It has been reported than an estimated half a billion animals have tragically lost their lives as a result of the ongoing Australian bushfire crisis.

In a statement, Professor Dickman, an expert on Australian biodiversity at the University of Sydney and the individual who calculated the tragic statistic said:

"We've estimated that in the three million hectares of New South Wales alone that were burned up until about 10 days ago probably as many as 480 million mammals, birds and reptiles would have been affected by the fires." 

In light of the crisis, Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin, has taken to Instagram to express her devastation over the irrevocable destruction the bushfires have caused. The 21-year-old also pledged to save as many lives as possible, revealing that her family's wildlife hospital has treated over 90,000 animals.

In the caption of a post showing Bindi sitting in front of a picture of her late father, she wrote:

"With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much. I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE. There are no fires near us @AustraliaZoo or our conservation properties. Our Wildlife Hospital is busier than ever though, having officially treated over 90,000 patients. My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother. We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can."

Unfortunately, the crisis continues to escalate in parts of the country. In fact, the state of New South Wales has now declared a state of emergency.

At a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged the Australian public not to panic and to cooperate with emergency workers:

"My simple request is to be patient, to have confidence in the state agencies. I understand the fear that is there for many and the frustration, but this is a natural disaster, and natural disasters are best dealt with through the methodical, well-coordinated response that we are seeing today."

It has been reported than an estimated half a billion animals have tragically lost their lives as a result of the ongoing Australian bushfire crisis.

In a statement, Professor Dickman, an expert on Australian biodiversity at the University of Sydney and the individual who calculated the tragic statistic said:

"We've estimated that in the three million hectares of New South Wales alone that were burned up until about 10 days ago probably as many as 480 million mammals, birds and reptiles would have been affected by the fires." 

In light of the crisis, Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin, has taken to Instagram to express her devastation over the irrevocable destruction the bushfires have caused. The 21-year-old also pledged to save as many lives as possible, revealing that her family's wildlife hospital has treated over 90,000 animals.

In the caption of a post showing Bindi sitting in front of a picture of her late father, she wrote:

"With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much. I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE. There are no fires near us @AustraliaZoo or our conservation properties. Our Wildlife Hospital is busier than ever though, having officially treated over 90,000 patients. My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother. We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can."

Unfortunately, the crisis continues to escalate in parts of the country. In fact, the state of New South Wales has now declared a state of emergency.

At a press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged the Australian public not to panic and to cooperate with emergency workers:

"My simple request is to be patient, to have confidence in the state agencies. I understand the fear that is there for many and the frustration, but this is a natural disaster, and natural disasters are best dealt with through the methodical, well-coordinated response that we are seeing today."