Concerned locals have set up a Go Fund Me page to support Wildlife Welfare Org SA search out and care for wildlife affected by the Tooperang bushfire.

The Goolwa-based charity has been working with other wildlife groups to access the fire ground near Mount Compass that occurred on Sunday 18 January.

The fire burnt over 685 hectares including three homes, property, farmland and livestock.

The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) and National Parks firefighters continue to monitor the area.

Mosquito Hill resident Rosalie Langley says she started the Go Fund Me page after talking to neighbours and local businesses about how they could all help. 

“Many of the animals will be suffering from burnt feet and smoke inhalation, and very sadly there will be some very heart breaking scenes as the wildlife organisations go about dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy,” she says.

“I decided to fundraise this way for Wildlife Welfare Organisation (WWO), based in Goolwa, as they are our regional rescue and welfare organisation whose volunteers have already given up hours of time in order to search for any wildlife that may need help for weeks after this event.”

Rosalie says WWO have reported that as the fire was relatively slow moving many animals were able to escape, but kangaroos have been badly affected and had to be euthanised.

WWO cares for more than 1,200 native animals every year and answer more than 3,000 phone calls on its 24/7 rescue hotline.

The small team at WWO is trained to rescue, rehabilitate and release native wildlife and cares for all animals including marsupials, reptiles, native birds and specialises in marine and seabirds.

Anyone who wants to donate to the Go Fund Me effort can do so online. Rosalie suggests that another way to support WWO is to donate and shop or volunteer at its op shops in Goolwa and Victor Harbor.

For more information on how to access assistance following the Tooperang bushfire, Alexandrina Council has compiled a list of Community Recovery Resources comprising health, business and finance, livestock and landcare.