Wildlife Warriors, originally called the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, is an international non-profit organisation that aims to involve and educate the public in the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife. Founded in 2002 by Steve and Terri Irwin, its mission statement is "to be the most effective wildlife conservation organisation in the world through the delivery of outstanding outcome-based projects and programs, inclusive of humanity."
History In 1991, conservationist Steve Irwin took over the management of Australia Zoo from his parents, who founded the zoo in 1970. He volunteered for the Queensland Government's East Coast Crocodile Management program beforehand, capturing over 100 crocodiles and relocating some of them at the family zoo. He also helped to establish the International Crocodile Rescue, a unit within the zoo that rescued saltwater crocodiles that were threatened by human interference.
After Steve married American naturalist Terri Raines in her home state of Oregon in June 1992, they received a telephone call concerning an abnormal crocodile in Far North Queensland. Television producer John Stainton, a close friend of the Irwins, convinced them to let a film crew film their work. They flew to the region to capture the reptile, but learned that it had been shot and killed by poachers upon arrival. The Irwins were "devastated," but successfully tracked down the crocodile's mate. Footage from the Irwins' impromptu honeymoon was later aired in Australia as a wildlife documentary television series titled The Crocodile Hunter (1996–2004). It spawned a media franchise that was broadcast in over 130 countries and reached 500 million people worldwide.
The Irwins established the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation in 2002 to use the earnings they made from The Crocodile Hunter and other prominent appearances to fund international wildlife conservation initiatives. Australia Zoo serves as its major sponsor, covering all of the administrative costs and providing essential support when necessary. The zoo also provided office spaces, consulting staff for various projects, and the opportunity to promote the organisation's work to visitors and patrons for fundraising purposes. After its founding, the organisation was renamed to Wildlife Warriors; a term created by Steve to describe his work and philosophy. Its logo features a human footprint surrounded by the pugmarks of five endangered species: the cassowary, the saltwater crocodile, the Asian elephant, the Ethiopian wolf and the Bornean orangutan.
On 4 September 2006, Steve was killed by a stingray injury while filming an underwater documentary. Over 30,000 international mourners offered donations to Wildlife Warriors. Michael Hornby, its executive manager at the time, reported that donations exceeded A$2 million – enough to fund its animal hospital and international programs for six to nine months. Steve's public memorial service was made into a DVD, which was released across Australia on 14 October; all proceeds went towards Wildlife Warriors. $1 from every sale of singer-songwriter John Williamson's compilation album of the same was donated to the organisation. The Irwins' daughter, Bindi, committed 10 percent of the wages she earned from her television program Bindi the Jungle Girl (2007–2008) to Wildlife Warriors.
Objectives To protect and enhance the natural environment To provide information and education to the public and raise awareness of wildlife issues To undertake biological research To research, recommend and act in the protection of threatened or endangered species To enter into cooperative arrangements with like-minded organizations
Projects The Australian Wildlife Hospital & Wildlife Rescue Unit, Australia Elephant conservation, Asia Tiger conservation, Sumatra Rhino conservation, South Africa Cheetah conservation, South Africa Grey nurse shark research & conservation, Australia Whale research, United States Community Education (international) Koala research, Qld, Australia Crocodile research, Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, Qld, Australia
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