Federation of Australian Astrologers Inc.

On February 14, 2009 at 16.08.30 the Zodiac Appeal was launched in Melbourne as an appeal to the astrological community to help Wildlife Victoria fund their massive task of locating and attending to the injured wildlife affected by the devastating bush fires.

A week later nearly 100 individuals, astrological associations and businesses have donated to the appeal which now tallies $13,758.  We would like to thank everyone from the astrological community here in Australia and overseas who have donated to the fund which is already helping to feed and heal the injured wildlife. I especially thank the executive, committee and members of the Federation of Australian Astrologers and the Association of Professional Astrologers for their total support.  Other astrological associations like the Astrology Association of New South Wales and the Young Astrologers Association have whole heartedly supported the cause. Astrologers, schools, groups and businesses from all over Australia have been so generous as have our international colleagues from the nations of the USA, Canada, England, South Africa, the Netherlands, and the Virgin Islands.

The appeal is still ongoing since the task is Herculean and the animals will need our support in the months ahead, so please continue to spread the word.

We wanted to acknowledge the generous spirit of our astrological community and thank you for your response.  Below is a message from Wildlife Australia acknowledging the Zodiac Appeal and thanking our worldwide community of astrologers for their help.

With our appreciation 

Brian Clark and Glennys Lawton

      Statement from Liz Williams, Wildlife Victoria

Wildlife Victoria extends thanks to all of the generous donations that have been made to the Zodiac Appeal.  Our hardworking volunteers have been greatly distressed by the widespread destruction the bushfires have inflicted on Victoria's wildlife and their habitat.  Knowing that they have the support of the global community to resource and support their crucial work at this time has greatly lifted their spirits.  The money donated has gone directly to the care and rescue of the animals, keeping fuel in the rescue vehicles, equipping carers to treat burns and injuries, while keeping a food supply available where it has been destroyed.  Numerous wildlife shelters have also been destroyed, and funds from the Zodiac appeal will also go directly to rebuilding them, as many animals will need long term rehabilitation before they can be returned to the wild.  Fires are still burning out of control across Victoria, and there are many sad stories of loss, displacement, starvation and horrific injuries.

However there are also many heart warming tales coming to light, with hundreds of animals in care and receiving treatment.  Yesterday a baby wombat was rescued from the fire grounds.  He had been without his mother for ten days, and he was very lucky to survive alone.  He is now with a volunteer carer, feeding from a bottle.  Many wombats burrow deep underground, so were protected from the flames.  Their food source has been destroyed though, so food drops and regeneration projects will need to continue for many months. Wildlife Victoria sincerely thanks the generous members of the global Astrological community for their rapid response to our call for help. The donations have totalled a very significant amount, enabling us to carry out our crucial work in this time of need, while ensuring that we have the capabilities to continue on once the food begins to run out, and the bushfires are no longer front page news.