Graham ‘Dingo’ Dinkleman, a renowned South African wildlife conservationist and popular YouTuber, has tragically passed away following a venomous snake bite from a green mamba. His wife confirmed that he had a severe allergy to snake venom.
The 44-year-old conservationist, celebrated for his adventurous interactions with wildlife and dangerous reptiles, often drew comparisons to the late Steve Irwin, the beloved Australian wildlife expert.
Irwin, known as ‘The Crocodile Hunter,’ lost his life to a stingray barb while diving in Australia in 2006, also at the age of 44.
Dinkleman succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, October 26, exactly one month after the incident. He is survived by three children, including his son Rex, who frequently appeared in his videos.
“Dingo fought incredibly hard,” but ultimately did not survive.
Kirsty, his wife, shared that he was quickly taken to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma to manage his reaction to the venom. She conveyed the heartbreaking news through a statement on the Africa Reptiles and Venom Facebook page, saying, “I want to start off by thanking you all for your incredible support and the love that we have felt over the past few weeks; today is one month since the incident and we have experienced such comfort and love from your messages and prayers from all over the world.”
“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,” she added.
“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.”
Based in Pietermaritzburg, located in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Dinkleman had amassed a substantial online following, with over 645,000 Instagram followers and numerous admirers worldwide. His social media showcased images and videos of his thrilling, often perilous encounters with deadly creatures, including close interactions with giant crocodiles and venomous snakes. He was even filmed feeding a live python to a crocodile.