Many people and animals, specifically baby kangaroos, in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales are without homes after a series of bushfires, according to The Dodo.
The call for koala mittens rang across the internet and the public responded with an overwhelming amount of "paw protectors," so now the caring glance is turned to pouch babies like possums, kangaroos and wallabies.
"These joeys need to be kept warm and quiet in a 'pouch'-like environment so carers use sewn pouches," wrote the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). "Pouches are changed regularly after each feeding and up to six pouches can be used per animal each day. So if someone has a few animals in care this can amount to a lot of pouches in the wash each day! With regular washing and daily wear and tear plenty of pouches are needed."
"Injuries to paws, claws, face and ears are common and tiny joeys can often only wait in burning trees, crying for their mothers," wrote Josey Sharrad, a campaigner for IFAW Australia. "I've worked with wildlife rescuers after fires and they tell me about seeing koala babies actually sitting in the trees crying."
The pattern for sewing joey pouches can be found here. IFAW will also accept donations from those who would like to support the cause without the high costs of shipping sewn items from outside Australia.
A YouTube video of a thirsty koala posted by Colin Phil Cook shows how grateful these animals are for human kindness.
