LONGLEAT Safari Park has donated £50,000 to help support conservation programmes for koalas in the wake of the devastating Australian bushfires earlier this year.

A staggering three billion animals, including a third of the entire koala population of New South Wales, were affected by the fires, which swept across an estimated 10 million hectares, the equivalent of 40 per cent of the UK.

Longleat is the only zoological collection in Europe to look after southern koalas, and its purpose-built Koala Creek facility is part of a long-term partnership with the South Australia Government and Cleland Wildlife Park to support research and conservation programmes for wild koalas.

A proportion of the money raised came from annual pass holders to the Wiltshire wildlife attraction, who each donated a £1 as part of their online booking fees throughout the year.

Longleat also set up a JustGiving page, which helped raise more than £28,000 for the appeal.

Ceawlin, Lord Bath, said: “This year has been an incredibly challenging one for all of us, however as the anniversary of the bushfires approaches, we believe it is hugely important to honour our ongoing commitment to support and the vital work being undertaken in Australia to help rescue and protect these iconic and unique marsupials.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of visitors to Longleat who have generously contributed to this appeal throughout 2020.

“With all the many challenges we’re currently facing it is crucial we are still able to show our support for these vitally important conservation efforts.

“The combined effects of the bushfires and the impact of diseases and loss of habitat is pushing koala populations across Australia to the brink of extinction.

“The generosity of our visitors will have a direct impact on helping these wonderful animals and is a real cause for celebration in what has been a desperately difficult year."

Back in January, two keepers from Longleat flew out on a support mission to help with the wildlife emergency following the devastating Australian bushfires.

During their two-week trip they helped rescue koalas, travelled to Kangaroo Island to monitor and treat surviving populations, assisted with work at Minton Farm Rescue and looked after koala burn victims at Cleland Wildlife Park.

Other organisations supported by the donation include SAVEM (South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management) and Manfred Heide Wombat Rescue.

In 2019 Lord Bath became patron of the International Koala Centre for Excellence (now Koala Life), a ground-breaking joint initiative to support research and raise funds for koala management and conservation.