More funding to treat injured koalas in Victoria

Australia's Victoria state government on Thursday announced more funding to help vulnerable wildlife affected by recent devastating wildfires. State Premier Daniel Andrews in Healsville that the government has pledged an initial rescue package of 17.5 million dollars (12 million US dollars) aimed at helping the state's wildlife and plants survive the aftermath of the wildfires.

Zoos and animal hospitals have been inundated with injured wildlife following the wildfires.

Zoos Victoria Chief Executive Officer Jenny Gray told reporters in Melbourne that though stories from veterinarians working out in the field treating injured animals have been heartbreaking, there are also stories of hope and recovery.

"It is a lot of work but it's incredibly rewarding for us to be able to help animals get back on their feet and get back out into the wild as soon as the wild is available for them," Gray said.

The country's unprecedented wildfires season has charred 104,000 square kilometres (40,000 square miles) of brush land, rainforests and national parks, killing an estimated over 1 billion wild animals.