Local expert weighs in on Australia bushfires and species survival
Bushfires in Australia continue to ravage the country, destroying human lives and homes. But animal life has also been affected, and a local expert says that the tragedy should serve as a reminder for why zoos are so important.
“That’s why zoos are so vital,” Monterey Zoo President Charlie Sammut said. “They’re the insurance policy for all species. If we can make and reproduce all species, we can replenish if an incident like this occurs. If a tragedy like this occurs.”
About half a billion animals--including kangaroos and koalas--have been killed by fires in New South Wales, one of the areas hit hardest by the fires.
Those fires have reportedly been caused by people as well as a natural, dry fire season. Police in New South Wales have charged more than 20 people with starting such fires.
More than 100 fires continue to
The kangaroos at the Monterey Zoo have been there for a little over a year and their names are Paulie, Carmine, and Vito.
Bushfires in Australia continue to ravage the country, destroying human lives and homes. But animal life has also been affected, and a local expert says that the tragedy should serve as a reminder for why zoos are so important.
“That’s why zoos are so vital,” Monterey Zoo President Charlie Sammut said. “They’re the insurance policy for all species. If we can make and reproduce all species, we can replenish if an incident like this occurs. If a tragedy like this occurs.”
About half a billion animals--including kangaroos and koalas--have been killed by fires in New South Wales, one of the areas hit hardest by the fires.
Those fires have reportedly been caused by people as well as a natural, dry fire season. Police in New South Wales have charged more than 20 people with starting such fires.
More than 100 fires continue to burn in Australia and more than 2,000 firefighters are working against them.
The kangaroos at the Monterey Zoo have been there for a little over a year and their names are Paulie, Carmine, and Vito.
