London, Jan 10 (AFP/APP): Lewis Hamilton has pledged $500,000 (£380,000) to “support the animals, wildlife volunteers and rural fire services” affected by the bushfire crisis in Australia. The six-time Formula One world champion announced the donation on Twitter on Thursday, saying: “It breaks my heart to see the devastation the Australian bushfires are causing to people and animals across the country. “I’m pledging $500k to support the animals, wildlife volunteers and rural fire services. If you are able to, and you haven’t already then you can donate too.” The catastrophic bushfires have killed at least 26 people, destroyed more than 2,000 homes and scorched some eight million hectares (80,000 square kilometres). The 35-year-old Briton’s message was accompanied by a video of a koala bear being rescued from flames. University of Sydney scientists estimate one billion animals have lost their lives in the fires. The figure includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not frogs, insects or invertebrates. In a separate post on Instagram Hamilton wrote: “It saddens me deeply to know that over 1 billion animals in Australia died a painful death, no way out, not their fault.” “My love of animals is no secret and I can’t help but grieve … Continue reading Broken-hearted Hamilton pledges $500,000 to Australian bushfire cause