Robert Irwin Struggles To Hold Back Tears While Discussing The Impact Of The Australian Bushfires
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As the whole world is watching the devastating bushfires ablaze in Australia from afar, some people are facing terror in real-time. And while firefighters give it all they’ve got to fight the terrors and save as much of the stunning Australian wildlife as they can, the impact is still so huge it could be difficult for one to wrap their head around it. The son of “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, Robert, tried explaining the real scale of the damage done by the wildfire with his mom Terri and had a hard time holding back his tears while his mom spoke about the impact on the vulnerable koala population. Since half a billion animals were potentially lost in the Australian bushfires, the Irwin family has already helped over 90,000 animals.
Terri and Robert Irwin spoke with Sunrise, trying to explain the real impact of the bushfires on the Australian wildlife
“Being able to treat and help koalas is few and far between because they’re basically incinerated”
Terri Irwin chats about the devastating impact of Australia’s bushfires on our vulnerable koala population.
More on this story: https://t.co/Im1bLS9oZj pic.twitter.com/9a5EqQlivR
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) January 5, 2020
There’s a widely-reported estimate that Australia has already lost almost half a billion animals in the bushfires devastating the country. Hundreds of thousands of native animals have been killed or heavily injured. Many people across the country try to aid the injured animals, with zoos and veterinary clinics in the front lines. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital team is among them as well, despite being almost two thousand kilometers away from the fire zone. “We’re able to offer a safe haven for wildlife needing help,” Terri Irwin told Sunrise. Her son Robert continued saying they’re seeing all kinds of different injuries. They are currently attending to possums, birds, koalas, platypus and many other types of animals being looked after at the purpose-built facility.
While his mom was explaining the current state of the koala population, 16-year-old Robert had a hard time holding back tears
The two explained that smoke inhalation and burns are happening frequently, but also animals are going into areas where they’re not supposed to be to escape the horrific conditions. This means they’re getting hit by cars and are being attacked by domestic animals, so there’s a horrific knock-on effect. They also felt really concerned about the koala population. “Koala instinct is to go up, as safety is in the top of the tree,” Terri explained. “Eucalyptus trees have so much oil that they ignite and actually explode in a fire. That means being able to treat and help koalas is few and far between because they’re basically incinerated.”
Apparently, it could be necessary to enlist koalas as endangered species after this devastating event
The late Steve Irwin’s 16-year-old son Robert was having a hard time holding back the tears as his mom elaborated on the situation of the koala population saying, “We’re just trying to do our best to help in any way we can, but it’s an absolutely horrific situation. We’re heartbroken.” One of the firefighters working in the fire zone, Damian Campbell-Davys, saw the situation and said: “Kangaroos can hop away, but koalas can’t escape.”
The people of the Internet admired his sincere reaction
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This is simply heartbreaking.
It is heartbreaking indeed, and also absolutely terrifying. "About 12.35 million acres of land have burned across Australia, according to the Associated Press." That is 50,000 square kilometers or around a 25% larger area than the whole country of Switzerland or the Netherlands.
Climate change is a contributing to these devastating fires. Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, it produces 30-45% of all greenhouse gases (vs all planes, cars and other transportation combined produces only 13% of GHG:s). Switching to a plant-based diet is the single most powerful thing anyone can do for our planet, for the animals (both wild and domesticated), for humanity and for their own health. Going vegan is easier than ever, please consider doing it for yourself and all other living beings. Even reducing your animal product consumption helps, every little step helps. https://edition.cnn.com/2017/04/08/opinions/go-vegan-save-the-planet-wang/index.html
I agree with your comment about reducing animal consumption. All this really boils down to not being wasteful. We shouldn't have to cut meat out of our diet, just cut how much we are wasting and I'm sure that will make a huge difference. It's appalling how much food is thrown away on a daily basis her in America. We way over feed people and either expect them to eat it all and be fat cows or we throw it away when they can't.
Monika Soffronow : "Choose Chicken Over Beef to Dramatically Cut Carbon Footprint"_ How stupid! It’s not good enough ...not at all. Why not "Choose Plant-based Over Meat to Dramatically Cut Carbon Footprint"??? Also, to Dramatically Cut Animal Cruelty”, huh?
Fact: if you simply eat less or no red meat and instead opt for pork or chicken, your dinner will be more environmentally friendly - and this is a much easier step for most people to take: "Choose Chicken Over Beef to Dramatically Cut Carbon Footprint" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/eating-chicken-instead-beef-will-drastically-reduce-your-carbon-footprint-180972392/
Sterrinatu, producing TWO strips of bacon generates three times the amount of greenhouse gasses than driving 1 mile in a Prius does. Just TWO strips!! Secondly, nobody can "over feed" anybody, people over feed themselves.
Actually, the trees burn to germinate. The Australian Govt used to do a ""back burn" to prevent what is happening & changed the law to stop so prevention steps were not made this year.
I think it might be a bit of both.
dear sky, aborigines are not vegan, plenty of indigenous peoples are never going to be vegan, China is never going to be a vegan nation, please acknowledge you are speaking to the western world and plenty of people who go vegan are women who want to be fit as opposed to having a political opinion or true regard of animal sentience Every little step helps? you need to understand that it is capitalism destroying the world! every possible market is exploited and profit the only true goal. Our eco consumerism changes nothing. So many vegan products smothered in packaging, Ben and jerry's being applauded for making vegan icecream when they rely on dairy industry for their dollar. Veganism = is new product to market. And the oil industry is never going to stop. The only power we have left is to take up our politcal roots as the left, as socialists, and to vote in a government that bases all policy on the true good of the planet and working people.
Thank you sky blue for your comment. Every day, as a vegan, one saves: 1 animal life; 1,100 gallons of water; 30 sq. feet of forest; 40 lbs. of grain; 20 lbs. of CO2. Also, consumption of animal protein in meat, dairy, and eggs, is the leading cause of chronic, painful inflammations in human body, such as arthritis, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, and various cancers..
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
These fires were set by humans. These are NOT the largest fires that have happened in the history of Australia. There has been several that has been the same or more acreage. Climate change can NOT be blamed for everything that bad that happens in the world. And as stated there has been far worse fires back when they dis NOT have as much equipment so how do you think those people felt when far inferior equipment back then. Look up the history of bushfires in Australia and you will see how often it happens. Mismanagement of the areas also has NOT helped since the protesters stopped the controlled burns that diminish the underbrush so all that does is add more fuel to burn when an arsonist lights it. There has been several hundred caught. There was a report written in 2015 that stated this could happen since the government had stopped doing controlled burns like has been done for precious years. So do NOT blame climate change, it was due to humans mismanagement and arsonist.
Jeff you are so damn disrespectful to every Australian person suffering this moment. Arson? you are off your damn skull with stupidity. protesters have no stopped controlled burns, the controlled burns were simply being done badly, and without the addition exceptional guidance of the aboriginal people who know the most about these issues and how to read their environment. There have been terrible fires in the past that kiled more people, but the higher death rate is to do with less fire fighting resources and less or no telecommunication systems being in place. There have never been this many bushfires at once . This summer for Australia has been one of the hottest on record. And still men with egos the size of planets sit in their homes and write comments on the internet as if they know everything. You are an absolute ignoramus.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
This is not a climate change issue, this is arson. Plain and simple arson and on top of that bad forestry management, not allowing the undergrowth to be cut back and burned before they got too much. The forest needs to be periodically burned to keep the growth down to a manageable size where brush fires won't be as bad as they are right now.
Simply not true. Our scientists and fire fighters have said time after time that these fires are a direct result of climate change. Our fire season has grown longer and there are fires in places that have never before had fires. The attribution of the fires to arson and lack of hazard reduction is a well-known deflection by the LNP government, spurred on by their connections with the mining and forestry industries.
Beth Brownell : Global warming (higher temperatures and drier air) makes bushfires more and more difficult to contain. It’s a no brainer. Use your brain, if you have any.
What a stupid comment! Arson and lightning have always been the main causes of bushfire … not just this one. Think about what’s so special about this one, and many more to come.
He is so much like his dad, in so many incredible ways! I'm a little over 8,000 miles away and all I can do is donate what little money I have and send my prays, love and light to everyone (as well as every animal) in Australia.
There’s many smaller wildlife rescues who could use your donation :) if you prefer. This one is local to me https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-saving-injured-orphan-koalas-amp-kangaroos/donate
Its cute how he looks like his mom and Bindi looks just like Steve.
This is simply heartbreaking.
It is heartbreaking indeed, and also absolutely terrifying. "About 12.35 million acres of land have burned across Australia, according to the Associated Press." That is 50,000 square kilometers or around a 25% larger area than the whole country of Switzerland or the Netherlands.
Climate change is a contributing to these devastating fires. Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change, it produces 30-45% of all greenhouse gases (vs all planes, cars and other transportation combined produces only 13% of GHG:s). Switching to a plant-based diet is the single most powerful thing anyone can do for our planet, for the animals (both wild and domesticated), for humanity and for their own health. Going vegan is easier than ever, please consider doing it for yourself and all other living beings. Even reducing your animal product consumption helps, every little step helps. https://edition.cnn.com/2017/04/08/opinions/go-vegan-save-the-planet-wang/index.html
I agree with your comment about reducing animal consumption. All this really boils down to not being wasteful. We shouldn't have to cut meat out of our diet, just cut how much we are wasting and I'm sure that will make a huge difference. It's appalling how much food is thrown away on a daily basis her in America. We way over feed people and either expect them to eat it all and be fat cows or we throw it away when they can't.
Monika Soffronow : "Choose Chicken Over Beef to Dramatically Cut Carbon Footprint"_ How stupid! It’s not good enough ...not at all. Why not "Choose Plant-based Over Meat to Dramatically Cut Carbon Footprint"??? Also, to Dramatically Cut Animal Cruelty”, huh?
Fact: if you simply eat less or no red meat and instead opt for pork or chicken, your dinner will be more environmentally friendly - and this is a much easier step for most people to take: "Choose Chicken Over Beef to Dramatically Cut Carbon Footprint" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/eating-chicken-instead-beef-will-drastically-reduce-your-carbon-footprint-180972392/
Sterrinatu, producing TWO strips of bacon generates three times the amount of greenhouse gasses than driving 1 mile in a Prius does. Just TWO strips!! Secondly, nobody can "over feed" anybody, people over feed themselves.
Actually, the trees burn to germinate. The Australian Govt used to do a ""back burn" to prevent what is happening & changed the law to stop so prevention steps were not made this year.
I think it might be a bit of both.
dear sky, aborigines are not vegan, plenty of indigenous peoples are never going to be vegan, China is never going to be a vegan nation, please acknowledge you are speaking to the western world and plenty of people who go vegan are women who want to be fit as opposed to having a political opinion or true regard of animal sentience Every little step helps? you need to understand that it is capitalism destroying the world! every possible market is exploited and profit the only true goal. Our eco consumerism changes nothing. So many vegan products smothered in packaging, Ben and jerry's being applauded for making vegan icecream when they rely on dairy industry for their dollar. Veganism = is new product to market. And the oil industry is never going to stop. The only power we have left is to take up our politcal roots as the left, as socialists, and to vote in a government that bases all policy on the true good of the planet and working people.
Thank you sky blue for your comment. Every day, as a vegan, one saves: 1 animal life; 1,100 gallons of water; 30 sq. feet of forest; 40 lbs. of grain; 20 lbs. of CO2. Also, consumption of animal protein in meat, dairy, and eggs, is the leading cause of chronic, painful inflammations in human body, such as arthritis, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, and various cancers..
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
These fires were set by humans. These are NOT the largest fires that have happened in the history of Australia. There has been several that has been the same or more acreage. Climate change can NOT be blamed for everything that bad that happens in the world. And as stated there has been far worse fires back when they dis NOT have as much equipment so how do you think those people felt when far inferior equipment back then. Look up the history of bushfires in Australia and you will see how often it happens. Mismanagement of the areas also has NOT helped since the protesters stopped the controlled burns that diminish the underbrush so all that does is add more fuel to burn when an arsonist lights it. There has been several hundred caught. There was a report written in 2015 that stated this could happen since the government had stopped doing controlled burns like has been done for precious years. So do NOT blame climate change, it was due to humans mismanagement and arsonist.
Jeff you are so damn disrespectful to every Australian person suffering this moment. Arson? you are off your damn skull with stupidity. protesters have no stopped controlled burns, the controlled burns were simply being done badly, and without the addition exceptional guidance of the aboriginal people who know the most about these issues and how to read their environment. There have been terrible fires in the past that kiled more people, but the higher death rate is to do with less fire fighting resources and less or no telecommunication systems being in place. There have never been this many bushfires at once . This summer for Australia has been one of the hottest on record. And still men with egos the size of planets sit in their homes and write comments on the internet as if they know everything. You are an absolute ignoramus.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
This is not a climate change issue, this is arson. Plain and simple arson and on top of that bad forestry management, not allowing the undergrowth to be cut back and burned before they got too much. The forest needs to be periodically burned to keep the growth down to a manageable size where brush fires won't be as bad as they are right now.
Simply not true. Our scientists and fire fighters have said time after time that these fires are a direct result of climate change. Our fire season has grown longer and there are fires in places that have never before had fires. The attribution of the fires to arson and lack of hazard reduction is a well-known deflection by the LNP government, spurred on by their connections with the mining and forestry industries.
Beth Brownell : Global warming (higher temperatures and drier air) makes bushfires more and more difficult to contain. It’s a no brainer. Use your brain, if you have any.
What a stupid comment! Arson and lightning have always been the main causes of bushfire … not just this one. Think about what’s so special about this one, and many more to come.
He is so much like his dad, in so many incredible ways! I'm a little over 8,000 miles away and all I can do is donate what little money I have and send my prays, love and light to everyone (as well as every animal) in Australia.
There’s many smaller wildlife rescues who could use your donation :) if you prefer. This one is local to me https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-saving-injured-orphan-koalas-amp-kangaroos/donate
Its cute how he looks like his mom and Bindi looks just like Steve.