It has been revealed that the family of famed naturalist Steve Irwin has saved the lives of over 90,000 animals, including many of those caught in last year's huge Australian bushfires.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is currently run by Steve's wife Terri Irwin, and his two children Robert and Bindi. Robert broke the news on Instagram that the 90,000th animal had come through their doors since they began running the centre 16 years ago. Alongside a picture of the 90,000th patient, an orphaned baby platypus, Robert said in the post:
"This is patient number 90,000 that the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital has treated. 'Ollie' the orphaned platypus is receiving round the clock care until he can be released back to the wild. Over the last 16 years, the hospital has provided 24/7 wildlife rehabilitation and an incredible animal rescue service. We're so proud of this world-class facility! Thank you for your support - with pressures from drought to bushfires, wildlife need our help now more than ever."
A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)
Bindi also made a post on Instagram, saying:
"With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much. I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE… Our Wildlife Hospital is busier than ever though, having officially treated over 90,000 patients. 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."
A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)
Last year's bushfires were the worst Australia had seen in generations but were largely forgotten about in the media outside the country as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Over 12.35 million acres of land were burned and as many as 500 million animals are believed to have died, with many more left orphaned and their natural habitats destroyed. New South Wales, one of the more populated regions of Australia, lost over 30% of its Koala population.
Steve Irwin, who became internationally famous following his TV show 'Crocodile Hunter', died in 2006 after he was stabbed in the chest by a stingray barb while diving in the Great Barrier Reef. His TV shows involved him encountering many dangerous creatures, mostly in Australia, such as crocodiles and snakes, which he would handle and even wrestle with. In most cases this was because the animals had to be moved to other places for safety reasons. Since his death, national parks, roads and even an asteroid have been named in honour of Irwin. A long-time advocate of nature and animal rights his work is continued by his family and the other organisations he helped establish.
h/t: Positive Outlooks
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