What happened to Graham Dingo Dinkelman? All about the popular snake handler and YouTuber as he passes away

Graham 'Dingo' Dinkelman, a well-known YouTuber and snake handler, passed away on Saturday, October 26, following complications from a green mamba. About a month ago, the father of three was bitten by the snake and experienced an allergic reaction to the venom, which sent him into anaphylactic shock.

As per the Daily Mail, the tragic passing of the wildlife conservationist and YouTuber, also known as South Africa's Steve Irwin, was confirmed by his wife Kirsty. Dingo was admitted to the hospital and treated in a critical care unit, following the incident.

As per Kirsty’s Facebook post, which was uploaded on September 30, she believed that his body might recover while under strong sedatives, but she later delivered the devastating news.

Dingo was a wildlife broadcaster on the Discovery Channel and YouTube who won many awards. Apart from this, he also ran one of South Africa's fastest-growing YouTube channels, which attracted over 3 million monthly views. Videos showing him handling crocodiles, vipers, pythons, black mambas, cobras, and other dangerous reptiles can be found all over the channel.

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Graham Dingo Dinkelman had been dealing with snakes and other animals for a long time

Dingo was a popular snake handler (Image via Instagram / dingo_dinkelman)

As per his website, Dingo has a wife named Kirsty and three small children, who are also dedicated to protecting both the world and its animals. Born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, he grew up in a household that placed a high value on nature.

He had a natural knack for working with animals, especially those with more challenging personalities, thanks to his father's influence from an early age. However, his father, who was employed by the local Wildlife Authority, passed away a year before.

As Dingo grew older, his love and excitement for wild animals increased. After that, he began working with different wildlife protection services and spreading his message of conservation all across the world. He has more than 643,000 Instagram followers and over 109,000 YouTube subscribers as of now.

Furthermore, as per IOL’s October 27 article, in a statement, his family said that anyone who met the 44-year-old was instantly enthralled by his extravagant nature. People just wanted to be around him because he was a fearless conservationist with infectious zeal. They further added that his extraordinary sense of humor was the only thing that could match his devotion and made every day spent with Dingo one to remember.

Additionally, the same source claimed that his YouTube channel became one of the fastest-growing in the nation with over 40 million views annually and an average of three million monthly viewers.

According to the same source, his wife Kirsty said that his family has always held a special place in his heart. As Dingo was employed by the Natal Parks Board, he was able to spend his time restoring wildlife in his house and visiting nature reserves on vacation.

She added that Dingo never missed an occasion to show his love and pride for his family and that their three children, Taylor, 14, Maddy, 12, and Rex Dinkelman, 9, were his center of attention.

The same source stated that when she first announced his passing, she said:

"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 favorites 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.”

Additionally, as per Sun’s October 28 article, Kirsty thanked his well-wishers for their support as she paid tribute to her husband. Doing the same, she further said,

"Today [Saturday] is one month since the incident, and we have experienced such comfort and love from your messages and prayers from all over the world."

On the other hand, the famous snake handler and conservationist has been receiving tributes from all around the world. People took to the comment section of his YouTube videos, and Instagram posts, and on X to express their grief regarding his passing.