Graham “Dingo” Dinkelman – fondly known as “South Africa’s Steve Irwin,” has died after a green mamba bite.
The animal lover – with a particularly fondness for snakes and reptiles -had a popular YouTube account documenting his experiences.
According to his family, the father-of-three went into anaphylactic shock after the fatal bite.
DINGO DINKELMAN DIES A MONTH AFTER SNAKE BITE
On Monday, 2 October, Dingo Dinkelman’s wife Kirsty confirmed his death over the weekend.
The “Steve Irwin” of SA was reportedly bitten by a green mamba a month ago. The venom quickly sent him into anaphylactic shock, and he was placed in an induced coma and a ventilator in a local hospital.
According to social media updates, Dingo was being kept heavily sedated to give his body a chance at recovery.
Sadly, Dingo Dinkelman succumbed to his injuries over the weekend.
Kirsty shared in a recent Facebook post: “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, surrounded by his family.
“His presence has brought so much warmth, love, passion, and laughter to our lives, as well as all of those who knew him, loved him, and supported him.”
Dingo Dinkelman is survived by his wife and their three children, Maddy, Taylor, and Rex.
The Dinkelman family has pledged to continue to “share his passion for all creatures, continue his legacy, promoting conservation and continuing to share his sense of awe and wonder with the world”.
MULTIPLE MAMA BITES
It’s not the first time Dingo Dinkelman was bitten by a green mamba. Earlier this year, he posted a YouTube video about being hospitalised after he came into contact with the venom, which he was “highly allergic” to.
In 2003, he was bitten by a black mamba, an ordeal that landed him on a ventilator. “I almost died twice [from mamba bites],” he said in the video.
STEVE IRWIN’S DEATH
Like Dingo Dinkelman, Steve Irwin of Australia had a fatal encounter with an animal.
In 2006, the beloved zookeeper died after being stung by a short-tail stingray barb while filming a TV special in the Great Barrier Reef.
According to CNN, Steve’s death is believed to be the only stingray fatality caught on camera.
Cameraman Justin Lyons told the Daily Record that the stingray had delivered “hundreds of strikes in a few seconds.” The venom of the sea creature had penetrated Steve’s heart, which stopped moments later.
Steve left behind wife Terri and children Bindi and Robert. The trio have all continued his legacy.
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