Whiz Kid: Callie Danko

Eight-year-old Callie Danko wanted to follow her brother’s path with nature. When she saw how her brother, Jacob, became a Joey Ambassador, she asked if she could do her part to help.

“He has a lot of pets,” Callie said. “He made me want to do this, too.”

Callie’s interest in nature made her a natural to get involved with the program. The Joey Ambassador program looks to get young people involved with wildlife conservation. The children who are selected embark on a series of challenges involving the conservation of wildlife. 

The program was created by the late Steve Irwin, and the Australian Zoo is continuing with the program in honor of Irwin. 

There are Joey Ambassadors in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the United States.

Dankos’ mother, Lori, said Callie was eager to help Jacob with his projects. After helping Jacob for several years, Callie was given the opportunity to become a Joey Ambassador.

“It all started after Steve Irwin passed away,” Lori said. “This is her first year, but she’s been helping her brother.  This year, they asked if she would like to be a Joey Ambassador, as well. We are obviously very proud.  They are nature-oriented. They are interested in taking walks and things like that.”

Becoming a Joey Ambassador allows children to take on projects aimed at creating awareness of nature conservation. Projects can be performed in hometowns of participants across the world. Callie and Jacob also raise money at events across the area.

“A big part of it is fundraising to help with wildlife and habitat conservation,” said Lori. “They’ve planted native gardens, and last year, they were able to do it on commercial property. They also had awareness campaigns where they set up booths at community events.”

Lori is proud of how her children have gained a passion for helping the world around them at such a young age.

“That’s a big part of it,” Lori said. “They really do feel like they’re making a difference. Some mornings, we just go on a creek search, and they clean up the mess out there, and they feel like the really made a big impact. They told their friends about it, and we found out their friends are now doing it, as well.”

Steve Irwin was the famed “Crocodile Hunter” who dedicated his life to wildlife and nature conservation. Irwin was killed in 2006 when he was accidentally pierced in the chest by a stingray barb.

Irwin’s death had a huge impact on the Danko children.

“I really like taking Steve’s place and helping wildlife and protecting them,” said Callie. "I don’t really want them to be destroyed. I’ve always loved animals since I was a baby.”

“Steve Irwin was a big influence on them,” said Lori. “They really liked how he would highlight animals that other people thought were scary. Since he passed away, they really feel like they are helping to continue his work by fundraising and keeping his name out there.”

The Joey Ambassador program is still based out of Australia, and Lori is grateful for the support from the organizers on the other side of the world.

“They are so encouraging to these kids,” Lori said. “It makes them want to do this more.  They’re so positive. They call in and just check on them. They like to get pictures of their creek searches and what they found. I just think they’re awesome.”

Callie is getting ready for third grade this fall at Upper Moreland Intermediate School. She wants to continue with her work as a Joey Ambassador and is happy to be making a difference with the conservation of wildlife across the globe.

“I think I’m helping them a lot,” said Callie. “I really want to help them stay alive.”