Longwood Fire Update: Sanctuary Infrastructure and Resources Lost

This is still a developing situation. Kathy is on the ground doing everything she can, assessing the damage as conditions allow.

With a very heavy heart, we can confirm that the fire has passed through and devastated the Gunyah Animal Sanctuary property. Miraculously all of the animals, except for three ponies, are accounted for and safe. The ponies are missing from the property and we are currently trying to locate them. The main house on the property was also protected. This is thanks to the bushfire preparation work Kathy had done with the animals and the incredible efforts of the CFA in protecting lives.

However, the fire razed everything else on the property including all infrastructure (the barn, supply shed, most of the fencing, the water feed system, and many of the animal enclosures), all paddocks and bush areas on the property, as well as all 40+ hay bales we had only just managed to secure less than two weeks ago.

Reception is extremely limited, so it’s been hard to share photos and videos, but we will get updates out as soon as we can.

We will be applying for every form of assistance available, but those processes take time — and right now, time is something we don’t have.

Our most urgent needs are:

• Animal food (hay and supplemental feed)
• Water supply (the property’s irrigation and water feed system has been destroyed)
• Fencing to keep the animals safe and contained

We are going to need a great deal of support in the days and weeks ahead, both financially and through hands-on, practical help.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out. Your messages, kindness and support mean more to us than we can put into words during this incredibly difficult time. Right now we’re doing everything we can to support the animals and ensure they can survive the coming weeks. We’ll continue to share updates as we’re able.