Bindi Irwin has spoken of her “heartbreak” after 47 defenceless bats were killed in a fire “intentionally”.
A wildlife group rescued the surviving animals from the Dularcha Rail Tunnel in Queensland’s Mooloolah Valley before they were taken to the Irwin Family’s Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital in Beerwah.
The small animals suffered “severe burns and inhalation of toxic fumes.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn that these beautiful micro bats were intentionally harmed in the wild,” Bindi said in a statement provided to news.com.au.
“It’s heartbreaking to see these animals suffering in their home, and we hope we can bring them justice through our partnership with Crime Stoppers Queensland.”
Most of the animals had already died and several more were euthanized on site when it was considered that they would not survive the burns.
“It is extremely devastating to witness such intentional harm inflicted on wildlife,” Dr Ludo Valenza, a veterinarian at Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital, said in a statement.
This comes after Bindi was forced to defend herself after fans accused her of using Photoshop on her latest Instagram post.
Bindi Irwin (pictured) has spoken of her “heartbreak” after 47 defenceless bats were killed in a “deliberately set” fire
The 26-year-old Australian television personality shared a series of photos earlier this month of a red panda on the lap of her three-year-old daughter Grace.
In a second image, the animal is seen standing over Bindi as she sits near her baby daughter.
“Meet Teddy. The sweetest red panda who loves snack time. I hope you get to meet him on your next adventure at Australia Zoo,” Bindi wrote in the post.
However, some fans were quick to question whether Teddy had in fact been photoshopped to look like he was standing on Bindi’s lap.
“I’m pretty sure that’s a Photoshop image…” one follower commented on the post.
A wildlife group rescued the surviving animals from the Dularcha Rail Tunnel in Queensland’s Mooloolah Valley before they were taken to the Irwin Family’s Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital in Beerwah.
“We are deeply saddened to learn that these beautiful micro bats were intentionally harmed in the wild,” Bindi said in a statement.
“Looks like a photoshopped photo in the second one!” said another, while a third wrote: “It almost looks fake.”
Other fans questioned the size of the panda and whether it had been enlarged.
The debate became so heated that Bindi was forced to address the speculation in the comments section.
“I think it’s so funny how some people think our sweet red panda was photoshopped,” she wrote.
‘I can tell you with absolute certainty that these photos are 100% real (thank you @kateberryphotography for taking such beautiful photographs) and Teddy is in no way photoshopped.’
Kate Berry is a Brisbane-based wildlife ecologist and professional photographer working for Australia Zoo.
This comes after Bindi was accused of Photoshopping a red panda onto her three-year-old daughter Grace’s lap in new images shared on her Instagram page.
Bindi didn’t seem too bothered by the comments and gently poked fun at Teddy’s detractors.
“I hope you have a wonderful day and just one note… I will always share real wildlife moments with you. It’s something I like…” she concluded, adding a golden heart emoji.
Some fans defended her, with one saying: “Why would this page use Photoshop to include an animal? It’s a ZOO.”
“We saw Teddy yesterday and he was such a sweet little thing,” said another.
Bindi also posted video clips of the encounter with Teddy, putting an end to any further speculation.
“Teddy loves his treats. It’s so important to me to share our wildlife with you and hopefully encourage everyone to get involved in conserving, loving and respecting our natural world. Also, it brings me joy to see Grace’s JOY with our beloved red panda,” she wrote in the caption of the short video.
Some fans were quick to question whether the panda named Teddy had in fact been photoshopped to look like he was standing on Bindi’s lap in the second image.
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