The man playfully known as this generation’s “Steve Irwin” has tragically died doing the very thing that he loved.
Graham “Dingo” Dinkelman, a South African social media superstar known for his daredevil videos showing him interacting with some of the world’s deadliest animals, died after a month in an induced coma after being bitten at home by a green mamba and going into anaphylactic shock.
‘South Africa’s Steve Irwin’ Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkelman dead at 44 from venomous snake bite https://t.co/yXCIKO244R pic.twitter.com/tyReraEvS9
— New York Post (@nypost) November 1, 2024
Dinkelman’s videos were watched around three million times each month and he said his goal was to educate and inspire audiences about conservation.
The clips often highlighted the dangers of the animals he was handling and the risks of getting bitten by highly venomous snakes.
Recent videos on his YouTube channel saw him handling a forest cobra, a bushmaster, a cobra and an inland taipan.
Dinkelman was also known for caring for crocodiles, de-horning rhinos to protect them from poachers, reintroducing pangolins to the wild and relocating endangered brown hyenas.
Kirstie, his wife, said in a statement: “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.”