Australia fires: Six-year-old raises over 拢100,000 for bushfire animals

Image source, @KevinColemanWBZ Twitter

Image caption, Owen has been making special gifts to raise money to help animals affected by the bushfires.

Zoos, animal rescue centres and vets have been dealing with huge numbers of wild animals, including koalas, needing urgent medical treatment because of the Australia bushfires.

People around the world, including celebrities, have been coming together to raise money for the work being done by these animal charities.

One of those people is six-year-old Owen from Massachusetts, in America.

Whilst watching the news, Owen saw the impact the fires were having on wild animals, and wanted to do something to help.

What has Owen been doing to raise money?

Image source, @KevinColemanWBZ Twitter

Image caption, These little guys have been making lots of money to help animals in Australia

Owen has been making clay koalas and selling them for donations of $50 (拢38) or more, which is then sent to animal sanctuaries in Australia.

So far, the six-year-old has made more than 55 koalas and is expected to make lots and lots more.

His koalas became so popular he even ran out of clay!

How much money have Owen's koalas raised?

Image source, Alamy

Image caption, Owen's hand-written thank you note to those who have bought his cash-making koalas

Back at the start of January Owen set himself a target of $1,000 (拢765) but after hitting it so quickly, he set his aim a little higher.

By 16 January Owen had raised $91,450 - a huge 拢70,000!

The money he has raised will go to Wildlife Rescue South Coast Inc who are building aviaries, boxes, and enclosures for animals displaced by the fires.

The charity are also working with the public to set up feeding stations and temporary homes for animals whose habitats have been destroyed by the fires.