Association saves domestic and wild animals from wildfires in France
Deer and cats are the most affected by fires in Gironde says charity
Published
Volunteers in Gironde, south-west France, have been working to save animals from the ongoing wildfires.
Wany the Pooh is a charity dedicated to the protection of wild animals and domestic pets, particularly those left behind during evacuations and natural disasters in France.
“Today, from the fires in Gironde, five cats are still in intensive care while dozens of cats, one rooster, goats, rabbits and a sheep are continuing to receive treatment. Numerous deer and several species of birds are also being cared for,” the charity wrote in a social media post published this morning (August 3).
“Every animal is a victory. Every life saved is the result of a huge collective effort,” it added.
The association typically shares several posts per day offering updates on their search efforts and rescue missions alongside animal protection charity Fondation Brigitte Bardot.
Wany the Pooh reports that the animals they consider to be most affected by these wildfires - affecting 42,000 hectares of land - are cervids (deer) and cats.
“These are the two species we treat most frequently. The former try to flee the flames until they are completely exhausted. The latter often remain close to their homes, waiting for their families to return or seeking shelter.”
As well as searching for wild animals, the charity receives calls from members of the public and sometimes firefighters, reporting injured animals or missing pets.
Prompt reports are vital as “a few hours can sometimes make all the difference.”
“Last night [August 2], our team was called out to assist a weasel in distress. Despite a thorough search and the use of our thermal imaging equipment, we were unfortunately unable to locate it. Even more distressing, no surviving animals were detected in the area we searched last night,” the association said.
To contact Wany the Pooh, call 07 69 94 42 82 or email wanyworldanimal@gmail.com
First established following Gironde wildfires in 2022
The association was first set up by Romain Bareyt and Marine Laullon in Bastia (Corsica) in May 2023, and today the charity operates across France through a network of over 1,800 vets and volunteers.
“In 2022, following the wildfires in Gironde, Marine asked me to set up the charity to help wild animals affected by these disasters. Our aim is clear: to provide immediate support to animals in distress, while raising public awareness of the importance of protecting our biodiversity and their habitats,” said Mr Bareyt.
Wany the Pooh conducts its rescue operations during and after fires - only once granted the necessary permissions from authorities.
“Thanks to our specially equipped ambulance trailer, we can respond quickly to provide emergency care and transport injured animals to specialist centres,” reads the charity’s website.
How you can help
The charity has set up a HelloAsso page where members of the public can offer financial support.
“Our donations are used exclusively for rescues, transport, veterinary care, food and supplies for animals affected by the fires.”
Members of the public can express interest in becoming a volunteer via the contact form on Wany the Pooh’s website (scroll to the bottom).
The Réseau Centres de Soins Faune Sauvage (the wildlife rescue centre network) is also appealing for volunteers to support care centres during wildfires.
Wildfires and high temperatures can lead to dehydration, exhaustion and the loss of natural food and water sources for animals.
For people wanting to help wildlife during periods of extreme heat, simple actions can make a difference.
One of the easiest ways to help is by leaving out shallow containers of fresh water in shaded spots in gardens, on balconies or in outdoor spaces. These should be filled with a few centimetres of water and refreshed daily. Adding a stone or small object that sticks out above the surface of the water can help prevent smaller animals and insects from drowning.
Avoid using pesticides and other chemicals during periods of extreme heat, as these can further harm vulnerable wildlife.
A petition to ban hunting in forests impacted by France’s record wildfires has also gained more than 380,000 signatures since being launched three weeks ago. Requests include creating a protection zone around burned areas to allow animals to find refuge without being hunted.
