In America, no person is more representative of Australia than the late ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin, dressed in khaki and spouting his catchphrase ‘Crikey!” Passionate for all wildlife, Irwin spellbound television audiences in the 1990s with his incredible knowledge and dangerous encounters with unique animals featured on his series. During a diving expedition off the coast of Queensland in 2006, Irwin tragically lost his life after being pierced by a stingray. Today, the legacy of Steve Irwin is anchored on the work he did during his lifetime. From managing Australia’s national zoo to founding charities to rescue and protect crocodiles, Irwin is upheld as an incredible conservationist and a significant contributor to the field of wildlife. (1) Yet, his reputation has also seemed to grow and spread in the years after his death, thanks in large part to his family. Most recently, the Irwin family has taken on the enormous challenge of saving and rescuing animals displaced by ravaging bushfires, which continue to engulf significant portions of the Oceanic country.
Australian Wildlife Devastated By Bushfires
With at least 12 million acres lost in the 2019-2020 Australian fire season, animal experts everywhere are concerned about the well-being of Aussie wildlife. With hundreds of blazes continuing to rage, 25 people have been killed and more than half a billion animals have died. In particular, ecologists estimate up to 30% of the koala population has died during this horrific fire season. (2, 3)
The Irwin Wildlife Warriors Share Hope
Bindi Irwin, the eldest daughter of Steve Irwin and a television star in her own right, posted to Instagram a few words of hope on January 2, 2020. In the post, the 21-year-old shared a picture of herself in front of an old photo of her father (which hangs at the Australian Zoo), and wrote, “With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much … My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother. We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can.” As per Bindi, the Australian zoo has been safe from wildfires and is quickly becoming a haven for displaced animals all over the country. (2)
90,000 Patients And Counting
The zoo’s hospital patient list includes 600 bats evacuated from New South Wales, 200 grey-headed flying foxes, numerous possums, and one orphaned platypus – plus some koalas! But more patients are still expected, and the hospital is rushing to open wards for sea turtles, snakes, and birds affected by bushfire tragedy. Donating to the Australian Zoo and wildlife hospital is encouraged by Bindi Irwin, who has posted links on her Instagram account to reputable donation forums. Click here for the Go Fund Me page for Mourachan – Australia Zoo’s outback conservation property. (2)
Bindi Irwin famously said, “I learned so much from my dad; he taught me new things every day. I think the biggest message I learned from him, though, was to treat wildlife how you would like to be treated.” (4) No doubt, Steve Irwin is looking down with pride on his family, as they carry on his life work and step up to help in a critical moment for all Australian wildlife.
