Appeal for mittens to help koalas burned in bushfires

Tiny mittens are needed for koala bears suffering from burned paws following huge bushfires in Australia.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) are asking the public to knit mittens to help treat injured creatures.

It comes after devastating bushfires have destroyed more than 30 homes and injured 134 people in South Australia and Sydney.

Rescuers have been searching for the slow-moving marsupials and taking them to animal hospitals, with many requiring intensive treatment.

The injured animals need treatment with burn creams and their paws have to be kept protected with special cotton mittens.

Josey Sharrad, IFAW native wildlife campaigner, said: “Just like any burns victim, koalas’ dressings need changing daily, meaning a constant supply of mittens is needed by wildlife carers. Some burned koalas can take up to a year to fully recover.”