Robert Irwin's exciting news on Steve's birthday
On what would have been his late father's 60th birthday, Robert Irwin has proudly shared exciting news about Australia Zoo.
The 18-year-old conservationist took to Instagram to announce that the Koala Intensive Care Unit is now open in the wildlife hospital, following news that the native animals are now officially 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.
"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 that Australia still has "a lot of work to do" to preserve koalas, but that the new wing of the facility was a step in the right direction.
He also went on to thank Family Guy creator Seth Macfarlane for his generous $1 million donation 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 made his donation following the devastating 2020 bushfires, that were responsible for the death of millions of native Australian animals.
"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."
Image credits: Instagram @robertirwinphotography