Wallaby Airlines hops in to help evacuate endangered wildlife from ACT fires and hot weather

Mt Rothwell conservation and Research Reserve at Little River, near Geelong, was chosen as the home away from home for the evacuees because of its fire safety, good infrastructure, and the staff's animal-handling skills.

First eastern bettongs in Victoria for 100 years

Meanwhile, 26 eastern bettongs were trapped using chunks of pineapple to lure them.

The small marsupials then flew in style on a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules with crew taking extra care in handling the animals that had joeys in their pouches.

An eastern bettong joey is sedated prior to its flight from fire.(Supplied: Private Rodrigo Villablanca)

Eastern bettongs are extinct in the wild on mainland Australia due to predation; Tasmania is the only place where the population remains secure.

At Avalon airport, a team of dedicated volunteers and wildlife staff waited to greet the precious cargo, thought to be the first in Victoria for 100 years.

They were released just after dusk, the day before the wallabies arrived.

The wallabies, although initially held back from being released due to high temperatures, eventually went off without a hitch, aided by the day's rain.

Mr Cotsell continued to keep an eye on the marsupials from his office in Canberra.

"They all bounced into their new quarters and were feeding the next day, which is a really good indication that they were happy," he said.

"I think they're in safe, well and good hands and we hope to return them as soon as the imminent threat is over."

Article available from ABC News