Animals rescued despite dismal economy
Wed 17 June 2009
Melissa Hugel, Journalism
While other industries continue to struggle, animal rescue organisations on the Sunshine Coast remain active and hopeful of their prospects in the current economic situation.
With the global and national economy in a state of downturn, it was easy to assume that animal rescue organisations were suffering.
However, conditions pointed to the fact that animal refuge organisations did not seem to be as distressed as other industries.
Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS) president Rosy Simons said that the animal shelter was doing well in the wake of the economic downturn. 
However, if the economy continued as it had been, there was some concern that the effects on animal rescue could become more severe.
“Figures are running much the same, not to say that won’t change in the future,” Ms Simons said.
The major concern was that donations are down.
However, Ms Simons believed that this decrease was not currently significant enough to be a considered an economic problem.
Furthermore, blaming problems on a lack of financial support coming from the community would not be an accurate depiction of the situation.
Despite the decreases in donations, adoptions were still taking place.
“Donations may be down but complaining about money to get money wouldn’t be true,” Ms Simons said.
“People are still buying dogs and cats...at this stage.”
While SCARS was a private animal rescue in Tanawha, larger refuges in the region were experiencing much the same patterns.
A spokesperson for Australia Zoo said that their rescue unit was still acting to save all types of animals and treat them at their Australian Wildlife Hospital, despite the economic conditions.
“The Hospital's operating costs [are] met by fundraising efforts and the support of major sponsor, Australia Zoo, which continues to contribute $2 million per year,” the spokesperson said.
Nevertheless, the zoo, like many tourist attractions, was experiencing financial challenges.
As the ABC reported in March 2009, the Zoo announced it was cutting 20 fulltime and six casual staff members.
The reasons given for the cuts were the current economic downturn and the dim tourism forecasts for the region.
However, the zoo spokesperson insisted that animal rescue efforts had not been affected by the decisions and cutbacks.
“The current economic climate remains challenging, however in no way is the quality customer experience or the efficient operation of Australia Zoo compromised,” the spokesperson said.
“The Australian Wildlife Hospital, located at Australia Zoo, is already the country's busiest wildlife treatment facility. The Australia Zoo Rescue Unit continues to rescue wildlife 365 days a year.”
The Zoo said the local community was an important part of the animal rescue efforts.
The organisation also depended on international donations through the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
This global fundraising effort used the resources both on the Sunshine Coast and internationally.
The status of animal rescue both in private refuges and commercial organisations was dependent on the donation and adoption patterns of local citizens.
Sunshine Coast resident Michael Carolan had donated to shelters in the past, but this changed with the economic downturn.
“In the past I was contributing...occasionally maybe small donations of about $50,” Mr Carolan said.
“It’s expected that donations are down now because the economy is such a big issue that it’s affecting everyone.”
Mr Carolan said that his donations had stopped in large part because of the economy but that, while he no longer donates, he would still consider adopting an animal.
“Not sure if it’s directly or indirectly but I’m not working cause [sic] there’s not much work around,” Mr Carolan said.
“And the money I got from the government, I didn’t even give a thought to giving that away.
“Money has to get you as far as it can personally rather than helping out animals.
“But I have adopted animals in the past.
“Depending on the situation, if I had a house I would consider adopting an animal now.”
This philanthropic attitude did not extend to more public commercial rescue units such as the Australia Zoo, despite the fact that it took in many different types of animals.
Mr Carolan said that these attractions were less appealing in the current economic climate, because they were too expensive and it was harder to relate to the animals because most were not domestic.
“I support the cause of domestic animals. They’re taken in to be helped like an adopted child,” Mr Carolan said.
“The Zoo is a lot different than a dog or cat being left in a shelter.
“People don’t have as much money so they can only do so much with the money that they have.
“I personally wouldn’t spend $40 on the zoo.
“With the economy the way it is, it’s too expensive.”
Image(s) designed by Melissa Hugel