Earth Protect Blog

On Wednesday, Slash was on hand to help launch the Bob Irwin Wildlife Conservation Foundation at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia.

Slash says he first met Bob, the father of the late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, a couple of years ago at a music festival.

"He [Bob] brought some animals down to Soundwave, so we got to actually meet, so I was really starstruck," said the guitarist, a well renowned animal lover and supporter.

According to Irwin, the feeling is mutual.

"I just feel really really humble that I've a got a person like Slash, who is known worldwide, not just for his music, but also for his conservation efforts," said Bob.

The Foundation will be an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by tax-deductible donations that will focus on education, lobbying and supporting other community groups involved in wildlife conservation.

It will offer scholarships to encourage young people to pursue careers in the sector, and will be run by a dedicated committee.