Brian Barczyk, a prominent reptile enthusiast, YouTuber and owner of The Reptarium in Michigan, US has left his fans saddened with a goodbye video as he enters hospice care amid his battle with pancreatic cancer. In the emotional 16-minute video titled ‘This is Goodbye,’ the 54-year-old thanked the visitors of his reptile zoo and his 5 million subscribers who supported his work all these years. Despite his absence, Brian assured that his team would continue sharing videos on the channel, urging fans to stay connected with the content. Brian was working on the LegaSea Aquarium, a unique reptile zoo set to open in March. He emotionally revealed he won’t witness its opening due to his health, leaving fans teary eyed.
He said, “You guys aren’t going to see me in the future as I go into hospice which means that I don’t have long to go after that but don’t worry about me I’ve got Jesus in my heart and when I’m gone, I’m going to spend eternity in heaven to be able to look down on the LegaSea and I’m going to be able to look down on my family and everyone who I love. I’m the lucky one, I always said that, when my pain ends a lot of other people’s pain begins because they’ll start missing me."
Brian Barczyk also shared, “We’re going to tell great stories, we’re going to inspire people, whether it’s me or not. I hope that you’ll continue to watch the vlog. I wish I was going to be there, but you know let’s keep getting people to love animals and Wildlife and have experiences and dedicate their life to animals."
Just days before making the goodbye video, Brian was hospitalised as he was experiencing strokes, vision loss and other health challenges. Acknowledging the gravity of his condition, he stated in the video that he “knew this was it." Reflecting on his legacy, Brian said, “You never die until the last person speaks your name." He hoped that the LegaSea Aquarium project he dreamed of would carry on, even though he wouldn’t be around to see it come to life.
As per USA Today, the LegaSea Aquarium will feature shark watching and stingray feeding in the water area, while the land section will have relocated reptiles and fascinating mammals like a two-toed sloth. In June, Brian had claimed that he aims to provide a space for the community to explore and enjoy, whether he lives for one more year or 25. Meanwhile, the Reptile Army, a community dedicated for reptile enthusiasts, paid tribute to Brian by launching #BrianStrong merchandise to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer.
Brian Barczyk, known for his love for animals, has been featured on major channels such as Discovery Channel, Snake Bytes TV and Animal Bytes TV.
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