Popular YouTuber known as Graham “Dingo” Dinkelman has become a known wildlife conservationist.
His highly sought after videos highlighted “crazy wildlife content” with the intention of bringing “some of the most iconic and dangerous animals right into your living room.”
Dingo first joined YouTube in 2020 and quickly amassed over 111,000 subscribers and more than 15 million views.
Among his fan base, Dingo became known as “South Africa’s Steve Irwin,” E! News reported.
In August, the wildlife enthusiasts shared his final YouTube video. The 11-minute video highlighted a “massive cobra who’s got some worms,” he explained in the video.
Dingo then shifted his focus to reels on Facebook. His last one, featuring his son, was shared on Sept. 25.
Five days later, a statement written by his wife, Kirsty Dinkelman, was shared on his Facebook pages. According to the post, “Dingo had a venomous snake bite which, unfortunately due to his allergy to (snake) venom, sent him straight into anaphylactic shock.”
Kirsty Dinkelman explained that Dingo was rushed to the hospital where he remained in the ICU on a ventilator and in an induced coma.
On Oct. 31, Kirsty Dinkelman shared a final statement announcing her husband’s death.
“On Saturday, 26 October 2024, having spent a month in ICU in an induced coma following a snake bite, South African wildlife crusader, YouTube sensation, and our dedicated family man, Dingo ‘Graham’ Dinkelman passed away.”
He was 44 years old, the same age Irwin was when he died following being stung by a stingray in 2006.
“While Dingo was renowned for his involvement with snakes and other reptiles, his compassion extended to all creatures. There was a special place in his heart for African mammals, his favourites being elephants, rhinos and lions, as well as our own giraffe, Elliot. But it was truly his love for his family that was always behind his purpose, drive, and passion,” the statement continued.
Dingo leaves behind his wife and three children, “Taylor (14), Maddy (12), and Rex Dinkelman (9).”
The statement said his children “were central to Dingo, who never missed an opportunity to express his love and pride for his family. Working together, we recently started a new YouTube channel, ‘The Dinkelmans’ which focuses on wholesome family content, animal adventures, and conservation.”
Dingo is described as “a fearless conservationist with a contagious enthusiasm that made others simply want to be around him. His passion was matched only by his incredible sense of humour which, all who knew him can attest to, made every day with Dingo one to cherish.”
“As he once said: ‘My passion, my calling, the reason I have been put on the face of this Earth, is to help people to connect with animals.’”
“I’ve always believed that we need to convert the unconverted – to reach people who’ve had absolutely no experience with nature and wildlife, who are scared of snakes and afraid of getting dirty, and to get them passionate about conservation,” the quote continued.