As people are ferried away from bushfire danger at the coastal Victorian town of Mallacoota, veterinarian staff have been granted permission to enter bushfires zones to treat injured wildlife.
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In addition to the loss of human lives and property losses, there has also been thousands of images showing distressed and dead wildlife.
"Across the nation's bushfire-affected areas it is estimated that as many as 500 million animals, including critically endangered species, have already perished in the bushfires," Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray said.
"The full impact is impossible to determine at this early stage."
Two staff from Zoos Victoria working at Healesville Sanctuary described signs of hope among the ashes after arriving
"Despite their injuries and trauma, the bravery shown by the koalas and wildlife at Mallacoota is inspiring," Dr Leanne Wicker said.
Dr Wicker is working alongside veterinary nurse Evie Tochterman at the Incident Control Centre established by Victorian government.
Australian Associated Press
