New London — Tattoo artists at New London Ink will be tattooing Australia-themed designs —  from kangaroos and koalas to "shrimp on the barbie" and a Tasmanian devil — this Sunday to raise money to help animals affected by the bushfires in Australia.

The Bank Street tattoo shop will be hosting a "flash sale" with dozens of Australia-themed designs. All proceeds will go directly to NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc., or WIRES, Australia's largest animal rescue organization.

Scientists have estimated that more than a billion animals have been killed in the vast blazes. WIRES, which has been providing care to wildlife in the country for more than 30 years, recently launched two national emergency relief grants programs to support volunteers and veterinarians helping animals that have been hurt or have lost their habitats in the fires.

The organization pledged $3 million for emergency rescue and care, including $1 million to the Australian Veterinary Association.

New London Ink will donate 100 percent of the proceeds that come into the shop on Sunday, a day it normally is closed. All five resident artists will be coming in to volunteer their time for the fundraiser.

Flavia Arena, receptionist at the shop, said one of the artists came up with the idea for the fundraiser and the entire New London Ink team "jumped at the idea."

"All of us in the shop are animal lovers," she said. "We're really excited to do this for the animals. We just want to do whatever we can to help out."

Most, if not all, of the tattoos being offered will cost $80 each.

"We're going to try to keep them all at $80," Arena said. "We want to keep them small and quick so we can get as many people in as we can, so we can raise as much money as possible."

Only the Australia-inspired designs, which are all about 3 inches by 3 inches, will be available on Sunday.

"This way they'll have a tattoo that will remind them of a good cause," Arena said.

Other designs available include ostriches, characters from Disney's and Pixar's "Finding Nemo" and the TV show "Rocko's Modern Life," a can of the popular Australian spread Vegemite and a kangaroo crossing sign.

The shop also will be offering laser tattoo removal services for new customers at a rate of $100 for a 6-inch area, as part of the fundraiser, Arena said.

A few other nearby businesses also will be doing their part to raise funds for the cause. For those who go under the needle at New London Ink, the new 1784 restaurant and bar on Eugene O'Neill Drive will be giving out free pizzas. On Bank Street, Hot Rod Cafe will be donating 10 percent of sales between noon and 4 p.m. and the Flavours of Life free trade store will be donating 15 percent of sales all day Sunday.

No appointments will be accepted for the flash sale at New London Ink and tattoos will be done on a first come, first served basis from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.

t.hartz@theday.com