The RSPCA’s first teams of volunteers have arrived on Kangaroo Island to undertake feed and water drops for wildlife in the bushfire affected areas. The agency’s three-month emergency response plan has been put in place to avoid a “second wave” animal welfare disaster.

Paid RSPCA officials have been on the island since early January, including rescue and veterinary teams.

Feed distribution depots have been established at Parndana and Nepean Bay. Supplies can be picked up or delivered to residents at no cost to enable them to feed wildlife around their properties.

The RSPCA have so far purchased 15 tonnes of food for distribution, which is suitable for macropods and possums. The teams will also source food for koalas from areas of the island unaffected by the fires.

The volunteers will set up small wildlife shelters that have been made by RSPCA volunteers on the mainland. Teams will do rotations of seven days at a time.

Almost 13 500 people responded to the RSPCA’s call for volunteers in just four days. The agency has called the response overwhelming and inspiring.