Charity founded by Steve Irwin donates to Oregon Coast Aquarium

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Wildlife Warriors , a charity founded in 2002 by Eugene native Terri Irwin and the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, has donated an undisclosed amount of money to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which will allow for the building of the aquarium’s new Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

The donation was matched by the Marcia H. Randall Foundation , which has pledged to match all donations to the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s wildlife rehabilitation program, up to $500,000, through December 31.

“We’re thrilled to help support the Oregon Coast Aquarium with their latest project, through our charity Wildlife Warriors,” Terri Irwin was quoted saying in a press release. “Together, we’re taking one step closer to better protecting the beautiful marine wildlife in Oregon, honoring our overall goal to save one, save the species.”

The Oregon Coast Aquarium said that it is the only facility in Oregon that provides critical medical treatment to endangered marine animals like sea turtles, northern fur seals and snowy plovers. The new Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will allow the aquarium to boost its capacity for triage, long-term veterinary care and rehabilitation. The center is scheduled for construction in 2025.

“The Irwin family has strong ties to Oregon, making regular trips to revisit their favorite locales, including the Oregon Coast Aquarium,” the aquarium said.

The Irwin family most recently visited the Oregon Coast in May , before Terri Irwin’s son Robert Irwin spoke at the University of Oregon on May 24. Robert Irwin shared some sights from the visit on his TikTok, including some funny commentary on the Newport sea lion docks.

Oregon Coast Aquarium President Carrie Lewis called the Irwin family’s donation “an incredible gift that will make a direct impact on Oregon’s wildlife.”

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