Irwin Family Opens Elephant Sanctuary, Fulfilling One of Steve’s Life Goals
By Mandy Froelich / Truth Theory
During his life, Steve Irwin helped millions of people recognize the majesty of the Earth’s wildlife. With the support of his wife, Terri, he hosted the edutainment series, “The Crocodile Hunter” and founded the “Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation.” His impact on the world was so immense, November 15th has been internationally named “Steve Irwin Day.” Even though the television personality and wildlife expert has passed, his legacy lives on. Thanks to his family, including Terri and children Bindi and Robert, an elephant hospital just opened in Indonesia.
“We just — just — finished one of his greatest goals, which was to open an elephant hospital in Indonesia.” Terri Irwin told Buzzfeed News, “In Sumatra, when Elephants step on a landmine or they get caught in a snare there was no hospital to treat them, and we now have just opened an elephant hospital, so it’s pretty special.”
Luke Reavley, staff member at the Australian Zoo, which Steve and Terri developed together, commented: “Steve Dreamed of opening an elephant hospital after witnessing first-hand the issues they were facing in the wild.”
Dad first created the term ‘Wildlife Warriors’. Being a Wildlife Warrior means to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Together we have protected nearly half a million acres of conservation property. We have cared for over 86,000 wildlife patients at our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital with the goal of giving each animal a second chance at life and releasing them back to the wild. We support cheetah and rhino conservation work in Africa and employ a team of 60 rangers in Sumatra to dismantle illegal tiger snare traps. We’ve funded and participated in over 50 conservation studies, learning more about how to better protect our wildlife and wild places. We have filmed across the globe hoping to educate and inspire everyone to believe in their strength to change the world. We have dedicated our lives to standing up for Mother Earth. It’s up to ALL OF US to make a difference for the generations to come. The future is in our hands. 💙
The Elephant Hospital received funding from the Australian Zoo and other organizations. It is staffed with veterinarians who will train Indonesian team members on elephant care and micro-chipping. With the latter task, staff hope to better monitor the elephant populations.
“I think for us as a family we always want to make sure that his legacy continues,” said Bindi. “Because Dad always said, ‘I don’t care if people remember me, I care if people remember my message.’”
Terri has been a conservationist her entire life. At the age of 22, she started a rehabilitation center for injured predator animals. Together, she and Steve raised their children with the same passion and care for wildlife they shared. Today, Bindi and Robert are as eager to protect wildlife and further the efforts their father began.
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