In addition to more than 24 people who have died in the terrible Australian bushfires, an incredible number of animals have also perished. Estimates of wildlife deaths range from millions to a billion animals. More than 25.5 million acres of land — an area the size of South Korea — have been razed by the fires. 

Against this horrific backdrop, here is a minor bit of good news. As we posted previously, the Australian Navy landing ship HMAS Choules, supported by the training ship, MV Sycamore, recently evacuated 1,000 tourists and residents stranded by bushfires in Mallacoota, Australia. Along with the evacuees also came 135 dogs, two cats, two birds, and a rabbit.  

The crew of the Choules divided off a section of a vehicle deck to provide a sort of dog-dare care for the dogs. Accommodations for the cats and the rabbit were provided separately. For a video of the shipboard kennel click here.