'Scorched Earth' references a military strategy that aims to destroy anything that might be useful to the enemy when retreating from a position. The concept of 'scorched earth' is sometimes applied figuratively to the business world, where a firm facing a takeover attempt will make itself less valuable by selling off its assets.
However in 2019, it takes on a new meaning, specifically in Australia. The continent's wild animals have come face-to-face with a 'scorched earth'. They have lost their habitats, and as the fires continue to burn, animals are not only dehydrated, they are starving to death.
Operation Rock Wallaby
Operation Rock Wallaby is kicking off the New South Wales' program to feed their territory's surviving animals.
The program is using helicopters to release thousands of kilograms of vegetables from the air, mostly carrots and sweet potatoes, to feed the animals. The main focus is on the state’s marsupials and native animals that fled their homes when the fires broke out.
Those in charge . . .
The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service is heading up the operation, and to date over 2.200 kilograms of vegetables have been dropped.
“In the largest food drop ever done for this species, almost 1000kg of sweet potato and carrot have been sent to six different colonies in the Capertee and Wolgan valleys; 1000kg across five sites in Yengo National Park; almost 100kg of food and water in the Kangaroo Valley, with similar drops having also taken place in Jenolan, Oxley Wild Rivers and Curracubundi national parks,” posted NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Locals are assisting as well . . .
Locals are also assisting in feeding and providing water to the surviving animals.
In Mallacoota alone, 9 koalas were saved by Patrick Boyle, a 22-yr old hunter. As folks would find this combination of interests conflicting, Boyle understands why people might not expect him to be on the front-line saving koalas. "I'm a hunter – I'm one of the last people that others would expect to help these animals. (However it's) farmers, hunters and workers who are the ones out there actually taking action right now," he said.
Animals Australia & Vets for Compassion
Additionally, Animals Australia an animal protection organization, has been providing food and other necessary supplies for animals in need.
AA is working with Vets For Compassion that are assisting in rescuing and caring for all the injured koalas.
They noted “. . . we must keep doing what we are doing, for as long as it takes.”
The post went on to say, “For now, please know that amidst all the despair that there are stories of survival and hope. The survivors out there need us to keep moving forward, to keep hoping. We won’t give up on them.”
Primary Source: The Animal Rescue Site
