Koalas suffer a lot when Australia experiences tremendous
bush fires such as are occurring now. Because they are slow moving and tree dwelling, they are often not able to escape the flames or get singed while running (slowly) away. The IFAW is asking South Australians and Victorians to sew mittens for the little mates as survivors are rescued from the burnt bush. In New South Wales an area of pristine koala habitat on the Tweed Coast near Pottsville went up in flames. The area was home to 35 of the area's 143 koalas. Four were reported to be rescued from the fire accoridn to the IFAW. Survivors typically suffer severe paw burns from running across burnt ground or clinging to burning trees. Injuries are treated with special topical ointments and cotton mittens. Just as in human burn patients, dressings need to be changed daily. So a plentiful supply of mittens is needed; IFAW advises using 100% cotton that is clean.
Click here for a simple pattern if you want to make a pair of cotton mittens and send them to
IFAW, 6 Belmore Street, Surry Hills 2010 NSW, To avoid high shipping costs to Australia
make a donation to IFAW so it can purchase other needed supplies and services.
