Born 22 February 1962, Essendon, Melbourne. Died 4 September 2006, Batt Reef, Queensland.
Like most people in Australia, I'm in a bit of shock about the death of Steve Irwin today whilst filming a documentary on Stingrays on Batt Reef, near the Low Isles group off Port Douglas.
Although most Aussies would say they have, at times been a little embarassed to be associated with Steve Irwin (through nationality), I don't, however, believe anyone could deny he did increase awareness of Australia's native animals through his Animal Planet program, and did wonders for Quarantine awareness, with his series of ads run on the TV
Details are pretty sketchy, and as per most media hype fairly judgemental, however it seems that Steve was diving, and doing filming of a stingray, and may have startled or cornered it, and was unfortunately spiked in the heart by the barb of the stingray.
Experts are saying, and I sincerely hope, that Steve Irwin's death was instantaneous.
Irwin was probably best known for his cry of "Oh, Crikey!", and for being "The Crocodile Hunter"...
Steve Irwin ran the Australia Zoo, which was started by his parents, who retired and passed the business to him in 1991. He began filming "The Crocodile Hunter" series in 1992. He married his wife Terri, a Vetinary Technician from Oregon,in June 1992, who became his manager, and between the two of them, they developed a business, thought to be worth $16 million per year.
Their first child, Bindi Sue was born in 1998, and their second, Bob (Robert) Clarence was born in 2003.
At a personal level, I had hoped to one day meet Steve Irwin, as we have an old family friend, who works at Australia Zoo, as their elephant handler. The elephants used to be circus elephants, and were relocated to the Zoo some years ago. My plans had been to visit the Australia Zoo in 2007, on my way to Cape York, which is currently in the planning phase ...My condolences to Terri Irwin, and the kids, Bob and Lyn Irwin, and all the staff at Australia Zoo
"I spend my life with animals and nature not just because its what I enjoy (even though I do!), I do it because I believe in conservation, protection, and educating others about it's importance."
- Steve Irwin (1962 - 2006)
- Steve Irwin (1962 - 2006)
Steve Irwin, Australia will miss you
