View this post on Instagram
As devastating wildfires continue to rage across Australia, Steve Irwin's family is stepping up and continuing his legacy of wildlife rescue. As owners of the Australia Zoo, they've treated over 90,000 animals and they continue to save the lives of these precious creatures amidst the fires. In a recent post on Instagram, 21-year-old Bindi Irwin let fans know that while her family and the zoo are out of harm's way, their wildlife hospital has been busier than ever with patients.
While bushfires are common during this time of year, the fires have been ongoing since August 2019 and show no sign of slowing down. Recently, three fires merged to create a single blaze larger than the footprint of Manhattan. In New South Wales alone, nearly 1,500 homes have been lost and 24 people have perished in the fires. But it's perhaps animals that are suffering the most, with thousands losing their habitat—if they manage to escape. Koalas have been particularly affected, with some experts declaring them functionally extinct now that 30% of a major colony has been killed.
This makes the Irwin's work all the more important. The entire family carries on the mission of Steve Irwin, who passed in 2006. The Australian TV host, also known as “The Crocodile Hunter,” took over the Australia Zoo from his parents and it is now run by his widow Terri and children Bindi and Robert.
“My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother,” Bindi wrote on Instagram. “We will continue to honor her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can.”
Working tirelessly to give top-notch care to all of their patients, the hospital is unfortunately not able to nurse everyone back to health. Bindi also posted a photo of Blossom, a possum who suffered severe burns at the hands of a fire in Queensland. Unfortunately, she did not survive, even after the team did their best.
“This is the heart-wrenching truth, every day is a battle to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” she wrote. “Now more than ever we need to work together to make a difference and protect our Mother Earth.”
Irwin's 16-year-old son Robert has also been giving updates about the hospital's work, including posting a moving video of orphaned fruit bats being bottle-fed. They, along with countless other animals, have lost their homes in the bushfires.
If you want to get involved, the Australia Zoo is raising funds to build a new ward in order to keep up with the huge influx of patients they're receiving.
The Australia Zoo, run by the Irwin family, has treated over 90,000 patients due to the recent Australian bushfires.
View this post on Instagram
Many vulnerable species now find themselves orphaned or without a home.
Australia Zoo: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [LAD Bible, CNN]
Related Articles:
Heroic Dog Helps Save Koalas From Devastating Australian Bushfires
Heroic Woman Saves Distressed Koala From Australian Bushfire Using Her Own Shirt
Bindi Irwin Pays a Heartfelt Tribute to Dad Steve Irwin on 10-Year Anniversary of His Death
