Treating patients @Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Dear Wildlife Warriors,

On behalf of Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin, and the entire Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors family, we would like to wish all of our donors, supporters and friends a safe and happy holiday season!

We would also like to take this time to thank you for your commitment to wildlife conservation. You have helped us save critically endangered and threatened animals in Australia and around the globe.

As you know, one of the major projects of the charity is the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. This year, the hospital reached a significant milestone with over 50,000 animals being treated since opening in 2004. We treated, rehabilitated and released back into the wild all of Australia's iconic species, including the koala, kangaroo and sea turtle, and many of its lesser known species such as the echidna, green tree frog and bandicoot.

Nearly 500 species have been brought into the hospital by community members, wildlife carers, the Zoo's rescue team and other animal rescue organizations. No native wildlife is turned away, and all costs are covered by the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which was the vision of Steve and Terri Irwin.

"When Steve and I started the wildlife hospital in memory of Steve's mum, Lyn, our dream was to provide the best care possible for any animal, any species, that was found injured, orphaned or distressed in Australia, no matter the cost. We had no idea that in less than 10 years we would have treated over 50,000 animals. It's a sad reflection of what is happening in our communities that so many koalas and other animals are brought into the hospital, but we are grateful that we have a world-class facility and dedicated staff who are saving these animals, literally one by one. " -- Terri Irwin

The holiday season, which is Australia's summer, coincides with the hospital's busiest trauma season. As a result, our inventory of food and medicine is running low and our resources are stretched as more animals are admitted to the hospital this time of year.

We would be grateful if you would consider making a contribution to the Wildlife Hospital this holiday season.

To make a tax deductible gift in the USA or elsewhere, please go to http://globalgiving.org/projects/australia-zoo-wildlife-warriors/

To make a tax deductible gift in Australia, please go to http://everydayhero.com.au/event/azwh_wishlist

Thank you from the hearts of our wildlife,

Cynthia Thompson

Director of Development - Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors