Native Australian wildlife needs help
Julius is a bear with an important mission. His natural habitat suffered due to ongoing fires. Julius would like to generate financial support for Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (WIRES) and their registered carers.
Every year, many volunteers take on sick and injured wildlife, often at a cost to themselves. The cost to raise an animal in care differs greatly from species to species. It could cost up to $2001 a month to feed an orphaned Joey through to adulthood. Feed is one of the greatest expenses incurred. As a business that works in and around the Australian Veterinary and Wildlife community, we’re pleased to contribute to this support structure.
We recognised that much of the financial support required to care for our displaced native animals falls solely on the generosity of the general public, volunteers themselves and wildlife groups. Due to this we decided to bring to life Julius in hope he will inspire others to make a difference.
Julius Koala Braun is named after the B. Braun founder, Julius Wilhelm Braun. He was brought to life by Sleepy Stiches on the 14th December 2019, from recycled B. Braun work clothes and scrubs.
Devastating bush fires made our mission more urgent
Devastating bush fires made our mission more urgent
When we came up with the idea of Julius in September, there were fires burning – but we couldn’t have predicted how bad it was going to get – so in an ironic twist, Julius’ timing is kind of appropriate considering how much damage to flora and fauna we have experienced.
Since October 2019 Australia, has been battling the most devastating bushfire season ever, hence we decided to partner with WIRES to inspire others to help in these tragic circumstances.
As of the end of January 2020, it’s been estimated that around 1.25 billion animals have been killed across Australia2. This includes thousands of koalas and other iconic species such as kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, cockatoos and honeyeaters burnt alive. Many thousands more were injured and are now homeless and young marsupials including possums, koalas and wombats require ongoing medical attention. These bushfires are expected to continue for some months. As a result, it’s estimated this number will increase.
At B. Braun, we have observed and experienced first-hand the terrible scenes of destruction, affecting all of us either directly or through family members and friends. As an organization that partners with the Veterinary industry, we firmly believe that providing support in time of need is not just charitable, but an obligation - to enable businesses to treat wildlife and to give wildlife the greatest chance of survival. We are currently helping a number of organizations on the frontline.
We are proud of our staff member from B. Braun Vetcare Cindy, who is also a member of WIRES caring for animals. The photographs below are of her, caring for animals - this gives us hope that our wildlife has a future.
Photos taken on the front line
References
References:
1. WIRES Wildlife Food Fund at https://www.wires.org.au/Default.aspx?PageID=16375477&A=SearchResult&SearchID=4846423&ObjectID=16375477&ObjectType=1 accessed 11.02.2020.
2. WWF Australia: Bushfire Emergency, Donate to WWF's Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund at https://www.wwf.org.au/get-involved/bushfire-emergency#gs.wlzr13 accessed on 11.02.2020.