Steve Irwin, otherwise known as the Crocodile Hunter, was made famous for his thrill-seeking adventures in which he educated the world about his firsthand knowledge on animals and nature. The Australian wildlife expert was killed in 2006… but his family continues to uphold his legacy of rescuing nature’s living things. For about four months, Australia’s bushfires have spread across the continent destroying peoples homes, ruining the environment, and threatening the lives of 100 different animal species. Although Steve Irwin is no longer with us, his family and the Wildlife Warrior organization continues to serve nature and rescue the animals that are unable to defend themselves.

For forty years, the Irwin Zoo in Beerwah, Australia has been taking in injured animals and nursing them to health. Since the Australian fires have started, the Irwin family has taken in and treated over 90,000 animals including koala bears and wallabys – both which are now classified as endangered in Australia due to their habitats being burned down. One third of the Koala bear population in Australia is predicted to be killed, and it is unknown where these animals will be released back into the wild after the Irwin family treats them when the fires have been extinguished. “As someone who recently traveled to Australia and studied the wildlife there, I find it heartbreaking that so many animals are being killed due to the fires,” said high school senior Jamie Watt on the issue. “But I also find it uplifting that there are so many organizations including the WIldlife Warriors that have dedicated their time to helping these animals.” 

Steve Irwin’s family and the workers of their zoo and organizations are continuing to rescue the helpless animals whose lives have been threatened by the natural disasters that are spreading across the continent. Steve Irwin’s daughter, Bindi, spoke out about the fires in an emotional social media post. She writes: “”Dad spent his life working so hard to protect wildlife and wild places, especially in Australia. I wish he was here right now to give advice and strength during this time of devastation with the bush fires. I know that his spirit lives on through our conservation work and I hope together we can make him proud.”  Australia experienced its first rainfall in months just over a week ago. While hundreds of fires have been put out by this rain, it is uncertain whether or not the fires will continue to burn. As for The Irwin’s Zoo, donations can be sent to the Australia Zoo or the family’s Wildlife Warriors foundation in order to help the lives of the animals of Australia who need it most.