Rare Turtle Discovered by Steve Irwin Bred at Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is breeding a rare species of turtle discovered by the late Steve Irwin in the 1990s. This will ensure this species lives on, safe from endangerment.

Who Was The Crocodile Hunter?

In the realm of wildlife conservation and adventure, the name Steve Irwin is legendary. Known as The Crocodile Hunter, this Australian zookeeper and public figure captured the hearts of millions with his television programs centered around nature. In 2006, his untimely demise shocked the world when he was fatally stabbed by a stingray while filming an underwater segment on the Great Barrier Reef. Steve Irwin left behind a remarkable legacy, survived by his wife Terri and their two children, Bindi and Robert.

The Irwin Family

Bindi and Robert Irwin both have taken up the mantle of their famous father, sharing their passion for wildlife through educational content on television and social media. Recently, Robert celebrated an extraordinary milestone that beautifully encapsulates the Irwin family’s commitment to preserving our planet’s biodiversity.

Reptilian Family Member

On the 14th of October, 2023, Robert shared a video on his social media channels, revealing a pivotal moment in his life. The video showed him gently holding a newly hatched Elseya irwini turtle at the Australia Zoo in Queensland. This freshwater species, also known as “Irwin’s turtle”, named after Steve Irwin, is not just another reptile; it’s a living tribute to his late father’s legacy.

Breeding Irwin’s Turtle

You can sense the excitement and emotion in Robert’s voice as he introduces the hatchling to the world. This is one of the highlights of my entire life, one of the most special moments ever for Australia Zoo,” he shares. “This is the very first Elseya irwini, Irwin’s turtle, ever hatched for any zoological facility anywhere in the world.”

Win for Conservation

It’s a remarkable achievement, not just for the Australia Zoo but for wildlife conservation as a whole. The turtle is native to Australia and was originally discovered by Steve and his dad, Bob Irwin, during a crocodile-catching mission on the Burdekin River in 1990. However, the species has faced significant threats due to the Burdekin Dam construction, resulting in a water quality decline in the river, making survival and reproduction increasingly challenging.

Steve Irwin’s Turtle: A Second Chance

Irwin’s turtle, as a species, faced a bleak future. With only around 400 of them remaining in the world, every hatching is a beacon of hope. Robert’s success in breeding this rare and endangered turtle not only honors his father’s legacy but also provides a second chance for a unique species threatened in the wild.

A Beautiful Legacy

Robert’s deep emotional connection to the moment is evident as he releases the baby turtle into the zoo’s pond. “For the first time, we’ve got a little baby, and he’s gonna get his first swim in a brand new pond. My dad would be stoked with that,” he states, beaming with pride. “We did it.”

The Irwin Legacy

Steve Irwin’s legacy has transcended borders, capturing the imaginations of people worldwide. One individual fondly recalled watching an episode where Steve discovered the turtle and marveled at how a whole species was named after the legendary Steve. And how, years later, it remains exciting to witness his legacy continuing to thrive in many different ways.

Leading by Example

Robert’s achievement serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our planet’s diverse and endangered species. Irwin’s turtle, named after a legendary conservationist, has been given a second chance at life, and this is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a family’s unwavering commitment to the natural world.

The Future of Conservation

Robert Irwin’s success in breeding Irwin’s turtle is a glimpse into the future of wildlife conservation. It shows that through dedication, knowledge, and the relentless pursuit of preserving Earth’s diverse species, we can make a difference. As we celebrate this extraordinary achievement, we must remember that each species, no matter how small or obscure, plays a crucial role on our planet. The Irwin family’s ongoing dedication to this mission is an inspiration to us all, and it reminds us that the legacy of Steve Irwin will continue to shape our world for generations to come.

What do you think about Irwin’s Turtle?

Sources: “Steve Irwin’s Turtle – Protecting this unique species | Wildlife Warriors Missions” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: Australia Zoo & “Steve Irwin’s son fights back tears as he achieves conservation milestone thanks to father’s work” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The Independent

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Zara Prew, PhD Candidate in Ocean and Atmospheric Science

Author at Animals Around The Globe

Zara's interest in ecology and conservation began as a result of spending much of her childhood in nature parks and game reserves all over the world. These early experiences sparked her love for the natural world and encouraged her to pursue a PhD in Ocean and Atmosphere Science. Zara's research focuses on climate change’s impact on Southern African kelp forest systems, a subject she became passionate about through her love for freediving. She hopes to use this platform to share her knowledge and spark your interest in the weird and wonderful things nature has to offer.

Zara enjoys writing about marine life and the climate crisis.

Please send any feedback to feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com

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