These heartbreaking photos show the moment a kangaroo begs for help in the aftermath of the devastating Australian bushfires.
The marsupial suffered huge burns to its body before a teenager drenched it with water and gave it a drink.
The stricken animal is one of billions caught up in Australia’s worst bushfires, which continue to burn out of control across an area more than a third of the size of England.
More than half a billion animals are predicted to have died while others are facing starvation and dehydration as the fires destroy their habitats.
Many have had to be euthanised as they are unable to recover from their severe burns.
The images of the kangaroo were taken in the state of New South Wales, where a state of emergency has been declared.
Fires have engulfed entire towns, leaving homes and vehicles reduced to rubble. State Rural Fire Service deputy commissioner Rob Rogers urged people close to bushfires to evacuate their homes, noting that four people have already died in their cars after leaving it too late to flee.
He said: ‘We know people have got a little bit of fire fatigue. They’ve been dealing with this for months now. ‘But we need people to stay focused.
Tomorrow is not the day to drop your guard. Take it seriously. ‘If you are in those areas where we put those maps out, don’t be there.’