Robert Irwin has proudly announced the completion of Australia Zoo’s Koala Intensive Care Unit on what would have been his late father Steve’s 60th birthday.
The 18-year-old conservationist took to Instagram to reveal the new wing of the wildlife hospital is now open following the devastating news that the native animals had officially become an endangered species.
“Here in Australia, we pride ourselves on being home to some of the most prolific and unique species on the planet and koalas are undoubtedly the icons of our native wildlife,” Robert wrote alongside a photo of himself with an injured koala.
Robert announced the completion of a state of the art Koala Intensive Care Unit at Australia Zoo’s wildlife hospital.
(Image: Instagram)“But, Australia is also home to the highest mammal extinction rate of any country on earth. This upgrade in koala conservation status is yet another devastating reminder of the threats that climate change and habitat loss pose to our natural world.”
Robert said Australia still has “a lot of work to do” to help koalas, and thanked Family Guy creator Seth Macfarlane who donated $1 million to the centre.
“We are so happy to be doing our part. Through the support of @macfarlaneseth we’re proud to have finished construction on a purpose built, state of the art koala ICU at our wildlife hospital,” he said.
Seth MacFarlane donated $1million to Australia Zoo Wildlife hospital in January 2020.
(Image: Instagram)Seth made his generous donation to Australia Zoo Wildlife hospital in January 2020 as deadly bushfires ravaged parts of New South Wales and Victoria.
“This gives us the opportunity to cope with the huge numbers of koalas that we treat at the hospital and provide life-saving care,” Robert’s post continued.
“Our goal is for each koala to be rehabilitated and released back to the wild. Together we can all ensure that these truly special animals are on the planet forever.”
Following the comedian’s hefty donation, the Irwin family took to Twitter to thank him for his generosity in helping the facility’s relief and treatment efforts.
“A huge thanks to Seth MacFarlane for donating a million dollars to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to help with the influx of patients affected by drought and bushfire!” they wrote at the time.
Robert also took to his personal Twitter to praise Seth, writing: “On behalf of all the wildlife, thank you so much for your support @SethMacFarlane. You are an extraordinary Wildlife Warrior.”
Bindi shared a tribute to her late father Steve on what would have been his 60th birthday.
(Image: Instagram)The momentous day for the Irwins’ conservation efforts couldn’t have come on a more special day; what would have been Robert’s late father Steve’s 60th birthday.
Robert’s older sister Bindi took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to her father, who died in 2006 after being impaled by a stingray barb.
“Happy Birthday to the greatest dad and Wildlife Warrior. Today I’ll watch ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ with Grace Warrior and share stories about her incredible Grandpa Crocodile. I love you with all my heart. Your legacy lives on,” Bindi wrote alongside a sweet throwback photo of herself and her father posing with a small snake.
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