Steve Irwin 2.0 Dies In South Africa Following Snake Bite

There was only one Steve Irwin, and he was the Crocodile Hunter, as far as Australians are concerned, but South Africa had their own version of Bindi Irwin’s dad, YouTube influencer, Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman. Unfortunately, like the Animal Planet star, Dingo passed away while working with wild animals. 

Graham Dingo Dinkelman Had A Family Like Steve Irwin

When the Australian conservationist who was dedicated to the Australia Zoo passed away, his kids, Robert Irwin and Bindi were still very young. His wife, Terri never dated or remarried, as her man was kind of hard to live up to. While she felt lonely for him, she was okay on her own. Now another passionate conservation is dead, and he also left a wife and children to grieve for his passing. 

Steve Irwin was known mainly for his crocodile captures. Dingo also had conservation experience with crocodiles. And it was South African outlet, News 24 that wrote about the similarities between the two men. While it was a stingray barb that killed the Crocodile Hunter, for Dingo, it was a cobra. 

Steve 2.0 Is dead After A Snake Bite

The Sun reported that it was Dingo’s wife, Kirsty who confirmed the death of her husband, who had over 100K subscribers on YouTube. He might not be Australia’s Crocodile Hunter, but Graham Dingo Dinkelman was the African version of him to his many fans. 

The outlet cited Kirsty as saying that a cobra bit her husband a month ago. But he succumbed to the highly poisonous reptile this weekend. She added:

Dingo fought incredibly hard throughout this very difficult period. We know that he was fighting to be here with us and we are so grateful for this. Sadly, despite his strength and resilience, my beloved husband passed away peacefully today, surrounded by his family.

On YouTube, Fans Sent In Their Tributes

Ironically, South Africa’s Steve Irwin 2,0 shared a video a month ago about “a massive cobra operation.” In it, “Shadow” a forest cobra snake, needed some surgical work done, and young Rex assisted. It was on that video that people sent in their farewells to the conservationist from Pietermaritzburg near Durban.

Here are some of their tributes:

• Rest in peace Dingo, it takes a truly special person to leave so many thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people utterly devastated by your passing. Your enthusiasm and passion for life was and will always be truly inspiring.
• Rest in peace to the most genuinely happy person and the funniest person ever. We will all miss you Dingo, but we will keep your legacy going. Fly high Dingo.
• Currently in tears. Rest in peace Dingo. The world will miss you greatly.
• Please keep his channel up. Leave his legacy for all to see…R.I.P. brother, you will be missed greatly.
• The reptile world will never be the same after the loss of Brian and now you 9 months later. What a huge loss! My heart breaks for your wife, Rex and your other children. Sending prayers for peace and comfort for them. Sleep tight, Dingo!! Will catch ya on the other side man.

What are your thoughts on Steve Irwin 2.0 losing his life to an animal that he wanted to protect? Does it make you feel sad? Shout out in the comments section, and come back here often for all your Animal Planet and related news.