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Steve Irwin - The Crocodile Hunter...May He Rest In Peace

By: Matthew Myrah

Ever since his Australian T.V. Debut, Steve Irwin has been one of the most popular entertainers, for both the young and old.  Not only one of Australia’s greatest celebrities, he was also a ravid wildlife wild life enthusiast; here is HMC’s tribute to the life, and untimely death of The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. 

            Born on 22 February, 1962 to Bob and Lyn Irwin in Melbourne, Australia, in 1970, he and his family moved to Queensland.  After the move, his parents started a small wildlife park, which is where Steve was first introduced to crocodiles and other and other reptiles.  He helped out at the park in ways such as feeding animals, and other forms of maintenance.  He quickly grew accustomed to crocodiles, wrestling his first crocodile at only 9 years old. 

            After graduating high school in 1979, he moved to northern Queensland.  He then became a crocodile trapper, taking crocodiles from places where they could be dangerous  Amazingly, he did this all for free, with the condition that that he got to bring them to his families park.  The park was run by the whole family, until in 1991, when it was given to Steve, Which he later re-named “Australia Zoo”.  1991 was also the year that he met his future wife, Terri Raines.  Terri and Steve got married in June 1992, in Eugene, Oregon.  Their honeymoon video, shot by John Stainton, became the first episode of what was to become one of TV’s most popular shows, The Crocodile Hunter. 

            Ever since his T.V. debut on “The Crocodile Hunter” in 1996, Steve Irwin has been one of Australia’s most prominent entertainers.  In 1998 he worked with producer and director Mark Strickson to create “The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World”.  In 1990, he made his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.  By now, The Crocodile Hunter had more than 500 million viewers.  Steve’s first feature film was Crocodile Hunter:  Collision course.  Despite the relatively low budget of on $12 million, the movie made $33 million. 

            Early in the morning on September 4th, Steve Irwin made what was to be his final shot.  He was filming a documentary in Batt Reef, but was put on hold due to bad weather.  Steve decided to use the time to film some footage for his daughter Bindi’s show, when he and the cameraman swam too close to a stingray.  The stingray, feeling threatened, drove its poisonous barb into his heart.  Despite the fast action from his crew, it was quite clear that Steve wouldn’t make it. On September 4th, Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter, passed away. 

            A public memorial service was held on Wednesday September 20th.  It was broadcast live throughout Australia and almost everywhere else in the world, including most of North America, Asia and the UK.  Approximately 300 million people around the world watched the service.  Although he will be missed for years to come, at least he died doing what he loved. 

“Our entire company is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced our air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.”

President of the Discovery Network 

“We have lost a friend, a champion. It will take some time to adjust to that.”

Actor Russell Crowe 

“My Daddy was my hero – he was always there for me when I needed him. He listened to me and taught me so many things, but most of all he was fun.

I know that Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did. He built a hospital to help animals and he bought lots of land to give animals a safe place to live.

He took me and my brother and my Mum with him all the time. We filmed together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in the bush together.

I don’t want Daddy’s passion to ever end. I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did.

I have the best Daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day. When I see a crocodile I will always think of him and I know that Daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals. Daddy made this place his whole life and now it’s our turn to help Daddy.”

Bindi Sue (his daughter) at the public memorial service.