Kangaroo Island - Paul's Place animal fire relief

A lifetime saving animals and building a house for your family just to be burnt to the ground in a night through one of the worst bush fires ever seen on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.



My sister Katja moved to Kangaroo Island 20 years ago, falling in love with the beautifully rugged Australian Island and it's wildlife, meeting a man who had the same love for both. Overtime they rescued native animals for their sanctuary, raised a family and built their own house from the ground up.

Many animals who never had a chance had a home with Katja and her family Paul, Poppy and Sunny. Giggles the Kookaburra, Scarface and Blondie the cheeky Emus and Daisy the snake were just some of their most popular pets remembered fondly by visitors around the world.

Many of you have visited Kangaroo Island and Paul's Place  over the years experiencing; Koala holding, Kangaroo feeding, and a hands-on farm experience. Always a little crazy but loads of fun. If you have visited Paul's Place, you will understand the passion they have for animals.

Throughout Christmas, a bush fire was sparked by lightening, in Flinders Chase National Park. Fire fighters tried eagerly to keep the fire under control, however it was unstoppable.

On January 3, conditions horrifically changed. With elevated temperatures South Australians were sweltering in the heat and strong winds changed direction. The fire suddenly headed north east towards Stokes Bay and Paul's Place.

Katja and her family were evacuated  at 10pm in the dark (thanks to the CFS) with nothing but the clothes on their back, and as many animals they could carry in a sea of ash and smoke. 

In the morning January 4, at 12.30am Katja's house  was burnt to the ground. Aviaries, chicken coops, horses, reptile enclosures, joeys, turtles, fish as well as their pet lambs perished.

Stokes Bay and other affected areas are currently a death zone. Sheep piled up on the side of the road, scorched koalas amongst the ashes and the sound of gun shots as farmers relieve those animals that could no longer be saved. 

Beautiful Marley their horse rescued from a slaughter house like many animals at Paul's Place- euthanised only today due to complications of treatment. 

A slight reprieve amidst this tragedy- a koala rescued

As a brother living in Adelaide, there is little I feel I can do for my sister and her family. Fundraising was the only idea I could think of that I know will have a direct impact for my family.

How will your donation help?

- Medical supplies for native wildlife
- Heat packs for animals
- Kangaroo slings
- Animal feed
- Fencing for kangaroos and live stock
- Water tanks
- Power generators
- Transportation of water
- Ferry fees for transport of goods and voluntary man power to rebuild farm land
- Tools and equipment
- Fridges and freezers
- Other neighbouring farms and families that also need assistance and much more...

Photo before fires hit a property in Kangaroo Island

Whether you give a little or a lot, every bit counts. We thank you so much for  your contribution and will keep you updated as time passes so you can see where you have helped. 

There have been several people wanting to donate, but do not want to do it through the gofundme website. For direct EFT donations, please EFT directly to Paul and Katja's account.

Account name: P A Stanton
BSB: 015 600
Account: 415321041

As for your donations to this gofundme page, all funds will be going into my personal account. I will either be:
1. depositing the money directly to Paul and Katja's account or
2. I will be purchasing materials or equipment they need it  from the funds directly.

Thank you so much.


Here are some random photos of their "pre bush fire lifestyle...