The family of famed ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin may be about to become even richer, after announcing a potentially lucrative plan involving cryptocurrency.
The Irwin’s, who are reputedly worth $121 million, have teamed with an Australian company, to launch a non-fungible token (NFT) – a project that will help raise funds to protect Australian Wildlife, according to The Daily Telegraph.
NFTs have attracted considerable scepticism from consumers due to the exorbitant cost of entry, an unclear path to return on investment and potential impacts on the environment inherent in cryptocurrency technologies.
Zoo Empire: The family of famed ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin are set to become even richer after announcing a potentially lucrative plan involving cryptocurrency
New deal: The Irwin’s, who are reputedly worth $121 million, have teamed with an Australian company, Meadow Labs to launch a non-fungible token (NFT) – a project that will help raise funds to protect Australian Wildlife reports The Daily Telegraph Pictured from left: Chandler Powell, Bindi Irwin with daughter Grace, Terri Irwin and Robert Irwin
NFTs are in essence digital artworks that can be sold or traded and are stored on a virtual ledger known as a blockchain
According to the report, all proceeds will go to Australia Zoo and the Irwin’s major conservation and protection project, Wildlife Warriors.
‘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,’ explains Robert Irwin.
NFTs are purchased using cryptocurrencies such as BitCoin and Ethereum, both of which have been deemed environmentally unethical by critics, citing the extremely high carbon dioxide emissions involved in producing the virtual currency.
NFTs are in essence digital artworks that can be sold or traded online.NFTs have attracted considerable scepticism from consumers due to the exorbitant cost of entry, an unclear path to return on investment and potential impacts on the environment inherent in cryptocurrency technologies
Robert Irwin, 18, runs Australia Zoo with his sister Bindi, 23 and mother Terri, 57, the widow of Steve.
Some reports have suggested that the combined worth of the Irwin’s individual earnings is in excess of $121 million.
This sum includes profits derived from Australia Zoo and other media interests, including the long-running TV series Crikey! It’s The Irwins.
A world famous conservationist, Steve died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a documentary in Batt Reef, Queensland.
The news of the latest project comes after Bindi Irwin announced last week that the family would be opening up luxury accomodation at Australia Zoo.
Lucrative: Some reports suggest that the combined worth of the Irwin’s individual earnings is estimated in excess of $121 million Pictured with Crocodile display are Bindi, Chandler and Robert
Named The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, after her late father, it will be open to guests at the popular Sunshine Coast tourist attraction from June.
Bindi shared the news on Instagram, saying it had been a long-held dream of her Steve’s to combine wildlife conservation with a five-star holiday experience.
Meanwhile, Terri Irwin recently revealed that the family business had suffered terribly during the long periods of Covid restrictions.
Feeding time: Robert and Terri Irwin (background) at work at the family business, Australia Zoo
Terri admitted she’d taken out a bank loan to secure the zoo’s future, after months of border closures impacted their revenue due to lack of tourists.
The Irwin matriarch noted the early months of the pandemic were difficult because she needed to spend $80,000 a week just to feed the 1,200 animals.
She was also forced to cut costs, reducing her staff from 500 to 200 personnel.
Preservations aims: Pictured are Robert and Bindi Irwin and Chandler, Bindi’s husband, at work with some turtles
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