As the crypto and NFTs markets continue expanding every day, more organizations, personalities, and corporations are increasingly joining the space. The latest entrant being the Australian Zoo, “Home Of The Crocodile Hunter,” now planning to launch NFTs to safeguard wildlife.
On May 10, 2022, the Australian Zoo “Home of The Crocodile Hunter” announced a successful partnership with Meadow Labs to launch a series of non-fungible tokens dubbed “Wildlife Warriors” to help in the conservation of wildlife.
This organization is owned by the family of the late Steve Irwin, who passed away in 2006. Irwin, also known as “Crocodile Hunter,” was an iconic and outspoken wildlife expert, environmentalist, and television personality. While commenting about the new integration and development, Robert Irwin, the son of the late Steve Irwin, said:
“At Australia Zoo, we’re always open to new ways that can help continue our Wildlife Warriors mission. Any innovation that can help our conservation efforts, particularly one that shares our vision of protecting the planet, is something we’re thrilled to support.”
According to Irwin. Jr., the Australian Zoo will use proceeds from the NFTs sale to continue his late father’s mission. He said that he wants to focus on raising awareness and funds to protect wild animal and their habitation.
Notably, the global NFTs adoption has exponentially increased this year, with trade volume exploding by 200% and surpassing $50 billion. Furthermore, the rate of NFTs and Metaverse awareness in the general public and institutions is also rising.
Australian Zoo Taps Algarand For Its NFTs
As part of continued environmental conservation efforts, and in line with the late Steve Irwin’s mission, the Australian Zoo has adopted Algorand, a green blockchain, to power its NFTs collection. Robert Irwin explained:
“This green chain and new technology allow us a new avenue to continue to fight for the protection of our wildlife and wild places.”
Adriana Belotti, the Head of Communities Australia and Algorand founder, has also expressed his network’s satisfaction with the launch, stating:
“It’s fantastic to see Australia Zoo and Meadow Labs bring wildlife conservation fundraising to the Algorand blockchain, as it fits in with our core value of sustainability. (…) I’m sure that collecting these NFTs will resonate with everyone who has a soft spot for the iconic Aussie wildlife, both here and abroad.”
Since earlier this year, Algorand has seen massive adoption, adding more than 6 million new accounts to its network. As of March 2022, the protocol had recorded an over 35% increase in adoption. Moreover, the network has also announced several other major developments.
Irwin Zoo Overview
Founded in the 1970s, the wild animal conservancy “Australia Zoo” is more than 50 years old. Originally called “Beerwah Reptile Park,” the Australian Zoo was previously owned by Robert Irwin’s father and grandfather.
Notably, in the 1980s, the Irwin family expanded and rebranded the Zoo as the “Queensland Reptile and Fauma Park.” In the 1990s, the late Steve and his wife Terri took over management and rebranded the now ever-growing wildlife park to “Australia Zoo.”
Unfortunately, the iconic crocodile hunter died in 2006 in an accident while snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. Since then, his wife and children, Bindi and Robert, have successfully steered ahead Irwin’s conservation initiative.
All credit going to the family, the ” Home of Crocodile Hunter” is now the home to many wild animals; including lace monitors, tiger snakes, freshwater crocodiles, kangaroos, and magpie geese.
