World champion, Lewis Hamilton has donated $500,000 to two wildlife charities dealing with the bushfires raging in Australia.

In addition to the dozens of people killed and the thousands of homes lost, it is estimated that almost a billion animals have perished.

Taking to Instagram, Hamilton, whose love of animals is well documented, revealed that he had donated the money to two charities, while urging his followers to also donate.

"It saddens me deeply to know that over 1 billion animals in Australia died a painful death, no way out, not their fault," he wrote. "My love of animals is no secret and I can't help but grieve for the defenceless animals thought to have died so far, pushing certain species closer to extinction.

"I'm lucky enough to visit Australia often and I know first-hand how beautiful the country is," he continued. "Keep fighting Australia. I've spent some time speaking to people in Australia who are working at the heart of this and I'm filled with admiration for everything they are doing.

"I implore you to join me in thinking about the impact we are having on our planet. Let's work together to make small changes, and encourage our family and friends to do the same, so we can help shift the direction we're going in.

"I'm donating $500K to support WIRES wildlife rescue and WWF Australia and the Rural Fire Services.

"If you are able and haven't already, you can donate too. Every little helps."

News of Hamilton's donation follows Daniel Ricciardo's post on Instagram revealing that the Australian is to donate the race suit he wears in the forthcoming Grand Prix in Melbourne to two charities assisting victims of the fires.