Ager explained that while these burns are essential for safety, they can quickly become dangerous if not managed properly.
She mentioned that her neighbor had a permit, but she believes they’re too easy to get. “You can just apply online without proving you know what you’re doing,” she said. It was a risky time for a burn, especially with the wind picking up.
Fortunately, all the joeys returned to the property after the fire, but some adult kangaroos didn’t make it. Ager was heartbroken to find charred remains, unable to identify them.
She had to release the joeys to protect them from the flames, and they found safety in a nearby creek. Ager emphasized the importance of a “pre-release” process for wildlife, allowing them to adapt before being fully released into the wild.
She’s treated several kangaroos for burns recently, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of wildlife that has been raised in human care. Ager urged anyone who finds injured animals to contact professionals instead of trying to care for them themselves.
With a hotter summer on the horizon, she stressed the importance of responsible hazard reduction practices. It’s crucial to think twice before starting controlled burns without the right experience.