Our backstory is not a pleasant one but needs to be told non-the-less. In mid-January 2024, out of control bushfires raged across the Shire of Gingin in WA, North of Perth. Hundreds of firefighters fought the blazes, battling for days against huge winds and scorching dry weather. The aftermath of those bushfires was horrifying. The overwhelming loss of wildlife was tragic. Black walks (post bushfire sweeps carried out by volunteers) through the scorched bushland, looking for survived or injured wildlife. These were organised by private wildlife carer groups after the fires resulted in several hundred kangaroos alone being discovered either dead or dying from dehydration, with sickening burns to their feet, legs, and tails. Most having to be humanely euthanised. Some were also successfully rescued and treated for their burns and dehydration.

Also in January 2024 a sanctioned eviction by the magistrates court occurred. This was initiated by the local government of Henley Brook – City of Swan – which had written to the tenant as they deemed the “Unauthorised use of the Land” for the use of an animal rescue facility was operating. Hundreds of (domestic & native) animals were being kept in appalling conditions, many of which had old injuries healed incorrectly, were dying, dehydrated, certainly neglected and emaciated. The native species were not registered and none had received any veterinary treatment. The tenant operating this facility fled once the Bailiff arrived. The Bailiff therefore deemed the property abandoned. The owner of the property and their associate were overwhelmed with the task at hand and contacted Moore River Ranch & Wildlife Sanctuary (MRR) for help.

The MRR reached out to all of its contacts, and within 24 hours, all animals had been rehomed.

It became apparent to the volunteer crew that somehow this unlicensed animal facility had fallen through the gap. Whilst their intent initially seemed good, it appeared they had just become overwhelmed with the number of animals needing care, and standards had fallen to a dire level.

Faced with these two incidents occurring back-to-back, a group of individuals, who hold wildlife and animal care close to their hearts, came together to see what could be done to prevent such horrors happening again. Upon revisiting the situations, meeting with various Government organisations and animal carer groups, and dissecting the events, they came to a conclusion that whilst there are multiple Government Departments and NGO’s, Charities and Community based bodies all vested in animal care and protection services, there seemed an obvious lack of inter-communication, information sharing and coordination between them all, resulting in a gross injustice on the animals’ behalf.

And so EPAAW was born. Our creation has the intent of establishing a conduit of open communication between all concerned bodies and enabling a collaboration of resources and sharing of information via several means.