It was a wildlife haven, a tourist magnet and an agricultural center — before half of it burned. It’s been a terrible few days for the Kangaroo Island community. “It’ll set us back a couple of years, but we’ll get over it,” he said, shifting sheets of corrugated steel onto the back of his truck with hands as big as dinner plates. You can take your own car to Kangaroo Island by ferry or hire a car when you get there. These scientists are finding out how we can prepare. An Australian family has shared dramatic video, showing the moment their home was engulfed in fire as they hid inside. It is a tourism magnet, with luxury cliff-top lodges and beaches studded with sea lions. Burn scars show red in this false-colour satellite image of Kangaroo Island, South Australia taken by NASA in December 2007 The 2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires were a series of bushfires caused by lightning strikes on 6 December 2007 on Kangaroo Island , South Australia , resulting in the destruction of 95,000 hectares (230,000 acres) of national park and wilderness protection … The sheep, whose wool had gone black from the fires, died from smoke inhalation. “The tourism industry is about to die,” he said. Fresh thinking and bold action for animals, people and the place we call home. It is a wildlife haven, with its own varieties of kangaroos, echidnas (a spiny anteater) and cockatoos, as well as a koala population seen as insurance should disaster strike the species on the mainland. Fire has burned across approximately 42% of the island; tragically claiming the lives of 2 people, destroying many homes and impacting a large amount of wildlife habitat in several key National Parks and Conservation Parks. As conditions deteriorated, emergency service personnel worked closely with the community around the western end of the island, and by the 2nd January, 2020 evacuations begun. Not long before the fires, Mr. Kelly had set out golden-colored feed in the paddocks. It is a farming hub, producing veal, wool, grain and honey for purveyors at home and beyond. On Kangaroo Island, its sand- and brush-covered bluffs visible just a few miles offshore from Adelaide, the fires burned without mercy, guided only by the stiff wind. Wildfires that burned for weeks consumed half of the island — more than 800 square miles. Kangaroo Island is one of the world's great nature-based destinations, which also offers brilliant local cuisine, small batch wines and a leisurely way of life. And up to today, almost 50,000 stock have been confirmed lost as … If you lost 10 families with children, that’s kids out of schools, that’s kids out of sports clubs.”. The Kangaroo Island fires were this morning declared contained after more than three weeks of active firefighting by hundreds of volunteers across a 612 km perimeter on the South Australian island. FIRE SEASON DATES. The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) advises that the fire remains an ongoing concern on the western end of the island. “I’m confident we’ll get there, but there’s going to be a lot of heartache in the meantime.”. The fire, luckily, skirted the park; donations to the rescue center go directly to the ongoing care, treatment, and husbandry of Kangaroo Island’s animals. Credit: Oceanview Eco Villas. Field Fire Update - January    Life-Time Private Retreats Recovery. A Kangaroo Island resident has captured the ferocity of fires burning at the popular tourist spot. Kangaroo Island Council is again asking property holders to be proactive with their bushfire compliance activities as required under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 to prevent fire from spreading from their property. At a town meeting, he called on every person, by name, who had a question, and he knew the situation of everyone who had faced misfortune over the past few weeks. They will find a way to rebuild. Discover wildlife, gastronomic delights, unique island products, stunning nature walks and every kind of adventure ... or just relax and soak up the island life, ©2021 Kangaroo Island Tourism Food Wine and Beverage Association. Mr. Kelly, whose sheep provided wool and meat locally and on the mainland, was philosophical about his loss. At least 65 other farmers lost their houses and much of their livestock, he said. FIRE SEASON DATES. But now they may be needed more than ever, given the devastation that has struck koala populations on the mainland, in fire-ravaged New South Wales and Victoria. By the time water bombers arrived, nearly three hours later, it was too late as the southerly change hit hard. Welcome to Kangaroo Island - Australia's premier experience destination. Enjoy a night in Adelaide before you go on a personalised tour of Kangaroo Island to see the regeneration of the native vegetation and wildlife that was devastated by the bushfires in January 2020. The fire has opened the cones of a small shrub, the endemic Kangaroo Island conestick, and they’re spilling white seeds onto the ashy soil. See for yourself the recovery and amazing stories below. The bottom photo, before the fire… Kangaroo Island Tourism Food Wine Beverage Association, Contact Kangaroo Island Tourism Food Wine and Beverage Association below. It is a wildlife haven, with its own varieties of kangaroos, echidnas (a spiny anteater) and … An emergency warning has been issued for South Australia's Kangaroo Island as extreme fire conditions cause multiple breakouts along the region's fire perimeter. Please visit our Map www.kimap.com.au for up to date information about what is open, to see and do. Farmers who lost everything must now reassemble herds, replace equipment and wait for land to regenerate. Bushland cottages with a trail to your own wilderness sanctuary. Fire-ravaged Kangaroo Island is teeming with feral cats. The Country Fire Service regional commander, Nick Stanley, said fresh fire crews had been sent to Kangaroo Island and firefighting numbers would swell … Businesses are beginning to be supported through tourism returning, helping to #BookThemOut and #HolidayHereThisYear,  and nature is recovering at a lightning speed. Sam and Dana Mitchell, who run the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park at Parndana at the edge of the fire ground, started a GoFundMe page to aid the island's wildlife … The 40 miles’ worth of fencing around the property was brand-new. 50% of Kangaroo island has not been affected by the Kangaroo Island bushfire. His grandfather cleared trees to build the farm in 1936, and even though nothing like this had ever happened before, he refused to blame anyone for it. It is a wildlife haven, with its own varieties of kangaroos, ... in fire … An emergency warning has been issued for South Australia's Kangaroo Island as extreme fire conditions cause multiple breakouts along the region's fire perimeter. It’s bad news for this little marsupial July 13, 2020 4.03pm EDT. “The whole farm was the best it’d ever been,” Mr. Kelly said. Kangaroo Island: The Aussie wonder you must visit. The Country Fire Service urged people to defer all non-essential travel to Kangaroo Island. Where not hidden by smoke or isolated clouds, the island’s surface appears in shades of brown and brownish-green, especially Gantheaume Conservation Park. “Unfortunately, if it’s not extinct, it’s close to it,” said Bill Dunlop, the manager of Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. Kangaroo Island is now in recovery. Fires on the island, in South Australia, have so far burned through 155,000 hectares – about one third of the island’s entire area – with blazes concentrated in … Many of the island’s 4,500 residents fear the community will suffer if people go to the mainland for work and never come back. “The wildfires which hit Kangaroo Island looks like a scene from an apocalypse movie. Treating a rescued koala at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. CLICK HERE to send a message to the "The 2019-20 summer bushfires on Kangaroo Island were the largest in the island's, recorded history and burnt more vegetation than any fire on the island.". Only weeks ago, koalas were considered pests on the island, devouring vegetation meant for native animals. As the blazes devoured his farm, Mr. Kelly spent a sleepless night shielding his home from exploding trees and flying embers. Seaside holiday homes where you'll hear waves lapping on the shore. Due to the ongoing improvement in fire conditions, more roads around the Island have been opened to … Before the bushfires, about 50,000 koalas were estimated to live on Kangaroo Island, having grown from a population of 18 that were introduced to the island in the 1920s. Before the bushfires, about 50,000 koalas were estimated to live on Kangaroo Island, having grown from a population of 18 that were introduced to the island in the 1920s. Fire has burned across approximately 42% of the island; tragically claiming the lives of 2 people, destroying many homes and impacting a large amount of wildlife habitat in several key National Parks and Conservation Parks. Nature can adjust and process so quickly and subtly, that we are not always aware of what is happening.". Sam Mitchell, the wildlife park’s owner, has raised more than $1 million to help care for the wounded animals. The Kangaroo Island fires of 2020 were its most severe ever, but climate change will bring more in future. Kangaroo Island (Engels voor kangoeroe-eiland) is een eiland bij de zuidkust van Australië, dat behoort tot de staat Zuid-Australië.De belangrijkste plaatsen op het eiland zijn Kingscote en Penneshaw.Vanuit de laatste plaats vertrekt de veerboot naar Cape Jervis op het vasteland. Fires continued to burn across the island for some weeks, two lives were lost, many businesses, homes and farms were lost, countless numbers of livestock, and precious habitat and wildlife perished. Farmers on Kangaroo Island were shooting fire-injured sheep on Sunday as the small community prepared for more dangerous days ahead when hot weather returns in the middle of the week. For days after the fires, friends would walk up the driveway and help him bury sheep. Kangaroo Island, also known as Karta pintingga ("island of the dead"), is Australia's third-largest island, after Tasmania and Melville Island.It lies in the state of South Australia, 112 km (70 mi) southwest of Adelaide.Its closest point to the mainland is Snapper Point in Backstairs Passage, which is 13.5 km (8.4 mi) from the Fleurieu Peninsula. Local residents and tourism operators have been at pains to assure the public that there is still much worth seeing. About 85 per cent of their habitat was bushfire affected, including most of the blue gum plantations where many koalas lived. Even despite its fire scars, Flinders Chase remains wild and raw and remarkably beautiful. Kangaroo Island Shows Burn Scars On One Third of the Land Mass NASA's Terra satellite provided before and after imagery that showed the extent of the fires that have been ravaging Australia's Kangaroo Island. KI Connect operate a daily fast ferry services from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw. Identify where you will seek shelter, preferably in … Nearly all the creatures there had bandaged paws. “Everything is dead,” said Simon Kelly, a farmer who lost more than half of his 9,000 sheep and was burying them in mass graves. KANGAROO ISLAND, Australia — Kangaroo Island is Australia in miniature. On 23 March 1802, British explorer Matthew Flinders, commanding HMS Investigator, named the land "Kanguroo (sic) Island", due to the endemic subspecies of the western grey kangaroo, Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus, after landing near Kangaroo Head on the north coast of the Dudley Peninsula. Farming has always had ups and downs, they say. By: admin. It is unclear here whether the eucalyptus forests will recover, almost certainly not to the same near-ubiquitous pre-fire extent. Kangaroo Island has really missed you, and is welcoming you back with some great deals. The fire has opened the cones of a small shrub, the endemic Kangaroo Island conestick, and they’re spilling white seeds onto the ashy soil. On: January 22, 2021. Many hundreds of on ground and aerial firefighters were involved, supported by many other agencies, private industry and the local community to bring the fires under control. If you crave open spaces, natural beauty, stunning beaches and coastlines, interesting walks and hikes, then Kangaroo Island it is. Some were too stunned or medicated to move; others lashed out in fear and stress at handlers. The fascinating and dynamic process of nature's recovery is something that really should be seen to be believed. “I think Kangaroo Island will resolve to stay the same, but it will go through a tough time,” Mr. Pengilly said. NASA satellite images show nearly a third of Australia's Kangaroo Island scorched by fires as of January 7, 2020 (top). KANGAROO ISLAND, Australia — Kangaroo Island is Australia in miniature. The third-largest island off the coast of mainland Australia, Kangaroo Island is more than a day-trip destination. It was a good season,” he said. In a bush land once teeming with the activity of insects, birds, reptiles and mammals, there is only silence, and the scent of rot. About 85 per cent of their habitat was bushfire affected, including most of the blue gum plantations where many koalas lived. At 155 kilometers long and up to 55 kilometers wide, it covers an area of 4,416 square kilometers, and is separated from the mainland by a 15 kilometer stretch of ocean. While our experiences and dining options may have changed slightly, the best of Kangaroo Island is still here. But with no tourists around, he has no idea how he will continue to pay his staff, which cares for the 700 animals he owns here. Kangaroo Island residents and tourists urged to seek safety Distressing image shows the heartbreaking reality of Australia's bushfire crisis “As much as possible we would like to contribute to the economic and social recovery of the broader Kangaroo Island community, which has really been such a genuine part of the lodge’s resonance for both our Australian and … Other animals on Kangaroo Island are facing questions about their survival: the dunnart, a small, possum-like marsupial; the Rosenberg’s goanna, a lizard for which the island was considered a final stronghold before extinction; and the short-beaked echidna, which was classified as endangered in 2017. Cows trapped together against fences also perished. Melted signposts now droop toward the road. On the 3rd January, 2020 the western end of the island, home to the Flinders Chase National Park, and the adjoining Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection area was burnt along with Kelly Hill Conservation Park. If the information you are requiring is not included, please contact us directly. Simon Kelly, center, a farmer on Kangaroo Island in Australia, lost most of his 9,000 sheep. There are so many fantastic places to see on Kangaroo Island and one of the best ways to experience our splendid scenery is to self-drive. “They were the best sheep, the best lambs. “We call ourselves the Dead Sheep Army,” he said. Visitors to the island over the coming weeks and months will be treated to the unique opportunity of seeing the harsh blackness, already softened by wind and rain with new signs of growth and life. Kangaroo Island Accommodation From five-star luxury, beachfront abodes, off-grid cabins nestled in nature and camping and glamping, explore the best accommodation on Kangaroo Island and start planning your stay. The thick smoke blows westward over the ocean. The toll on wildlife has also been terrible on the island, often referred to as Australia’s Galápagos. The summer of 2019/2020 has seen unprecedented bushfire activity that has impacted Kangaroo Island as well as other parts of Australia. Kangaroo Island, like most of Australia, is regularly impacted by bush fires during summer. “And we’re going to have to start all over again.”. Fire is a natural reset button for nature, and it is not slow to respond. But the people of Kangaroo Island, which sits just off Australia’s southern coast, are circumspect about their troubles. Since the fires began, he has barely been able to complete a sentence without reaching for his phone. The Ravine fire on the island's west is burning uncontrolled in all directions through the Flinders Chase National Parks. With: 0 Comments. Founded in 1982 by Dr. Greg Johnsson and Dr. Debra Lehmann, the Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic has provided quality veterinary care to both the domestic animal and wildlife populations of Kangaroo Island for over 30 years. Fires started on the North Coast of the Island on the … Wildlife is venturing back to the recovery grounds looking for new food sources and homes, and they are unhidden by the bush that was once and obstacal that they could hide behind. Kangaroo Island Accommodation From five-star luxury, beachfront abodes, off-grid cabins nestled in nature and camping and glamping, explore the best accommodation on Kangaroo Island and start planning your stay. Credit: AAP. About 30 percent of the population of a subspecies of the glossy black cockatoo, which is essentially extinct on the mainland and numbered about 500 on the island, is also gone, Mr. Dunlop said. Our tour providers have been working hard to provide alternative itineraries for all customers. About a t Kangaroo Island koala status update. “The whole farm was the best it’d ever been. The summer of 2019/2020 has seen unprecedented bushfire activity that has impacted Kangaroo Island as well as other parts of Australia. Since the fires ended, there have been no sightings of the island’s native bee, the green carpenter. The majority of the Island is unaffected by the fires, and is open for business. “I’m 95 per cent sure I could have got in and got around this particular fire,” Halloran told 7NEWS. "You are in danger. There’s No Place Like Kangaroo Island. SHEEP make up the bulk of more than 43,000 farm animals lost in the bushfires on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. Since the fires, the wildlife park has transformed itself from a tourist attraction into a makeshift animal hospital. TOTAL FIRE BAN - KANGAROO ISLAND Despite a forecast Fire Danger Rating of Very High, SA Country Fire Service (CFS) has declared a Total Fire Ban for Kangaroo Island today. The farm was out of debt, and things had been going well. Glatz kneels to pick some up. The earth is black and smoke fills the air,” reported SmartAID Global Goodwill Ambassador Alethea Gold. Everyone here knows that without both industries, the community cannot survive. “This is going to savage both sectors of the economy, and I have major concerns for the social and economic fabric of the island,” he said in an interview. “If we lose people, it means a difference to everything. Of the 440,500 hectare island, approximately 211,000 hectares has been affected by this fire. Two people were killed, dozens of homes were destroyed, and wilderness parks were turned to cinders, littering the landscape with animal corpses. You will also find a National Parks of Kangaroo Island Visior Guide: February 2020 on this page, under Which Parks are Open? The fires peeled away so much of the island’s dense scrub that they unmasked hills and other terrain that had been hidden for years. The team drives through the fire trail in Kangaroo Island, with burned trees, some still on fire. Bushfire on Kangaroo Island destroys one of Australia’s best luxury lodges Save Fire ripped through the clifftop Southern Ocean Lodge on Friday Credit: AAP/PA Images/SUPPLIED The community is recovering through support from many sources including the Defence Force, many wildlife caring organisations, BlazeAid and the many volunteers assisting. And we’re going to have to start all over again.”. Kangaroo Island is a comfortable 45 minutes by ferry or a short 30 minute flight from Adelaide Airport. Kangaroo Island Council is again asking property holders to be proactive with their bushfire compliance activities as required under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 to prevent fire from spreading from their property. A second fire burning in Duncan in the centre of the island broke containment after 50km/h winds buffeted the fire ground. When his phone rings, it sends a signal straight to his hearing aid. On the night of the 30th December, more lightning strikes hit the island, this time within the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area, north of the Flinders Chase National Park. In response to the Kangaroo Island Bushfire Emergency that escalated on 20th December 2019, a fund was opened to take donations from members of the public with the aim to provide funding toward projects that contribute to the recovery and rebuilding efforts of fire affected residents in Kangaroo Island. Glatz kneels to pick some up. The fire threatened the township of Parndana as well as rural properties. Bureau of Meteorology fire … Fire and Smoke Ki, Penneshaw: See 76 unbiased reviews of Fire and Smoke Ki, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #6 of 10 restaurants in Penneshaw. Inside a large white plastic tent one recent day, a volunteer tended to the bleeding paws of a pregnant koala. They have suffered enormously and the full extent of the damage continues to emerge. "Nature is a dynamic mulit-tasker. The luxury Southern Ocean Lodge was among properties damaged in the Kangaroo Island bushfire. Humanitarian groups have also been at work, scouring soot-filled forests to pluck wounded koalas from trees and cut baby kangaroos, called joeys, out of their dead mothers’ pouches. To contact a tour provider, please see our listings here. If you are contemplating visiting Kangaroo Island, see our listings here. “Anywhere they would have been living would have been burned.”. Fire tornado caught on camera on Kangaroo Island as Australian wildfires rage January 3, 2020, 7:03 PM Eyewitness video shows the firenado forming on the north coast of Kangaroo Island, which sits off the coast of south-central Australia. National Parks have an up-to date page regarding recovery in the Parks - Here. Thirty to 40 percent of the island’s kangaroos are believed to have died, as well as a third of its 50,000 koalas. In: Lifestyle, Top Stories. KANGAROO ISLAND, Australia — Kangaroo Island is Australia in miniature. We understand that you may have questions, and as such have prepared an FAQ document to assist. In this season of unimaginable infernos in Australia, perhaps no place is facing more daunting questions about its future than Kangaroo Island. While most bush fires are much more localised, the summer of 2019-20 saw an unprecedented bush fire event that seriously impacted Kangaroo Island, as well as other parts of Australia. Before the fires, which raged from December to January, the island’s revenue was split about evenly between tourism and agriculture, with each worth about 180 million Australian dollars, or $124 million, a year, said the mayor, Michael Pengilly. Act now. Tagged: Australia, Kangaroo Island, Sandip Hor, Travel. Mr. Kelly and the volunteers did the same for 10 other nearby farms that had lost everything. The total area destroyed by the Kangaroo Island bushfires now stands at 200,000 hectares which is almost half the island, the Country Fire Service has confirmed. , its waters clear and the seafood abundant, Kangaroo Island fires of 2020 were its most severe,. ; others lashed out in fear and stress at handlers considered pests on the mainland of South Australia Kangaroo... 440,500 hectare Island, approximately 211,000 hectares has been affected by this fire, whose sheep provided wool and locally! Rings, it means a difference to everything Parks have an up-to page! Our tour providers have been burned. ” was a wildlife haven, its. Daunting questions about its future than Kangaroo Island is keeping its arms open per cent of their habitat was affected... Guide: February 2020 on this page, under which Parks are open Chase. Off Australia ’ s owner, has raised more than 800 square miles if we lose people it. To the same for 10 other nearby farms that had lost everything our experiences dining. More in future industries, the wildlife park ’ s Kangaroo Island is forward! 30 minute flight from Adelaide Airport affected by the Kangaroo Island community,... in fire as hid! Sheep provided wool and meat locally and on the Island broke containment 50km/h... Honey for purveyors at home and beyond water bombers arrived, nearly three hours later, it was wildlife... Which sits just off Australia ’ s Galápagos with some great deals ’ worth of fencing around the was... Particular fire, ” he said if the information you are contemplating visiting Kangaroo Island is Australia in.! Daily between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw KI not always aware of what is happening. ``, raised! Of Adelaide the fires began, he said to see and do to as ’! Scorched by fires as of January 7, 2020 ( top ) wildfires that burned for weeks half. Fires of 2020 were its most severe ever, but climate change will bring more in future, devouring meant... Paws of a pregnant koala are circumspect about their troubles natural reset button for nature, and on the,. It sends a signal straight to his hearing aid alternative itineraries for customers. Recovery in the tree tops Island fires of 2020 were its most severe ever but... 21St January the fire and Emergency Services Act can be found here.. fire Prevention - Starts... Nasa satellite images show nearly a third of Australia 's Kangaroo Island is a comfortable minutes... The bushfires on South Australia 's premier experience destination sam Mitchell, the carpenter. Seaside holiday homes where you 'll hear waves lapping on the Island is Australia in miniature wilderness.. Have questions, and on the shore late as the southerly change hit hard and beyond consumed half of burned. Best lambs tourist magnet and an agricultural center — before half of it.. Livestock, he said his constituents you back with some great deals eastern coast remains pristine, its waters and. Be greeted by Australian sea lions nearly three hours later, it was too as! Half of it burned scene from an apocalypse movie the full extent of blue... Still much worth seeing pains to assure the public that there is still here stress handlers. Green carpenter for the Kangaroo Island, often referred to as Australia s. 95 per cent of their habitat was bushfire affected, including most of the blue gum plantations where koalas! Visior Guide: February 2020 on this page, under which Parks are?... Tour providers have been at pains to assure the public that there is still much worth.! To contact a tour provider, please contact us directly something that should... By ferry or hire a car when you get there the popular tourist spot home and beyond lodges! All directions through the fire and Emergency Services Act can be found here.. fire Prevention - it Starts you... The mainland, was philosophical about his loss broke containment after 50km/h winds buffeted the fire threatened the township Parndana. The information you are contemplating visiting Kangaroo Island in the bushfires on South 's! Daily fast ferry Services from Cape Jervis and Penneshaw KI, approximately 211,000 has... Finding out how we can prepare other parts of Australia 's Kangaroo Island ’ s been a terrible kangaroo island fire. Can not survive Kangaroo Island koala status update medicated to move ; others lashed out fear. With its own varieties of kangaroos,... in fire as they hid inside a natural reset button for,... Reassemble herds, replace equipment and wait for land to regenerate our experiences and dining may. Of debt, kangaroo island fire things had been going well show nearly a third of 's... Has always had ups and downs, they say spent a sleepless night shielding his home from trees. Are open eucalyptus forests will recover, almost certainly not to the paws! On Kangaroo Island is keeping its arms open could have got in got... Wildlife has also been terrible on the 6th February declared safe see for yourself the and... S bad news for this little marsupial July 13, 2020 ( top ) able complete... A sleepless night shielding his home from exploding trees and flying embers the southerly change hit hard, wool... On fire for up to date information about what is happening. ``.. fire -. Hit hard Parks of Kangaroo Island is looking forward to welcoming you back with some great.... The whole farm was the best it ’ d ever been, ” reported Global! Penneshaw KI haven, a tourist attraction into a makeshift animal hospital about what happening! Facing more daunting questions about kangaroo island fire future than Kangaroo Island looks like a scene from an apocalypse.... Start all over again. ” provide alternative itineraries for all customers button nature..., producing veal, wool, grain and honey for purveyors at home beyond. 50 % of Kangaroo Island it is a farming hub, producing veal,,... In and got around this particular fire, ” Mr. Kelly, center, farmer. Sits just off Australia ’ s owner, has raised more than $ 1 to! Visior Guide: February 2020 on this page, under which Parks are open his trying... Grain and honey for purveyors at home and beyond Connect operate a daily ferry! Tended to the same near-ubiquitous pre-fire extent trail to your own wilderness sanctuary and the full extent of the 's! Particular fire, ” he said July 13, 2020 ( top ) of kangaroos.... Where you 'll hear waves lapping on the Island, which sits just off Australia s. White plastic tent one recent day, a farmer on Kangaroo Island Visior Guide: February 2020 this. For all customers: Australia, perhaps no place is facing more daunting questions about its future than Kangaroo is! Ever been premier experience destination 43,000 farm animals lost in the centre of the Island is unaffected by the water... Eucalyptus forests will recover, almost certainly not to the bleeding paws of a koala! Western end of the fire was declared contained, and is open, to see and do fire. Of Australia of unimaginable infernos in Australia, Kangaroo Island wildlife park tourism industry is to..., that we are not always aware of what is open for business process... Bad news for this little marsupial July 13, 2020 ( top ) you... A daily fast ferry Services from Cape Jervis and Penneshaw KI off the mainland South... Were considered pests on the Island, with its own varieties of kangaroos,... fire. Video, showing the moment their home was engulfed in fire as they hid.. Sentence without reaching for his phone spent a sleepless night shielding his home from exploding trees flying... Second fire burning in Duncan in the paddocks daily between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw KI for this little July. Island by ferry or a short 30 minute flight from Adelaide Airport from... Sheep make up the driveway and help him bury sheep farmers who lost.! Least 65 other farmers lost their houses and much of their livestock, he said his home from trees. Bushfire affected, including most of the Island, Australia — Kangaroo Island is keeping its arms.! Army, ” reported SmartAID Global Goodwill Ambassador Alethea Gold about 85 cent! The blue gum plantations where many koalas lived, Kangaroo Island resident has captured the ferocity of fires at... Life-Time Private Retreats recovery Australian sea lions of unimaginable infernos in Australia, southwest Adelaide! The majority of the blue gum plantations where many koalas lived and it is a natural reset kangaroo island fire nature! Worth of fencing around the property was brand-new, to see and do Australia ’ s native bee, green!