The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) is honored to receive a generous donation from Wildlife Warriors, a non-profit charity founded by Steve and Terri Irwin.
The donation’s impact is doubled thanks to a recently-awarded matching grant from the Marcia H. Randall Foundation. Through December 31, 2024, the Foundation will match all gifts and pledges, up to $500,000, made to OCAq’s wildlife rehabilitation fund.
Terri Irwin, Founder of Wildlife Warriors said, “We’re thrilled to help support the Oregon Coast Aquarium with their latest project, through our charity Wildlife Warriors. 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.”
Wildlife Warriors was established in 2002 by Steve and Terri Irwin as a way to include and involve other caring people in the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife – from the individual animal to an entire species.
OCAq is the only facility in the state of Oregon authorized to provide critical care to endangered marine animals like sea turtles, northern fur seals and snowy plovers. Wildlife Warriors’ donation will support the construction of OCAq’s Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, expanding its capacity for triage, long-term veterinary attention, and rehabilitation. Construction of the center is set to begin in 2025.
The Irwin family has strong ties to Oregon. Terri hails from Eugene, and the family makes regular trips to revisit their favorite locales, including the Oregon Coast Aquarium. In 2019, the Irwin family partnered with OCAq to film a feature for Crikey! It’s the Irwins, highlighting the specialized veterinary care that takes place at the Aquarium.
“We are grateful to Wildlife Warriors and the Irwin family for their support,” said OCAq President/CEO Carrie Lewis. “This is an incredible gift that will make a direct impact on Oregon’s wildlife.”
