The South Australian and Tasmanian 16 Regiment Emergency Support Force, among the soldiers actively involved in battling bushfires, gained widespread attention for their volunteer work at Cleland Wildlife Park. The soldiers, featured in photos on the park’s Facebook page, were seen feeding and comforting koalas during their off-duty hours.
Additionally, the 16 Regiment provided valuable assistance by aiding park staff in constructing a new climbing mount for the furry inhabitants of the facility. According to NDTV, this support significantly boosted morale among the park’s caretakers.
To further aid in the rescue efforts, the Australian Army deployed veterinarians, including a group from the 9th Brigade sent to Kangaroo Island. Captain Garrett Hall, speaking on the Australian Army’s official YouTube channel, acknowledged the challenging situation, emphasizing the need to treat numerous koalas with burns, especially on their hands and faces.
Despite the difficulties, Captain Hall expressed satisfaction in contributing to the well-being of the koalas. He highlighted the unexpected yet valuable role played by private soldiers within the veterinary teams, typically serving as drivers but now actively assisting as veterinary aides in the rescue operations
