Rescuing 'roos after the worst wildlife disaster in modern history
This wildlife sanctuary is doing all it can to give injured and orphaned kangaroos a fighting chance.
During Australia's 'Black summer' fires, it's estimated that a staggering 3 billion native animals died. In the aftermath, wildlife sanctuaries saw a huge influx of injured animals brought in from rescuers.
At the Wandandian Kangaroo & Wallaby Sanctuary in New South Wales, Adrina Selles finds reasons to be hopeful amidst the staggering loss. She cradles a young kangaroo orphan they've named "Sandy."
The young joey's mother was badly injured when she came into the sanctuary and had to be euthanized. But Sandy is a rare glimmer of hope. "She's done extremely well since she's been in care," says Selles. "Because she's so perfect, she's a bit of respite in a place like this when all we see is the other burnt feet … she's got the most perfect feet."
In the wild, kangaroo joeys will curl up inside their mother's pouch for 6 months and will stay with them for a year or more. So, aside from medical care and round-the-clock feeding, the young orphans also require much-needed love. After experiencing so much trauma, the volunteer carers and the rescued 'roos can find hope in each other's arms.
Watch Wild Australia: After the Fires on The Nature of Things.