In January 2020, as catastrophic bushfires swept across Kangaroo Island in South Australia, the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park faced a difficult decision. Evacuation warnings were in place around Parndana as flames approached the property, but moving hundreds of animals was not a practical option. According to The Guardian, park owner Sam Mitchell and four other close friends and family members remained behind to defend the park and the roughly 800 animals in their care. The group worked alongside Country Fire Service personnel as the fire threatened the property. The park was already caring for wildlife affected by the fires, including koalas, when the danger reached its doorstep. What followed was a long effort to protect the animals, buildings and enclosures while fire moved through the surrounding landscape.
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