As a young child, K-State student and Meadowlark Hills companion, Julia Chestnut had always dreamt of working alongside the famous “Crocodile Hunter,” Steve Irwin. When Julia first laid her eyes on Steve Irwin’s television show, she was taken away. “The way he was absolutely passionate about the animals was completely eye opening and inspiring.” The messages Irwin shared with the world sparked an interest in Julia—realizing she wanted to take her career towards the same path Irwin did. “He made a huge difference and effected positive change in the world by how strongly he loved the animals.” Julie said.

But when Irwin was killed by a stingray while filming in 2006, Julia was heartbroken. “I’d found a friend in Steve, and to see that the animals had lost their friend and hero was devastating.”

Now at the age of nineteen, Julia is one out of ten volunteers selected to work at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Queensland, Australia, with Irwin’s wife, Terri, and his children, Bindi and Robert.

Julia’s dream is coming true, and she will spend her summer camping out alongside the Irwins, Australian Geographic Society and the nine volunteers to research saltwater crocodiles along the Wenlock River.

At the moment, the only thing holding Julia back is the $5000 cost of travel, food and lodging. To raise the money, Julia is saving all that she can from network at Meadowlark Hills, organizing fundraisers—bake sales and carwashes, and finding sponsors from the Manhattan and Overland Park areas. She has also started a GoFundMe campaign at www.gofundme.com/plbrro, where people can make donations.

“By contributing to these fundraisers, along with sponsorships and donors, the money raised will go towards a short-term investment for a long-term investment in the end. This opportunity is not about me, but about giving me the opportunity to be apart of continuing  to research and carry on in Steve’s footsteps. I will gain the knowledge I will need to begin to make a difference in our society by creating positive change within our ecosystems.”