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."
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.