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| − | {{about|the Australian wildlife expert|the rugby league footballer|Steve Irwin (rugby league)|the Sea Shepherd vessel|MV Steve Irwin}} | + | {{Images OK}}{{submitted}}{{approved}}{{Copyedited}} |
| | + | {{epname|Irwin, Steve}} |
| | {{Infobox Celebrity | | {{Infobox Celebrity |
| | | name = Stephen Robert Irwin | | | name = Stephen Robert Irwin |
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| | | image_size = 260px | | | image_size = 260px |
| | | caption = Steve Irwin in Australia | | | caption = Steve Irwin in Australia |
| − | | birth_date = {{birth date|1962|2|22|df=y}} | + | | birth_date = February 22, 1972 |
| | | birth_place = [[Essendon, Victoria]], [[Australia]] | | | birth_place = [[Essendon, Victoria]], [[Australia]] |
| − | | death_date = {{death date and age|2006|9|4|1962|2|22|df=y}} | + | | death_date = September 4, 2006 aged 44 |
| | | death_place = [[Batt Reef]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] | | | death_place = [[Batt Reef]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]] |
| | | occupation = [[Natural history|Naturalist]]<br />[[Zoologist]]<br />[[Conservationist]]<br/>[[Nature documentary|Television Personality]] | | | occupation = [[Natural history|Naturalist]]<br />[[Zoologist]]<br />[[Conservationist]]<br/>[[Nature documentary|Television Personality]] |
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| | | website = [http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au CrocodileHunter.com.au] | | | website = [http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au CrocodileHunter.com.au] |
| | }} | | }} |
| − | '''Stephen Robert Irwin''' (22 February 1962 – 4 September 2006), known simply as '''Steve Irwin''' and [[nickname]]d "'''The Crocodile Hunter'''," was an iconic [[Australia]]n television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist. He achieved world-wide fame from the television program ''[[The Crocodile Hunter]]'', an internationally broadcast [[nature documentary|wildlife documentary]] series co-hosted with his wife [[Terri Irwin]]. Together, they also co-owned and operated [[Australia Zoo]], founded by his parents in [[Beerwah, Queensland|Beerwah]], [[Queensland]]. He died in 2006 after his [[chest]] was fatally pierced by a [[stingray]] barb whilst filming in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. | + | '''Stephen Robert Irwin''' (February 22, 1962 – September 4, 2006), known simply as '''Steve Irwin''' and [[nickname]]d "'''The Crocodile Hunter'''," was an iconic [[Australia]]n television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist. He achieved world-wide fame from the television program ''[[The Crocodile Hunter]]'', an internationally broadcast [[nature documentary|wildlife documentary]] series co-hosted with his wife [[Terri Irwin]]. Together, they also co-owned and operated [[Australia Zoo]], founded by his parents in [[Beerwah, Queensland|Beerwah]], [[Queensland]]. |
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| − | The [[Sea Shepherd Conservation Society]] ship [[MV Steve Irwin]] was named in his honor, christened by his wife Terri, who said "If Steve were alive, he'd be aboard with them!"
| + | ''Crocodile Hunter'' was broadcast in 137 countries in 1999, with as many as 500 million viewers. Irwin's enthusiastic, on-camera style, his earthy [[Australian English|Australian accent]], signature [[khaki]] shorts, and signature phrase, "Crikey!" were known worldwide. An avid promoter for Australian tourism, Irwin developed Australia Zoo into Queensland's biggest tourist destination in 2002. A passionate [[conservationist]], he was especially concerned with [[endangered species]] and [[deforestation]]. Charitable organizations with which he was associated included [[Wildlife Warriors Worldwide]] and [[International Crocodile Rescue]]. |
| | + | {{toc}} |
| | + | Irwin died in 2006 after his [[chest]] was fatally pierced by a [[stingray]] barb while filming in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. News of his death caused worldwide shock and widespread memorials. |
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| | + | ==Early years== |
| | + | Born on his mother's birthday to Lyn and [[Bob Irwin]] in [[Essendon, Victoria|Essendon]], a [[suburb]] of [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], Australia, Irwin moved with his parents as a child to Queensland in 1970. He described his father as a wildlife expert interested in [[herpetology]], the branch of [[zoology]] dealing with the study of [[reptile]]s and [[amphibian]]s, while his mother was a [[wildlife]] rehabilitator. After moving to Queensland, Bob and Lyn Irwin started the small Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, where their son, Steve, grew up around [[crocodile]]s and other reptiles. |
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| − | ==Early years of life==
| + | As a boy, Irwin took part in daily animal feeding, as well as care and maintenance activities. On his sixth birthday he was given a 12-foot [[Morelia amethistina|scrub python]]. He began handling and wrestling crocodiles at the age of nine. |
| − | Born on his mother's birthday to Lyn and [[Bob Irwin]] in [[Essendon, Victoria|Essendon]], a [[suburb]] of [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], Irwin moved with his parents as a child to Queensland in 1970. Irwin described his father as a wildlife expert interested in [[herpetology]] whilst his mother Lyn was a [[wildlife]] rehabilitator. After moving to Queensland, Bob and Lyn Irwin started the small Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, where Steve grew up around [[crocodile]]s and other [[reptile]]s.
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| − | Irwin became involved with the park in a number of ways, including taking part in daily animal feeding, as well as care and maintenance activities. On his sixth birthday he was given a {{convert|12|ft|0|adj=on}} [[Morelia amethistina|scrub python]]. He began handling crocodiles at the age of nine after his father had educated him on reptiles from an early age.<ref>{{cite web | title = Biography: Steve Irwin | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20350280-601,00.html | work = [[The Australian]] | publisher = News Limited |date = 4 September 2006 | accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> Also at age nine he wrestled his first crocodile, again under his father's supervision.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Wulff | first = Jennifer | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Wild by Nature. (STEVE IRWIN 1962-2006) | journal = People Weekly | volume = 66 | issue = 12 | pages = 60 | publisher = Time, Inc |date=18 September 2006 | url = | doi = | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> He graduated from Caloundra State High School in 1979. He soon moved to Northern Queensland, where he became a crocodile [[Animal trapping|trapper]], removing crocodiles from populated areas where they were considered a danger. He performed the service for free with the ''[[quid pro quo]]'' that he be allowed to keep them for the park. Irwin followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a volunteer for the Queensland Government's East Coast Crocodile Management program. | + | Irwin graduated from Caloundra State High School in 1979. He soon moved to Northern Queensland, where he became a crocodile [[Animal trapping|trapper]], removing crocodiles from populated areas where they were considered a danger. He performed the service for no charge, with the ''[[quid pro quo]]'' that he be allowed to keep the crocodiles for the park. |
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| | ==Career== | | ==Career== |
| | ===Rise to fame=== | | ===Rise to fame=== |
| − | [[Image:Steve irwin at Australia zoo.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Irwin feeding a crocodile at [[Australia Zoo]].]] | + | [[Image:Steve irwin at Australia zoo.jpg|thumb|300px|Irwin feeding a crocodile at [[Australia Zoo]].]] |
| − | {{wiktionary|crikey}}
| + | The family wildlife park was eventually turned over to Irwin, who renamed it "Australia Zoo" in 1992. He had met [[Terri Irwin|Terri Raines]] at the park, while performing a demonstration. The two married in June 1992, in Terri's hometown of [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], [[Oregon]]. The footage of their crocodile-trapping [[honeymoon]], shot by [[John Stainton]], became the first episode of ''The Crocodile Hunter''. The series debuted on Australian [[television]] in 1996, and by the following year the show had made its way onto North American TV, followed soon thereafter in the UK. Irwin went on to star in other Animal Planet documentaries, including ''The [[Croc Files]]'', ''[[The Crocodile Hunter Diaries]]'', and ''New Breed Vets''. |
| − | The park was a family run business, until it was turned over to Steve. He took over the running of the park, now called Australia Zoo (renaming it in 1992). Also that year, he appeared in a one-off reptile and wildlife special for television. In 1991, he met [[Terri Irwin|Terri Raines]] at the park, whilst performing a demonstration. The two married in June 1992, in Terri's hometown of [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], [[Oregon]]. The footage, shot by [[John Stainton]], of their crocodile-trapping [[honeymoon]] became the first episode of ''The Crocodile Hunter''. The series debuted on Australian TV screens in 1996, and by the following year had made its way onto North American television. ''The Crocodile Hunter'' became successful in the United States and also, after repackaging by Partridge Films for ITV, in the UK.<ref>Platt, R: "A Natural Presenter at One With Nature" The Guardian. 5 September 2006</ref> In 1998, he continued, working with producer and director [[Mark Strickson]], to present ''The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World''. By 1999, he had become very popular in the United States, making his first appearance on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]''. By this time, ''the Crocodile Hunter'' series was now broadcast in over 137 countries, reaching 500 million people. His exuberant and enthusiastic presenting style, broad [[Australian English|Australian accent]], signature [[khaki]] shorts, and [[catch phrase|catchphrase]] "Crikey!" became known worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | first = Sandra | last = Lee | title = Wild Thing | url = http://www.usaweekend.com/00_issues/000618/000618croc_hunter.html | publisher = [[USA Weekend|USA Weekend Magazine]] | date = 18 June 2000 | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> Sir [[David Attenborough]] praised Irwin for introducing many to the natural world, saying "He taught them how wonderful and exciting it was, he was a born communicator."<ref name="Communicator">{{cite news | title = Terri Irwin presents award to Attenborough | work = The Australian | publisher = News.com.au | date = 2006-11-02 | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20687207-5006786,00.html | accessdate = 2006-11-03 }}</ref> | |
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| − | Under Irwin's leadership, the operations grew to include the zoo, the television series, the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation (renamed [[Wildlife Warriors]]), and the International Crocodile Rescue. Improvements to the Australia Zoo include the Animal Planet Crocoseum, the rainforest aviary and Tiger Temple. Irwin mentioned that he was considering opening an Australia Zoo in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], and possibly at other sites around the world.<ref name="larry_king_transcript">{{cite web|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0411/25/lkl.01.html |title=LARRY KING LIVE Interview With Steve Irwin |accessmonthday= 4 September|accessyear=2006 |last=King |first=Larry |authorlink=Larry King |coauthors=Irwin, Steve |date=2004-11-25 |work=CNN |publisher=Cable News Network LP, LLLP}}</ref>
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| − | ===Film===
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| − | <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Crocodile Hunter film.jpg|thumb|Irwin in ''[[The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course]]''.]] —>
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| − | In 2001, Irwin appeared in a [[cameo appearance|cameo role]] in the [[Eddie Murphy]] film ''[[Dr. Dolittle 2]]'', in which a crocodile warns Dolittle that he knows Irwin is going to grab him and is prepared to attack when he does, but Dolittle fails to warn Irwin in time. Irwin's only starring feature film role was in 2002's ''[[The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course]]'', which was released to mixed reviews. In the film Irwin (who portrayed himself and performed numerous stunts) mistakes some [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] agents for poachers. He sets out to stop them from capturing a crocodile, which, unknown to him, has actually swallowed a [[tracking transmitter]]. The film won the Best Family Feature Film award for a comedy film at the [[Young Artist Awards]]. The film was produced on a budget of about [[United States dollar|$]]12 million, and has grossed $33 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=crocodilehunter.htm |title=The Crocodile Hunter:Collision Course |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |publisher=Box Office Mojo, LLC}}</ref> To promote the film, Irwin was featured in an animated short produced by [[Animax Entertainment]] for Intermix.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.animaxent.com/crocodile_hunter| publisher=Animax| title=The Crocodile Hunter| accessdate=2006-09-10}}</ref>
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| − | In 2002, the Irwins appeared in the [[Wiggles]] video/DVD release ''[[Wiggly Safari]]'', which was set in Irwin's Australia Zoo. It featured Irwin-themed songs written and performed by the Wiggles such as "Crocodile Hunter," "Australia Zoo," "Snakes (You can look but you better not touch)" and "We're The Crocodile Band." Irwin was featured prominently on the cover and throughout the movie.
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| − | In 2006, Irwin provided his voice for the 2006 [[animated film]] ''[[Happy Feet]]'', as an [[Southern Elephant Seal|elephant seal]] named Trev. The film was dedicated to Irwin, as he died during post-production.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366548/trivia | title=Trivia for Happy Feet (2006) | publisher=[[IMDB]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref> Another, previously incomplete scene, featuring Steve providing the voice of an Albatross and essentially playing himself, was restored to the DVD release.
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| − | ===Animal Planet and later projects===
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| − | <!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[Image:Croc Files.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Croc Files]]]] —>
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| − | [[Animal Planet]] ended ''The Crocodile Hunter'' with a series finale entitled "Steve's Last Adventure." The last Crocodile Hunter documentary spanned three hours with footage of Irwin's across-the-world adventure in locations including the [[Himalayas]], the [[Yangtze River]], [[Borneo]], and the [[Kruger National Park]]. Irwin went on to star in other Animal Planet documentaries, including ''The [[Croc Files]]'', ''[[The Crocodile Hunter Diaries]]'', and ''New Breed Vets''.
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| − | As a part of the United States' "Australia Week" celebrations in January 2006, Irwin appeared at the [[Pauley Pavilion]], [[UCLA]] in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[California]]. During an interview on ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', Irwin announced that [[Discovery Kids]] would be developing a show for his daughter, [[Bindi Sue Irwin]].<ref>''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', 13 January 2006.</ref> The show, ''Jungle Girl'', was tipped to be similar to [[The Wiggles]] movies, with songs that surround a story. A feature-length episode of Australian kids TV show ''The Wiggles'' entitled "Wiggly Safari" appears dedicated to Irwin, and he's featured in it heavily with his wife and daughter. The show includes the song "Crocodile Hunter, Big Steve Irwin."
| + | In 1998, Irwin worked with producer and director [[Mark Strickson]] to present ''The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World''. By 1999, his United States popularity led to his first appearance on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]''. By this time, the ''Crocodile Hunter'' series was broadcast in 137 countries, reaching as many as 500 million people. Irwin's exuberant and enthusiastic presenting style, broad [[Australian English|Australian accent]], signature [[khaki]] shorts, and [[catch phrase|catchphrase]] "Crikey!" became known worldwide. |
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| − | In 2006, the American network [[Travel Channel|The Travel Channel]] had begun to show a series of specials starring Irwin and his family as they traveled on cross-country tours.
| + | Irwin's operations grew to include the zoo, the television series, Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation (renamed [[Wildlife Warriors]]), and International Crocodile Rescue. Improvements to the Australia Zoo included the Animal Planet Crocoseum, the rainforest aviary, and Tiger Temple. |
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| | ===Media work=== | | ===Media work=== |
| − | [[Image:Posters steve koala.jpg|thumb|right|A poster from Irwin's ''Quarantine Matters!'' campaign.]]
| + | He was also a keen promoter for Australian [[tourism]] in general and [[Queensland]] tourism, in particular. In 2002, the Australia Zoo was voted Queensland's top tourist attraction. |
| − | Irwin was also involved in several media campaigns. He enthusiastically joined with the [[Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service]] to promote Australia's strict [[quarantine]]/[[customs]] requirements, with advertisements and posters featuring slogans such as, "Quarantine Matters! Don't muck with it." His payments for these advertising campaigns were directed into his wildlife fund.<ref name=Willis>{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2003/s982212.htm | title = PM - Steve Irwin defends quarantine ad | accessmonthday = 5 September | accessyear = 2006 | author = Willis, Louise | coauthors = Irwin, Steve; Colvin, Mark | date = 2003-11-04 | work = | publisher = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] }}</ref>
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| − | In 2004, he was appointed ambassador for [[The Ghan]], the passenger train running from [[Adelaide]] to [[Alice Springs]] in the central Australian outback, when the line was extended all the way to [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] on the northern coast that year. For some time he was sponsored by [[Toyota]].<ref>[http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:JQzo9gBgQ70J:trd.toyota.com.au/psa/articles/0,2481,subId%25253D816%252526sectionId%25253D714,00.html+steve+irwin+toyota&hl=en&gl=au&ct=clnk&cd=2&client=firefox-a Google cache copy of a Toyota Australia page]: Crikey! Steve Irwin loves his Toyotas! </ref>
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| − | He was also a keen promoter for Australian tourism in general and Queensland tourism in particular. In 2002, the Australia Zoo was voted Queensland's top tourist attraction.<ref name=Murdoch>{{cite news | first = Anna | last = King Murdoch |title = He's smart, by crikey | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/06/09/1055010919523.html | work = The Age | publisher = The Age Company Ltd | date = 10 June 2003 | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> His immense popularity in the United States meant he often promoted Australia as a tourist destination there.<ref name=Elliot>{{cite news | first = Geoff | last = Elliot | title = Keep it simple, mate | work = [[The Australian]] | publisher = News Limited | date = 27 January 2006 }}[http://www.australianmade.com.au/news/articles/7364.asp Copy at www.australianmade.com.au]</ref>
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| | + | In 2004, Irwin was appointed ambassador for [[The Ghan]], the passenger train running from [[Adelaide]] to [[Alice Springs]] in the central Australian [[Outback]], when the line was extended all the way to [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] on the northern coast that year. |
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| − | ===Environmentalism===
| + | In January 2006, as part of the United States' "Australia Week" celebrations, Irwin appeared at the [[Pauley Pavilion]], [[UCLA]] in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[California]]. During an interview on ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', Irwin announced that [[Discovery Kids]] would be developing a show for his daughter, [[Bindi Sue Irwin]]. The show, ''Jungle Girl'', was tipped to be similar to [[The Wiggles]] movies, with songs that surround a story. A feature-length episode of Australian kids TV show ''The Wiggles'' entitled "Wiggly Safari" was dedicated to Irwin, and he was featured heavily in it with his wife and daughter. Also in 2006, the American network [[Travel Channel|The Travel Channel]] had begun to show a series of specials starring Irwin and his family as they traveled on cross-country tours. |
| − | {{seealso|Wildlife Warriors}}
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| − | Irwin was a passionate [[conservationist]] and believed in promoting [[environmentalism]] by sharing his excitement about the natural world rather than preaching to people. He was concerned with conservation of [[Endangered species|endangered animals]] and [[Deforestation|land clearing]] leading to loss of habitat. He considered conservation to be the most important part of his work: "I consider myself a wildlife warrior. My mission is to save the world's endangered species."<ref name=Murdoch/> Irwin bought "large tracts of land" in [[Australia]], [[Vanuatu]], [[Fiji]] and the [[United States]], which he described as "like [[national park]]s" and stressed the importance of people realising that they could each make a difference.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s960998.htm | title = ENOUGH ROPE with Andrew Denton - episode 30: Steve Irwin | accessmonthday = 4 September | accessyear= 2006|author=Denton, Andrew |authorlink=Andrew Denton | coauthors = Irwin, Steve | date= 2003-10-06 |work= | publisher = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] }}</ref> | |
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| − | He had urged people to take part in considerate tourism and not support illegal [[poaching]] through the purchase of items such as turtle shells or [[shark-fin soup]].<ref name="SharkFinSoup">{{cite web |url = http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?menuID=2&subID=883&p=3 | publisher = The First Post | title = Death of the crocodile hunter |date=4 September 2006 | accessdate=2006-09-10}}</ref>
| + | Irwin enthusiastically joined with the [[Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service]] in a media campaign to promote Australia's strict [[quarantine]]/[[customs]] requirements, with advertisements and posters featuring slogans such as, "Quarantine Matters! Don't muck with it." His payments for these advertising campaigns were directed into his wildlife fund. |
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| − | He founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and became an independent [[Charitable organization|charity]]. He was described after his death by the [[CEO]] of [[RSPCA Australia|RSPCA]] Queensland as a "modern-day [[Noah]]," and [[United Kingdom|British]] naturalist [[David Bellamy]] lauded his skills as a [[natural history|natural historian]] and media performer.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://today.reuters.com/News/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=SP68982 | title = Australia stunned by death of "modern-day Noah" | accessmonthday = 4 September | accessyear = 2006 | last = Tait | first = Paul | date = 2006-09-04 | work = Reuters.com | publisher = Reuters }}</ref> Irwin and his father discovered a new species of turtle that now bears his name, ''[[Elseya irwini]]'' — Irwin's Turtle — a species of turtle found on the coast of Queensland.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.deh.gov.au/cgi-bin/abrs/fauna/details.pl?pstrVol=REPTILIA;pstrTaxa=3312;pstrChecklistMode=1 | title = Elseya irwini | accessmonthday = 4 September | accessyear = 2006 | work = Australian Faunal Directory | publisher = Department of the Environment and Heritage, Commonwealth of Australia }}</ref>
| + | ==Environmentalism== |
| | + | Irwin was a passionate [[conservationist]] and believed in promoting [[environmentalism]] by sharing his excitement about the natural world rather than preaching to people. He was especially concerned with conservation of [[Endangered species|endangered animals]] and [[Deforestation|land clearing]] leading to loss of habitat. He considered saving endangered species to be the most important part of his work. |
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| − | He also helped to found a number of other projects, such as the International Crocodile Rescue, as well as the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, in memory of his mother (who was in a fatal car crash in 2000), with proceeds going to the Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
| + | Irwin bought large tracts of land in [[Australia]], [[Vanuatu]], [[Fiji]], and the [[United States]], which he described as "like [[national park]]s," and stressed the importance of people realizing that they could each make a difference.<ref> Enough Rope with Andrew Denton - episode 30: Steve Irwin, October 6, 2003, [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]. </ref> He urged people to take part in considerate tourism and not support illegal [[poaching]] through the purchase of items such as [[turtle]] shells or [[shark-fin soup]]. Irwin and his father discovered a new species of turtle that now bears his name, ''[[Elseya irwini]]'' — Irwin's Turtle—-a species of turtle found on the coast of Queensland. |
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| − | Irwin, however, was criticized for having an unsophisticated view of [[conservation in Australia]] that seemed more linked to tourism than to the problems Australia faces as a [[Australia (continent)|continent]]. | + | He also founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and became an independent [[Charitable organization|charity]]. [[United Kingdom|British]] naturalist [[David Bellamy]] lauded his skills as a [[natural history|natural historian]] and media performer.<ref>[http://today.reuters.com/News/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=SP68982 Australia stunned by death of "modern-day Noah"], Retrieved February 24, 2009.</ref> |
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| − | In response to questions of Australia's problems with [[overgrazing]], [[Salinity in Australia|salinity]], and [[erosion]], Irwin responded, "Cows have been on our land for so long that Australia has evolved to handle those big animals." The Sydney Morning Herald concluded with the opinion that his message was confusing and amounted to "eating roos and crocs is bad for tourism, and therefore more cruel than eating other animals".<ref>{{cite news | first = Frank | last = Robson | author = | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/09/04/1157222053963.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap3 | title = Crikey, it's raw Stevo! | work = Good Weekend | publisher = Sydney Morning Herald | date = First published April 2002, republished 2006-09-04 | accessdate = 2006-09-05 }}</ref>
| + | He also helped to found a number of other projects, such as the International Crocodile Rescue, as well as the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, in memory of his mother, who was in a fatal car crash in 2000, with proceeds going to the Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. |
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| − | According to Terri, Sir David Attenborough was an inspiration to Irwin. When presenting a [[Lifetime Achievement Award]] to Attenborough after Irwin's death at the British [[National Television Awards]] on 31 October 2006 Terri stated "If there's one person who directly inspired my husband it's the person being honoured tonight." She went on to say "[Steve's] real, true love was conservation - and the influence of tonight's recipient in preserving the natural world has been immense."<ref name="Inspiration">{{cite news | title = Wildlife legend honoured | work = ITN News | publisher = ITN | date = 2006-11-01 | url = http://www.itn.co.uk/news/entertainment_6bf41e7a55ac3b005e7946fe9fb592da.html | accessdate = 2006-11-01 }}</ref> Sir David reciprocated with praising Irwin for introducing many to the natural world, saying "He taught them how wonderful and exciting it was, he was a born communicator."<ref name="Communicator">{{cite news | title = Terri Irwin presents award to Attenborough | work = The Australian | publisher = News.com.au | date = 2006-11-02 | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20687207-5006786,00.html | accessdate = 2006-11-03 }}</ref>
| + | ==Controversy== |
| | + | On January 2, 2004, a controversial incident occurred during a public show when Irwin carried his one-month-old son, Bob, in his arm while hand-feeding a chicken carcass to a 12-foot saltwater [[crocodile]]. Comparisons were made in the press to [[Michael Jackson]]'s dangling his son outside a multi-story hotel window. Child-welfare groups, [[animal-rights]] groups, and some of Irwin's television viewers criticized his actions as irresponsible and tantamount to [[child abuse]]. |
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| − | | + | Both Irwin and his wife claimed that Irwin was in complete control of the situation, since he had dealt with crocodiles since he was a child, and thus neither he nor his son were in any danger. He also showed footage of the event shot from a different angle, demonstrating that they were much further from the crocodile than they had appeared in the widely publicized clip. Terri Irwin said their child was in no more danger than one being taught to swim. No charges were filed, but Irwin told officials he would not repeat the action. The incident prompted the Queensland government to change its crocodile-handling laws, banning children and untrained adults from entering crocodile enclosures. |
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| − | ==Personal life==
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| − | <!--[[Image:Slide2v.jpg|right|thumb|230px|The Irwin Family: Terri, Bob, Steve, and Bindi.]] comment out image with uncertain copyright status—>
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| − | ===Family===
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| − | [[Image:Tirwin.jpg|thumb|right|Terri Raines Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin]]
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| − | In 1992, Irwin [[marriage|married]] [[Terri Irwin|Terri Raines]] from [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], [[Oregon]], [[United States]]. The pair had met a few months earlier, when Terri had visited the zoo on a holiday; according to both of them, it was [[love at first sight]]. Terri said at the time, "I thought there was no one like this anywhere in the world. He sounded like an environmental Tarzan, a larger-than-life superhero guy."<ref name=Who.com>{{cite web | url = http://www.who.com/who/scoop/article/0,19971,1531530,00.html | title = Reptile Romance | accessmonthday = 4 September | accessyear = 2006 | date = 2002-11-02 | work = Who Magazine | publisher = Time Inc }}</ref> Together they had two children: a daughter, [[Bindi Irwin|Bindi Sue Irwin]] (born 24 July 1998), and a son, Robert Clarence "Bob" (named after Irwin's father) Irwin (born 1 December 2003). Bindi Sue is jointly named after two of Steve Irwin's favorite animals: Bindi, a [[Saltwater Crocodile|saltwater crocodile]], and Sui, a [[Staffordshire Bull Terrier]] who died in June 2004.
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| − | Irwin was as enthusiastic about his family as he was about his work. He once described his daughter Bindi as "the reason [he] was put on the Earth." His wife once said, "The only thing that could ever keep him away from the animals he loves are the people he loves even more."<ref name="larry_king_transcript"/>
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| − | Terri Irwin recently reported that Steve had an ongoing premonition that he would die before he reached age 40.<ref>[http://omg.yahoo.com/croc-hunter-irwin-believed-hed-die-young:-wife/news/3476 Croc hunter Irwin believed he'd die young: wife]</ref> She wrote about this in her book ''Steve and Me'' about their lives together.<ref>Irwin, Terri. 2007. ''Steve and me: Life with the Crocodile Hunter. Simon Spotlight. ISBN 1416953884</ref>
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| − | ===Controversies===
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| − | A controversial incident occurred during a public show on 2 January 2004, when Irwin carried his one-month-old son, Bob, in his arm whilst hand-feeding a chicken carcass to Murray, a {{convert|3.8|m|ftin|adj=on}} saltwater crocodile. The infant was close to the crocodile, and comparisons were made in the press to [[Michael Jackson]]'s dangling his son outside a German hotel window.<ref name="babydangling">{{cite news
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| − | | title = It's like a part of Australia has died
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| − | | author = Patrick Barkham
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| − | | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia/story/0,,1865085,00.html
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| − | | publisher = Guardian Unlimited
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| − | | date = 2006-09-05
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| − | | accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref> In addition, child welfare groups, [[animal rights]] groups, and some of Irwin's television viewers criticised his actions as irresponsible and tantamount to [[child abuse]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3364733.stm |title=Inquiry into croc baby stunt |accessmonthday=4 September |accessyear=2006 ||date=2004-01-03 |work=bbc.co.uk |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> Irwin apologised on the US NBC Today Show.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20349993-5001021,00.html | title = Irwin's Death was Filmed | first = Luke | last = McIlveen | publisher = [[Daily Telegraph]] | date = 2006-09-04 |accessdate = 2007-02-09}}{{cite news | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20353205-601,00.html | title = Obituary: Committed to lore of nature | first = Peter | last = Lalor | publisher = [[The Australian]] | date = 2006-09-05 |accessdate = 2007-02-09}}</ref> Both he and his wife publicly stated that Irwin was in complete control of the situation, as he had dealt with crocodiles since he was a small child, and based on his lifetime of experience neither he nor his son were in any danger. He also showed footage of the event shot from a different angle, demonstrating that they were much further from the crocodile than they had appeared in the publicised clip.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/01/15/1073877890197.html| title = TV's mixed messages| first = Jim | last = Schembri | publisher = [[The Age]] | date = 2004-01-15 |accessdate = 2007-01-31}}</ref> Terri Irwin said their child was in no more danger than one being taught to swim. No charges were filed; according to one journalist, Irwin told officials he would not repeat the action.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/04/1073151212433.html | title = Croc hunter ducks for cover | first = Claire | last = O'Rourke | publisher = [[Sydney Morning Herald]] | date = 2004-01-05 |accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> The incident prompted the Queensland government to change its crocodile-handling laws, banning children and untrained adults from entering crocodile enclosures.<ref>{{cite news |first = |last = |author = |coauthors = |title = Steve Irwin baby concerns prompt law change |url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Steve-Irwin-baby-concerns-prompt-law-change/2005/02/23/1109046983142.html |format = |work = |publisher = Sydney Morning Herald |pages = |page = |date = 2005-02-24 |accessdate = 2006-09-04 |language = }}</ref>
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| − | In June 2004, allegations were made that he disturbed wildlife (namely [[whale]]s, [[sea lion|seals]] and [[penguin]]s) whilst filming a documentary, ''Ice Breaker'', in [[Antarctica]]. The matter was subsequently closed without charges being filed.<ref name="ice_breaker">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3896685.stm | title = Irwin cleared after Penguin Probe | publisher = [[BBC News]] | date = 2004-06-15 |accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref>
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| − | [[Image:MV Steve Irwin Melbourne.jpg|150px|thumb|left|MV ''Steve Irwin'' approaching Melbourne in February 2008]]
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| − | After Irwin's death, the vessel ''MV Robert Hunter'' owned by the environmental action group [[Sea Shepherd]] was renamed ''[[MV Steve Irwin]]'' in Steve's honour.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.seashepherd.org/news/media_071205_1.html |title=Sea Shepherd Renames Its Whale Defending Ship the Steve Irwin |publisher=Sea Shepherd |date=5 December 2007}}</ref> Sea Shepherd is a controversial<ref>[http://www.seashepherd.org/news/media_030616_1.html Sea Shepherd Conservation Society - News]</ref> <ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article1358479.ece Whalers aid in Antarctic rescue of environmentalists - Times Online]</ref> environmentalist group that conducts direct action operations including the sinking of whaling ships to protect marine species and environments. Shortly before his death, Irwin had been investigating joining their 2007/08 voyage to Antarctica to disrupt Japanese whaling activity. Following his death, as an alternative the renaming of the vessel was suggested by Sea Shepherd and endorsed by his widow Terri.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,22874137-948,00.html Sea Shepherd honours Steve Irwin] Perth Now, 5 December 2007]</ref>
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| − | ===Politics===
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| − | After questions arose about Irwin being paid $175,000 worth of taxpayers' money to appear in a television advertisement and his possible political ties, Irwin told [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] that he was a conservationist and did not choose sides in politics.
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| − | His comments describing Australian Prime Minister [[John Howard]] as the "greatest leader in the world" earned him scorn in the media.<ref>{{cite news | first =Miranda | last =Devine | title =Crikey! Praise for PM puts you in a snake pit | url =http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/08/1068243301741.html | work =The Sun-Herald | publisher =The Sydney Morning Herald | date = 9 November 2003| accessdate =2006-09-05}}</ref>
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| − | ===Search and rescue effort in Mexico===
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| − | In November 2003, Irwin was filming a documentary on [[sea lion]]s off the coast of [[Mexico]]'s [[Baja California Peninsula]] when he heard via his boat's radio that two [[scuba diver]]s were reported missing in the area. Irwin and his entire crew suspended operations to aid in the search. His team's divers searched with the rescue divers, and Irwin used his vessel to patrol the waters around the island where the incident occurred, as well as using his satellite communications system to call in a rescue plane. On the second day of the search, [[kayaker]]s found one of the divers, Scott Jones, perched on a narrow rock ledge jutting out from the side of a cliff. Irwin and a crewmember escorted him to Irwin's boat. Jones did not recognise his celebrity rescuer, as he had never seen Irwin on television. The other lost diver, Katie Vrooman, was found dead by a search plane later the same day not far from Jones' location.<ref>[http://www.cdnn.info/safety/s031123/s031123.html CDNN: Diver remembers day her scuba buddy died in Baja] by Thomas Geyer</ref>
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| − | ===Sports fan===
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| − | Having grown up in Essendon, Irwin was a fan of the [[Essendon Football Club|Essendon Bombers]], an [[Australian rules football]] club in the [[Australian Football League]].<ref Name=times>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2342450,00.html "Steve Irwin"] The Times Online 5 September 2006. URL accessed on 6 September 2006</ref> Irwin took part in an Australian Rules football promotion in Los Angeles as part of "Australia Week" in early 2006.<ref>[http://www.australia-week.com/page/AFLMatchSteveIrwinShow AFL Match, Steve Irwin Show]. URL accessed on 5 September 2006</ref> After his death, a picture of Irwin wearing a Bombers Guernsey was shown by [[ESPN.com]] in their [[Bottom 10]] ranking of the worst [[Division I#Football Bowl Subdivision|Division I FBS]] [[college football]] teams after Week 1 of the season in tribute to him.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2573548 | title = The Bottom 10: Have a look at this beauty | firstname = David | lastname = Duffey | publisher = ESPN.com | date = 2006-09-06 | accessdate = 2006-09-11 }}</ref>
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| − | Like many Australians, he was a big cricket fan. This was seen during his visit to [[Sri Lanka]] where he played cricket with some local kids and saying "I love cricket" and "It's a shame we have to go catch some snakes now." This was seen during the ''Crocodile Hunter'' episode “Island of the Snakes".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://youtube.com/watch?v=UKdXrSjVdOM&feature=related | title = Island of Snakes part 6 | date = 2008-02-26 | accessdate = 2008-02-26 }}</ref>
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| − | Living in Queensland most of his life, Irwin was also a fan of [[rugby league]]. As a teenager, he played for the Caloundra Sharks as a second-rower,<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20383719-3102,00.html Our mate Steve]. URL accessed on 12 September 2006</ref> and as an adult he was known to be a passionate [[Brisbane Broncos]] fan and was involved with the club on several occasions. On one occasion after turning up to training he asked if he could tackle the largest player, [[Shane Webcke]]. Despite being thrown to the ground and looking like he'd been crushed he was jovial about the experience. Irwin laughingly shared the experience with the [[Queensland state rugby league team|Queensland]] [[Rugby League State of Origin|State of Origin]] squad before the 2006 series.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,20350166-2,00.html Tributes flow for 'true original']. URL accessed on 12 September 2006</ref> Irwin also supported [[rugby union]], being a fan of the national team, the [[Australia national rugby union team|Wallabies]]. He once wore a Wallaby jersey during a demonstration at the zoo. A behind-the-scenes episode of ''The Crocodile Hunter'' showed Irwin and the crew finding a gas station in a remote part of [[Namibia]] to watch the Wallabies defeat [[France national rugby union team|France]] in the [[1999 Rugby World Cup]] Final. Irwin was also a talented surfer.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3699961&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection | title = Surfers invited to pay tribute | date = 2006-09-06 | accessdate = 2006-11-07}}</ref>
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| − | ===Other personal trivia===
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| − | * Irwin was particularly interested in [[Singapore Zoo]], which he considered a sister institution of the [[Australia Zoo]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Singapore Sling! | work = International Crocodile Rescue | url = http://www.crocodilerescue.com/singapore.html | accessdate = 16 March | accessyear = 2006 }}</ref>
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| − | * Irwin loved [[mixed martial arts]] competitions and trained with Greg Jackson in the fighting/grappling system of [[Gaidojutsu]].<ref>[http://www.jacksons.tv/mma/index.php Jackson's Gaidojutsu Self Defense] www.jacksons.tv. Retrieved 7 September 2006.</ref>
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| − | * In 2004, during an interview with [[Larry King]], he admitted that he had a fear of [[parrot]]s, having received many painful bites from the animals in the past.<ref name="larry_king_transcript"/>
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| − | * In 2005, in an interview for ''[[New Idea]]'', he stated that he was afraid of being killed in a car crash.<ref name="car crash">{{cite web | title = Irwin feared fast cars more than animals | url = http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=141770 | accessdate = 10 September | accessyear = 2006 }}</ref>
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| − | * Terri Irwin has stated in an interview that Irwin believed in God.<ref>{{cite news|title=Interview|work=[[Woman's Day (Australia)]]|date=2006-10-09|publisher=[[Australian Consolidated Press]]}}</ref> Stories that he had joined a church a short time before his death appear to be [[urban legend]].<ref>{{cite news |first = Linda |last = Morris |title = Christians fed to lyings: Irwin no convert |url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/09/21/1158431843995.html?from=top5 |work = [[Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher = [[John Fairfax Holdings]]
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| − | |date = 2006-09-22 |accessdate = 2006-09-22}}</ref>
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| − | * Although he and Terri were happily married, they did not wear [[wedding rings]]; in their line of work, wearing [[jewellery]] could pose a [[hazard]] to them and/or the animals.<ref>[http://www.americanprofile.com/article/3687.html] www.americanprofile.com. Retrieved 7 September 2007.</ref>
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| − | * He is supposedly [[parodied]] in the video game [[Grand Theft Auto:Vice City]] on the radio talkback station, "KCHAT" as "Mr. Zoo."
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| | ==Death== | | ==Death== |
| − | On 4 September 2006, Irwin was fatally pierced in the chest by a [[stingray]] spine whilst [[snorkeling]] at the [[Great Barrier Reef]], at [[Batt Reef]], which is located off the coast of [[Port Douglas, Queensland|Port Douglas]] in [[Queensland]]. Irwin was in the area filming his own [[Documentary film|documentary]], ''[[Ocean's Deadliest]]'', but weather had stalled filming. Irwin decided to take the opportunity to film some shallow water shots for a segment in the television program his daughter Bindi was hosting,<ref name="theage">{{cite news | title = Croc Hunter Irwin killed by stingray | publisher = THE AGE | date = 4 September 2006 | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Croc-Hunter-Steve-Irwin-died-instantly/2006/09/04/1157222051588.html | accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> when, according to his friend and colleague, [[John Stainton]], he swam too close to one of the stingrays. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his [[heart]]," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat the ''Croc One''. | + | [[Image:Tirwin.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Terri Raines Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin]] |
| − | | + | On September 4, 2006, Irwin was fatally pierced in the chest by a [[stingray]] spine while [[snorkeling]] at the [[Great Barrier Reef]], at [[Batt Reef]], off the coast of [[Port Douglas, Queensland|Port Douglas]] in [[Queensland]]. He was in the area filming his own [[Documentary film|documentary]], ''[[Ocean's Deadliest]]'', but weather had stalled filming. Irwin decided to take the opportunity to film some shallow water shots for a segment in the television program his daughter Bindi was hosting, when, according to colleague [[John Stainton]], he swam too close to one of the stingrays. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his [[heart]]," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat the ''Croc One''. |
| − | The events were caught on camera, and a copy of the footage was handed to the [[Queensland Police]].<ref name="AustNews">{{cite news | first = Ian | last = Gerard | coauthors = and Koch, Tony | title = Steve Irwin's freak death filmed | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20355112-601,00.html | publisher = The Australian | date = 4 September 2006 | accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> After reviewing the footage of the incident and speaking to the cameraman who recorded it, marine documentary filmmaker and former spearfisherman [[Ben Cropp]] speculated that the stingray "felt threatened because Steve was alongside and there was the cameraman ahead." In such a case, the stingray responds to danger by automatically flexing the serrated spine on its tail (which can measure up to 25 cm/10 in in length) in an upward motion.
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| − | Cropp said Irwin had accidentally boxed the animal in. "It stopped and twisted and threw up its tail with the spike, and it caught him in the chest. It's a defensive thing. It's like being stabbed with a dirty dagger." The stinging of Irwin by the [[bull ray]] was "a one-in-a-million thing," Cropp told ''[[Time magazine|Time]]'' magazine. "I have swum with many rays, and I have only had one do that to me..."<ref name="timemagazine">{{cite web | title = Death of a Crocodile Hunter | url = http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1531446,00.html | author = Rory Callinan | publisher = [[Time Magazine]] | date = 4 September 2006 | accessdate=2006-09-04 }}</ref>
| + | Crew members aboard the boat called the emergency services in the nearest city of [[Cairns]] and administered [[CPR]] as they rushed the boat to the nearby Low Islets to meet a rescue [[helicopter]]. Medical staff pronounced him dead when they arrived a short time later. Irwin's body was flown to a morgue in Cairns. |
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| − | Initially, when Irwin's colleague, [[John Stainton]], was interviewed by CNN's [[Larry King]] late on 4 September 2006 he denied the suggestion that Irwin had pulled the spine out of his chest, or that he had seen footage of the event, insisting that the anecdote was "absolute rubbish."<ref name="cnnstaintoninterview">{{cite web | title = Crocodile Hunter Remembered | url = http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0609/04/acd.01.html | accessdate = 2006-09-05 }}</ref> The following day, when he first described the video to the media, he stated, "Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here [in the chest], and he pulled it out and the next minute he's gone."<ref name="AustNews"/>
| + | Terri Irwin recently reported that Irwin had an ongoing premonition that he would die before he reached age 40. He was 44 years old.<ref>[http://omg.yahoo.com/croc-hunter-irwin-believed-hed-die-young:-wife/news/3476 Croc hunter Irwin believed he'd die young: wife], Retrieved February 24, 2009.</ref> |
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| − | It is thought, in the absence of a [[coroner]]'s report, that a combination of the toxins and the puncture wound from the spine caused Irwin to die of [[cardiac arrest]], with most damage being inflicted by tears to arteries or other main blood vessels.<ref>{{cite news | title = Serrated knife-like barb, not toxins, the likely killer | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/09/04/1157222072726.html | author = Richard Macey | date = 2006-09-05 | publisher = Sydney Morning Herald | accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref> A similar incident in [[Florida]] a month later in which a man survived a stingray barb through the [[heart]] suggested that Irwin's removal of the barb might have caused or hastened his death.<ref>{{cite web|last= |first=|authorlink= |coauthors= | date=2006-10-20 | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/leaving-stingray-barb-in-saved-him/2006/10/20/1160851103853.html |title=Irwin might have survived: surgeon |format= |work= |pages= |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald | language= |accessdate=2006-10-20 }}</ref> The coroner's report has not yet been released.
| + | ===Worldwide reaction=== |
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| + | News of his death prompted a worldwide grief. [[Prime Minister of Australia|Australian Prime Minister]] John Howard expressed his "shock and distress" at the death, saying that "Australia has lost a wonderful and colorful son."<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20350650-5006786,00.html Irwin brought joy to millions: PM], [[The Australian]], September 4, 2006. Retrieved February 24, 2009.</ref> Several Australian news websites went down because of high web traffic. Talk-back radio experienced a high volume of callers expressing their grief. Flags at the Sydney Harbor were lowered to [[half staff]] in honor of Irwin. |
| − | Crew members aboard his boat called the emergency services in the nearest city of [[Cairns]] and administered [[CPR]] as they rushed the boat to the nearby Low Islets to meet an emergency rescue helicopter. However despite the best efforts of Irwin's crew, medical staff pronounced him dead when they arrived a short time later.<ref name="theage" /> According to Dr Ed O'Loughlin, who treated Irwin, "it became clear fairly soon that he had non-survivable injuries. He had a penetrating injury to the left front of his chest. He had lost his pulse and wasn't breathing."<ref>{{cite news | title = Stingray Kills 'Crocodile Hunter' | publisher = AOL News | date = 4 September 2006 | url = http://articles.news.aol.com/entertainment/_a/stingray-kills-crocodile-hunter/20060904005509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 | accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref>
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| − | [[Image:Cairns locator-MJC.png|thumb|right|Cairns, Queensland]]
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| − | Irwin's body was flown to a morgue in Cairns. His wife, Terri Irwin, was on a walking tour in [[Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park]] in [[Tasmania]] at the time, and returned via a private plane from [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]] to the [[Sunshine Coast, Queensland|Sunshine Coast]] with their two children.<ref name="theage" />
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| − | Fatalities due to stingrays are infrequent and occurrences are not consistently collated.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Deadly Are Stingrays? | url = http://www.slate.com/id/2148992 | publisher = Washington Post Company | work = Slate | date = 5 September 2006 | accessdate = 2006-09-15 }}</ref> The attack on Irwin is believed to be the only fatality from a stingray ever captured on film.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stingray Deaths Rare and Agonizing | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/04/australia.irwin.stingray.reut/index.html | publisher = [[Reuters]] | work = [[CNN]] | date = 4 September 2006 | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref>
| + | The United States feed of the [[Animal Planet]], [[cable-television]] channel aired a special tribute to Steve Irwin that started on Monday, September 4, 2006. The tribute continued with the Animal Planet channel showing highlights of Irwin's more than 200 appearances on Discovery Networks shows. |
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| − | Stainton told [[CNN]]'s [[Larry King]] "[The tape] should be destroyed".<ref name="tapedestroyed">{{cite news | title = Irwin's dad: 'I lost my best mate' | publisher = CNN | date = 6 September 2006 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/06/death.irwin/index.html | accessdate = 2006-09-07 }}</ref> In an [[American Broadcast Company|ABC]] interview with [[Barbara Walters]], Irwin's wife Terri said she has not seen the film of her husband's deadly encounter with the stingray and that it would not be shown on television.<ref name="airfootage">{{cite news | title = Widow: 'Croc Hunter' thought he'd die young | publisher = CNN | 27 September 2006 | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/09/26/irwin.terri.ap/index.html | accessdate = 2006-09-30 }}</ref> On 3 January 2007, the only video footage showing the events that led to Irwin's death was handed over to Terri, who said that the video would never become public, and noted her family has not seen the video either.<ref name="vidhandover">{{cite news | title = Steve Irwin death film given to wife | publisher = Yahoo! News | date = 3 January 2007 | url = http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/entertainment_australia_irwin_col | accessdate = 2007-01-04}}</ref> In a 11 January 2007 interview with ''[[Access Hollywood]]'', Terri said that "all footage has been destroyed."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20070111-024500-6651r | title=Video of 'Croc Hunter's' death destroyed | publisher=[[United Press International]] | date=11 January 2007 | accessdate=2007-01-12}}</ref> Despite these statements, numerous videos, including [[Computer prank|screamers]], surfaced on sites such as [[YouTube]] claiming to be footage of Irwin's death. Several pictures have also surfaced on Google Images.
| + | Thousands of people visited Australia Zoo to pay tribute to the deceased entertainer and conservationist. The day after his death, the volume of people visiting the zoo to pay their respects affected traffic so much that police reduced the speed limit around the Glass House Mountains Road and told motorists to expect delays. |
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| − | Production was completed on ''Ocean's Deadliest'', which aired for the first time on the [[Discovery Channel]] on 21 January 2007. The documentary was completed with footage shot in the weeks following the accident.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20989738-2,00.html | title=Crocodile Hunter's final stunt with sea snake | publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | date=30 December 2006 | accessdate=2007-04-15}}</ref> According to Stainton, "Anything to do with the day that he died, that film is not available."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20070106/steve-irwin-show.htm | title=Crocodile Hunter's Last Show Completed | publisher=International Business Times | date=2007-01-06 | accessdate=2007-01-06}}</ref> Perhaps to maintain the film's original purpose as a nature documentary and prevent it from becoming a documentary of Irwin's final days, his death is not mentioned in the film, aside from a still image of Irwin at the end alongside the text "In Memory of Steve Irwin."
| + | [[Premiers of Queensland|Queensland Premier]] [[Peter Beattie]] extended the offer of a [[state funeral]] to Irwin's family, an honor also agreed to by Prime Minister [[John Howard]]. The family decided that such a funeral would not be appropriate, a sentiment echoed by many Australians outside media and political circles. Irwin's father, [[Bob Irwin]], stated that his son would not have wanted such an honor, and would want to be remembered as an "[[bloke|ordinary bloke]]."<ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/father-rejects-state-funeral-for-ordinary-bloke-son/2006/09/06/1157222201277.html Father rejects state funeral for 'ordinary bloke' son ] [[The Age]], September 7, 2006. Retrieved February 24, 2009.</ref> Beattie stated he would honor the decision of the Irwin family regarding their arrangements. Family and friends thus attended a private [[funeral]] service for Irwin held at [[Caloundra, Queensland|Caloundra]] on the afternoon of September 9, 2006. The naturalist was buried in a private ceremony at the zoo on the same day. |
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| − | ===Reaction===
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| − | News of his death prompted widespread worldwide shock. [[Prime Minister of Australia|Australian Prime Minister]] John Howard expressed his "shock and distress" at the death, saying that "Australia has lost a wonderful and colourful son."<ref>{{cite news | title = Irwin brought joy to millions: PM | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20350650-5006786,00.html | publisher =[[The Australian]] | date = 2006-09-04 | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> [[Premiers of Queensland|Queensland Premier]] [[Peter Beattie]] commented in a [[Channel Seven]] television interview that Irwin "will be remembered as not just a great Queenslander, but a great Australian".<ref name="statefuneral">{{cite news | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20356038-29277,00.html | title = Irwin family offered state funeral | publisher = The Australian | date = 2006-09-05 | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> Several Australian news websites went down because of high web traffic and for the first time the top 10 list of most viewed stories for [[Fairfax Digital]] news sites were swept by one topic.<ref name="consumes_web">{{cite web | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/09/05/1157222114384.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 | title = Croc Hunter news consumes the web | publisher = theage.com.au | date = 2006-09-05 | accessdate= 2006-09-08}}</ref> Talk-back radio experienced a high volume of callers expressing their grief.<ref>{{cite news | first = Richard | last = Fidler | title = Tributes flow for Steve Irwin | url = http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1732538.htm | publisher = 612 ABC radio | date = 2006-09-04 | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> Flags at the Sydney Harbour were lowered to [[half staff]] in honour of Irwin.<ref>[http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=20284 ANTARA: The Indonesian News Agency<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
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| − | The U.S. feed of the [[Animal Planet]] [[cable television]] channel aired a special tribute to Steve Irwin that started on Monday, 4 September 2006. The tribute continued with the Animal Planet channel showing highlights of Irwin's more than 200 appearances on Discovery Networks shows.<ref>''[[Reuters]]'' [http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-09-04T213925Z_01_N04279992_RTRIDST_0_AUSTRALIA-IRWIN-MEDIA.XML&rpc=66&type=qcna "Discovery network mourns Irwin, plans tribute"]</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | On the evening of his death, ''[[Enough Rope]]'' re-broadcast an interview between Irwin and [[Andrew Denton]] originally broadcast in 2003. [[CNN]] showed a repeat of his interview on ''[[Larry King Live]]'', originally recorded in 2004. The Australian [[Australian Parliament|federal parliament]] opened on 5 September 2006 with condolence speeches by both the Prime Minister [[John Howard]] and the Leader of the Opposition [[Kim Beazley]]. The [[Seven Network]] aired a television memorial show as a tribute to Irwin on 5 September 2006,<ref name="yahoo7">''Seven Network'' [http://au.news.yahoo.com/060905/23/10erm.html "Yahoo7 TV Tribute to Steve Irwin"]</ref> as did the [[Nine Network]] on 6 September 2006.
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| − | | |
| − | [[Jay Leno]] delivered a tribute to Irwin, describing him as a great ambassador of Australia. Irwin appeared on Leno's talk show on more than ten occasions.<ref name="ustalk">''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'' [http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/aussie-superman-brings-tears-to-us-chat-shows/2006/09/06/1157222169182.html "Aussie 'Superman' brings tears to US chat shows"]</ref> There were also tributes on ''[[Live with Regis & Kelly]]'' and [[Barbara Walters]]' ''[[The View]];'' on the former show, [[Kelly Ripa]] came close to tears with her praise of Irwin.<ref name="ustalk"/>
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| − | | |
| − | Hundreds of people visited Australia Zoo to pay tribute to the deceased entertainer and conservationist. The day after his death, the volume of people visiting the zoo to pay their respects affected traffic so much that police reduced the speed limit around the Glass House Mountains Road and told motorists to expect delays.<ref name="beatie_flags_irwin_award">{{cite news | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1733664.htm | title = Beattie flags Steve Irwin award, national park | publisher = ABC | date = 2006-09-05 | accessdate = 2006-09-07 }}</ref> [[BBC]] reported on 13 September 2006 that thousands of fans have been to Australia Zoo since Irwin's death, bringing flowers, candles, stuffed animals and messages of support.<ref name=BBC060913>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5340906.stm| title = 'Crocoseum' tribute set for Irwin | publisher = BBC | date = 2006-09-13 | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | In the weeks after his death, Irwin's conservation foundation [[Wildlife Warriors]] reported that thousands of people from around the world were offering their support via donations to the conservation group.
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| − | | |
| − | ===Backlash against stingrays===
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| − | In the weeks following Irwin's death, at least ten stingrays were found dead and mutilated, with their tails cut off, on the beaches of [[Queensland]], prompting speculation that they had been killed by fans of Irwin as an act of revenge. Michael Hornby, a friend of the late naturalist and executive director of Irwin's Wildlife Warrior fund, condemned any revenge killings.
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| − | | |
| − | "We just want to make it very clear that we will not accept and not stand for anyone who's taken a form of retribution. That's the last thing Steve would want," he said.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5338118.stm | title = Irwin fans 'in revenge attacks' | publisher = BBC | date = 2006-09-12 | accessdate = 2006-09-12 }}</ref>
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| | | | |
| | ==Legacy== | | ==Legacy== |
| − | In 2001, Irwin was awarded the [[Centenary Medal]] for his "service to global conservation and to Australian tourism".<ref>[http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honors/honor_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1116480&search_type=quick&showInd=true www.itsanhonour.gov.au]</ref> In 2004, he was recognised as Tourism Export of the Year.<ref>[http://www.crocodilehunter.com/crocodile_hunter/news_articles/crikey_croc_huntere_wins_top_export_gong.htm Crocodile Hunter: Croc Hunter Wins Top Export Gong], copy of [[Sunshine Coast Daily]] article, originally published 10 December 2004.</ref> | + | In 2001, Irwin was awarded the [[Centenary Medal]] for his "service to global conservation and to Australian tourism." Shortly before his death, he was to be named an adjunct professor at the [[University of Queensland]]'s School of Integrative Biology. |
| − | He was also nominated in 2004 for [[Australian of the Year]], an honour which was won by Australian Cricket Captain [[Steve Waugh]]. Shortly before his death, he was to be named an adjunct professor at the [[University of Queensland]]'s School of Integrative Biology.<ref> {{cite news| url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20445606-1702,00.html|publisher=NEWS.com.au|
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| − | date=2006-09-20|title=Irwin was set to be academic|accessdate=2006-09-20}}</ref> On 14 November 2007 Irwin was awarded the adjunct professorship posthumously by the University of Queensland.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22759628-29277,00.html Crikey! It's Prof Croc Hunter | NEWS.com.au<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
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| − | In May 2007, the Rwandan Government announced that it would name a baby gorilla after Steve Irwin as a tribute to his work in wildlife conservation.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Rwanda to name baby gorilla after Steve Irwin | date=8 May 2007 | publisher= | url =http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200705/s1916030.htm | work =ABC Online | pages = | accessdate = 2007-05-07 | language = }}</ref>
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| − | The Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was named by the Kerala government after late Steve Irwin.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Kerala crocodile park named after Irwin | date=8 May 2007 | publisher= | url =http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070012165 | work =NDTV | pages = | accessdate = 2007-05-07 | language = }}</ref>.
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| | | | |
| − | ===Filmography===
| + | [[Image:MV Steve Irwin Melbourne.jpg|200px|thumb|left|MV ''Steve Irwin'' approaching Melbourne in February 2008]] |
| − | *''[[Dr. Dolittle 2]]'' (cameo) (2001)
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| − | *''[[The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course]]'' (2002)
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| − | *''[[Happy Feet]]'' (2006)
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| − | ==Funeral and memorials==
| + | ''Ocean's Deadliest'' aired for the first time on the [[Discovery Channel]] on January 21, 2007. On the same day, the [[Animal Planet]] cable network ended ''The Crocodile Hunter'' with a series finale entitled "Steve's Last Adventure." The documentary spanned three hours, with footage of Irwin's across-the-world adventure in locations including the [[Himalayas]], the [[Yangtze River]], [[Borneo]], and the [[Kruger National Park]]. Animal Planet also created the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund called the "The Crikey Fund" to "provide a way for people from across the globe to make contributions in Irwin's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation." |
| − | [[Premiers of Queensland|Queensland Premier]] [[Peter Beattie]] extended the offer of a [[state funeral]] to Irwin's family, an honour also agreed to by Prime Minister [[John Howard]]. The family decided that such a funeral wouldn't be appropriate, a sentiment echoed by many Australians outside media and political circles. Steve Irwin's father, [[Bob Irwin]], stated that his son would not have wanted such an honour, and would want to be remembered as an "[[bloke|ordinary bloke]]."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/father-rejects-state-funeral-for-ordinary-bloke-son/2006/09/06/1157222201277.html | title = Father rejects state funeral for 'ordinary bloke' son | publisher = The Age | date = 2006-09-07 | accessdate = 2006-09-07}}</ref> Beattie stated he would honour the decision of the Irwin family regarding their arrangements. Irwin was farewelled by family and friends at a private [[funeral]] service held at [[Caloundra, Queensland|Caloundra]] on the afternoon of 9 September.<ref>{{cite news | first = Lou | last = Robson | title = Family says private farewell | url = http://www.news.com.au/sundaymail/story/0,23739,20383870-3102,00.html | publisher= The Sunday Mail | date = 2006-09-10 | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref>The naturalist was buried in a private ceremony at the zoo on the same day.<ref name=BBC060913>{{cite news |title = 'Crocoseum' tribute set for Irwin | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5340906.stm | publisher= [[BBC]] | date = 2006-09-13 | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref> | + | The [[Sea Shepherd Conservation Society]] ship [[MV Steve Irwin]] was named in his honor, christened by his wife Terri, who said "If Steve were alive, he'd be aboard with them!" |
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| − | ===Memorial service===
| + | Films featuring Irwin include: ''[[Dr. Dolittle 2]]'' (2001), ''[[The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course]]'' (2002), and ''[[Happy Feet]]'' (2006). |
| − | A public service was held at the 5,500-seat Crocoseum at [[Australia Zoo]] on Wednesday morning 20 September 2006. The service was broadcast live, commercial free, in the eastern states of Australia, by free-to-air channels [[Seven Network|Seven]], [[Nine Network|Nine]] and the [[ABC TV|ABC]] in Australia, as well as live on subscription channel [[Sky News Australia]]. In addition, it was broadcast live around the world, particularly the United States, where the service was broadcast commercial free on [[Animal Planet]], as well as to Asia and Germany. A [[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]] camera crew was also sent especially to Australia to cover the memorial service for the [[United Kingdom]]. It is estimated that over 300 million viewers worldwide watched the service.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.ecanadanow.com/world/2006/09/19/300-million-people-to-watch-steve-irwin-memorial/| title = 300 Million People To Watch Steve Irwin Memorial | publisher = ecanadanow.com | date = 2006-09-19 | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref>. The memorial was also rebroadcast on Animal Planet on 1 January 2007 as part of their [[New Year's Day]] celebration, and again the following day.
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| | | | |
| − | [[Image:Australia zoo-Raffi Kojian-CIMG6415.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The memorial service was held in the "Crocoseum" at [[Australia Zoo]]]]
| + | Numerous conservation projects and animal parks have been named in his honor. |
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| − | Messages from around the world came from people including [[Hugh Jackman]], [[Cameron Diaz]], [[Justin Timberlake]], [[Kevin Costner]], [[Russell Crowe]], [[Kelly Ripa]] and [[Larry King]]. Costner called him a fearless man who was brave enough to let people see him as he was.<ref name="cnn_mourning">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/19/crocodile.hunter.service/index.html|
| + | ==Notes== |
| − | title= Thousands mourn 'Crocodile Hunter'|publisher=CNN|date=2006-09-20|accessdate=2006-09-20}}</ref>
| + | {{reflist|2}} |
| | | | |
| − | The Prime Minister John Howard made an early speech at the service, as did Irwin's father Bob and his daughter Bindi. | + | ==References== |
| | + | * Baker, Trevor. ''Steve Irwin: The Incredible Life of the Crocodile Hunter''. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press, 2006. ISBN 9781568583495 |
| | + | * Irwin, Steve, and Irwin, Terri. ''The Crocodile Hunter: The Incredible Life and Adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin''. New York: Dutton, 2001. ISBN 9780525946359 |
| | + | * Irwin, Terri. ''Steve & Me''. New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2007. ISBN 9781416953883 |
| | + | * Shears, Richard. ''Wildlife Warrior: Steve Irwin, 1962-2006: A Man Who Changed the World''. Sydney, Australia: New Holland, 2006. ISBN 9781741105520 |
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| − | [[Wes Mannion]] and John Stainton also made speeches and [[David Wenham]] read a poem.<ref name="cnn_mourning"/> [[Anthony Field]] from [[The Wiggles]] partly hosted the service, often sharing the screen with various animals, from koalas to elephants, and Australian music star [[John Williamson (singer)|John Williamson]] sang ''[[True Blue (John Williamson song)|True Blue]]'', which was Irwin's favourite song. Professor Craig Franklin of the [[University of Queensland]] told the crowd that the university was about to make Irwin an [[Professor#Other positions|adjunct professor]] for his contributions to the study of crocodiles.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20444641-5005961,00.html| title = Don't grieve for Irwin: Father | publisher = Herald Sun | date = 2006-09-19 | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref> In a symbolic finish to the service, Irwin's truck was loaded up with gear and driven out of the arena for the last time as Williamson sang.
| + | ==External links== |
| | + | All links retrieved February 25, 2023. |
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| − | In a final tribute, Australia Zoo staff spelled out Irwin's catchphrase "Crikey" in yellow flowers as Irwin's truck was driven from the "Crocoseum" for the last time to end the service. Flags on the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]] flew at [[half mast]] on the day of the memorial service.
| + | * {{imdb name|id=0410455|name=Steve Irwin}} |
| − | | |
| − | ===Other Australian memorials===
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| − | {{wikinews|Australia to honour Steve Irwin with nature park}} | |
| − | * Several permanent memorials for Irwin have already been considered or announced. Premier Peter Beattie suggested a national park be named after Irwin or a permanent memorial might be constructed in his honour, though the details of the structure would depend on Irwin's family.<ref name="beatie_flags_irwin_award"/>
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| − | * On 1 January 2007, Glasshouse Mountains Road, the road that runs by Steve and Terri Irwin's Australia Zoo, was officially renamed to "Steve Irwin Way".<ref> [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21005087-3102,00.html Steve Irwin gets his Way] {Retrieved 2 January 2007) </ref>
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| − | * There will be a nature park in Australia named after Irwin, the Australian federal government announced in July 2007.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/22/1984870.htm Govt to buy Cape York land for Irwin memorial reserve - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | ===American memorials=== | |
| − | * Animal Planet will rename the garden in front of Discovery's world headquarters in [[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring]], [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery County]], [[Maryland]], [[United States|U.S.]], to the "Steve Irwin Memorial Sensory Garden".<ref name="discovery mourns">{{cite web |url = http://discoverystore.typepad.com/discovery_store_blog/2006/09/discovery_mourn.html |title = Discovery Mourns Tragic Loss of Steve Irwin|accessdate = 2007-12-02 |last = Campbell|first = Billy |authorlink = Billy Campbell|date = 2006-09-05 |publisher = Discovery Channel Store}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | * Animal Planet is also creating the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund called the "The Crikey Fund" to "provide a way for people from across the globe to make contributions in Irwin's honour to support wildlife protection, education and conservation".<ref name="discovery mourns" />
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| − | | |
| − | * Animal Planet ran a ''[[The Crocodile Hunter Diaries]]'' marathon on air to pay tribute to Irwin.
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| − | | |
| − | * On the ''[[Happy Feet]]'' [[DVD]], there is a deleted scene where the main character [[Mumble (Happy Feet)|Mumble]] meets an albatross voiced by Irwin and a blue whale. The scene was unfinished at first but was included on the DVD release to honour Irwin's memory as Irwin had insisted on being in a film that contained [[Happy Feet#Environmental message|a message about the environment]]. However, they took this scene off the movie and decided to let Irwin play an [[elephant seal]] named Trev.
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| − | | |
| − | ===Indian memorial===
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| − | * A crocodile research centre in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was named by the Kerala government after Steve Irwin.
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| | | | |
| − | The state's forest and wildlife department is perhaps the first government body in the world to name a memorial after Irwin, whose documentaries on wildlife and reptiles endeared him to thousands of viewers. The centre is now called the Steve Irwin Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre.
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| − | ===Death anniversary===
| + | [[Category:history and biography]] |
| − | On 4 September 2007, Australian fans gathered at the Irwin family [[zoo]] on the [[Sunshine Coast]], [[Queensland]] to commemorate the first anniversary of Irwin's death. State Premier [[Peter Beattie]] described Irwin as one of the state's greatest cultural [[ambassador]]s. On 15 November, Irwin's widow Terri and children, Bindi and Bob, remembered his life and achievements on "''Steve Irwin Day''."<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6977281.stm BBC NEWS, Australia remembers 'Croc Hunter']</ref>
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| − | ==Criticism==
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| − | [[Dan Mathews]], vice-president of animal rights group [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]], said it was "no shock at all that Steve Irwin should die provoking a dangerous animal." He added that "Irwin made his career out of antagonising frightened wild animals, that's a very dangerous message to send to children." He also made a comparison with another well known conservationist: "If you compare him with a responsible conservationist like [[Jacques-Yves Cousteau|Jacques Cousteau]], he looks like a cheap reality TV star."<ref>{{cite news | first = | last = AAP| title = Irwin's antics 'a danger to children' | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/irwins-antics-a-danger-to-children/2006/09/13/1157826993532.html | publisher=The Age | date = 2006-09-13 | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Walls, Jeannette | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14626178/ | title=PETA sheds no crocodile tears for Steve Irwin | publisher=MSNBC | accessdate=2006-09-14}}</ref> The son of Jacques Cousteau, [[Jean-Michel Cousteau]], also a producer of wildlife documentaries, also took issue with Irwin's hands-on approach to nature television. Cousteau said, "You don't touch nature, you just look at it." Although it "goes very well on television," Irwin's approach would "interfere with nature, jump on animals, grab them, hold them, and have this very, very spectacular, dramatic way of presenting things" which Cousteau felt is "very misleading".<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | author= | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/irwin-interfered-with-nature-says-cousteau/2006/09/20/1158431752163.html
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| − | | title=Irwin interfered with nature, says Cousteau | work= | publisher=Sydney Morning Herald | date=2006-09-20 | accessdate=2006-09-20}}</ref> Jacques Cousteau's grandson, [[Philippe Cousteau Jr.]], however, was himself working with Irwin on the "Ocean's Deadliest" documentary at the time of Irwin's death, and later described him as "a remarkable individual." Describing their project, he said, "I think why Steve was so excited about it that we were looking at these animals that people think of as, you know, dangerous and deadly monsters, and they're not. They all have an important place in the environment and in the world. And that was what his whole message was about."<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | author= | url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/06/cnna.cousteau/index.html
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| − | | title=Cousteau: Irwin a 'remarkable individual' | work= | publisher=CNN | date=2006-09-06 | accessdate=2006-10-22}}</ref>
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| − | | |
| − | ==Notes==
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| − | {{reflist|3}}
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| − | | |
| − | ==External links==
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| − | * [http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au/ Australia Zoo's ''Crocodile Hunter'' website]
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| − | * [http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/crochunter/crochunter.html Official Animal Planet website for The Crocodile Hunter]
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| − | *[http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/index/0,22045,5009080,00.html Huge collection of features and photographs from Daily Telegraph concerning the Irwins]
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| − | * {{dmoz|Arts/Television/Programs/Science/Animals/Crocodile_Hunter,_The/Irwin,_Steve/|Steve Irwin}}
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| − | * {{imdb name|id=0410455|name=Steve Irwin}}
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| − | * {{tvtome person|id=124720|name=Steve Irwin}}
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| − | | |
| − | {{Persondata
| |
| − | |NAME=Irwin, Stephen Robert
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| − | |ALTERNATIVE NAMES= crocodile hunter
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| − | |SHORT DESCRIPTION=Australian environmentalist and television personality
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| − | |DATE OF BIRTH=1962-02-22
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| − | |PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Essendon, Victoria]], [[Australia]]
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| − | |DATE OF DEATH=2006-09-04
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| − | |PLACE OF DEATH=[[Batt Reef]], Low Isles off [[Port Douglas, Queensland]], [[Australia]]
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| − | }}
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| − | {{lifetime|1962|2006|Irwin, Steve}}
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| | [[Category:biography]] | | [[Category:biography]] |
| | + | [[Category:ecology]] |
| | + | [[Category:animals]] |
| | + | [[Category:sports and leisure]] |
| | {{credit|243983762}} | | {{credit|243983762}} |
| Stephen Robert Irwin
|
Steve Irwin in Australia
|
| Born | February 22, 1972
Essendon, Victoria, Australia |
|---|
| Died | September 4, 2006 aged 44
Batt Reef, Queensland, Australia |
|---|
| Occupation | Naturalist
Zoologist
Conservationist
Television Personality |
|---|
| Spouse(s) | Terri Irwin |
|---|
| Children | Bindi Sue Irwin
Robert (Bob) Clarence Irwin |
|---|
Website
CrocodileHunter.com.au |
Stephen Robert Irwin (February 22, 1962 – September 4, 2006), known simply as Steve Irwin and nicknamed "The Crocodile Hunter," was an iconic Australian television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist. He achieved world-wide fame from the television program The Crocodile Hunter, an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary series co-hosted with his wife Terri Irwin. Together, they also co-owned and operated Australia Zoo, founded by his parents in Beerwah, Queensland.
Crocodile Hunter was broadcast in 137 countries in 1999, with as many as 500 million viewers. Irwin's enthusiastic, on-camera style, his earthy Australian accent, signature khaki shorts, and signature phrase, "Crikey!" were known worldwide. An avid promoter for Australian tourism, Irwin developed Australia Zoo into Queensland's biggest tourist destination in 2002. A passionate conservationist, he was especially concerned with endangered species and deforestation. Charitable organizations with which he was associated included Wildlife Warriors Worldwide and International Crocodile Rescue.
Irwin died in 2006 after his chest was fatally pierced by a stingray barb while filming in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. News of his death caused worldwide shock and widespread memorials.
Early years
Born on his mother's birthday to Lyn and Bob Irwin in Essendon, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Irwin moved with his parents as a child to Queensland in 1970. He described his father as a wildlife expert interested in herpetology, the branch of zoology dealing with the study of reptiles and amphibians, while his mother was a wildlife rehabilitator. After moving to Queensland, Bob and Lyn Irwin started the small Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, where their son, Steve, grew up around crocodiles and other reptiles.
As a boy, Irwin took part in daily animal feeding, as well as care and maintenance activities. On his sixth birthday he was given a 12-foot scrub python. He began handling and wrestling crocodiles at the age of nine.
Irwin graduated from Caloundra State High School in 1979. He soon moved to Northern Queensland, where he became a crocodile trapper, removing crocodiles from populated areas where they were considered a danger. He performed the service for no charge, with the quid pro quo that he be allowed to keep the crocodiles for the park.
Career
Rise to fame
Irwin feeding a crocodile at Australia Zoo.
The family wildlife park was eventually turned over to Irwin, who renamed it "Australia Zoo" in 1992. He had met Terri Raines at the park, while performing a demonstration. The two married in June 1992, in Terri's hometown of Eugene, Oregon. The footage of their crocodile-trapping honeymoon, shot by John Stainton, became the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter. The series debuted on Australian television in 1996, and by the following year the show had made its way onto North American TV, followed soon thereafter in the UK. Irwin went on to star in other Animal Planet documentaries, including The Croc Files, The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, and New Breed Vets.
In 1998, Irwin worked with producer and director Mark Strickson to present The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World. By 1999, his United States popularity led to his first appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. By this time, the Crocodile Hunter series was broadcast in 137 countries, reaching as many as 500 million people. Irwin's exuberant and enthusiastic presenting style, broad Australian accent, signature khaki shorts, and catchphrase "Crikey!" became known worldwide.
Irwin's operations grew to include the zoo, the television series, Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation (renamed Wildlife Warriors), and International Crocodile Rescue. Improvements to the Australia Zoo included the Animal Planet Crocoseum, the rainforest aviary, and Tiger Temple.
Media work
He was also a keen promoter for Australian tourism in general and Queensland tourism, in particular. In 2002, the Australia Zoo was voted Queensland's top tourist attraction.
In 2004, Irwin was appointed ambassador for The Ghan, the passenger train running from Adelaide to Alice Springs in the central Australian Outback, when the line was extended all the way to Darwin on the northern coast that year.
In January 2006, as part of the United States' "Australia Week" celebrations, Irwin appeared at the Pauley Pavilion, UCLA in Los Angeles, California. During an interview on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Irwin announced that Discovery Kids would be developing a show for his daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin. The show, Jungle Girl, was tipped to be similar to The Wiggles movies, with songs that surround a story. A feature-length episode of Australian kids TV show The Wiggles entitled "Wiggly Safari" was dedicated to Irwin, and he was featured heavily in it with his wife and daughter. Also in 2006, the American network The Travel Channel had begun to show a series of specials starring Irwin and his family as they traveled on cross-country tours.
Irwin enthusiastically joined with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service in a media campaign to promote Australia's strict quarantine/customs requirements, with advertisements and posters featuring slogans such as, "Quarantine Matters! Don't muck with it." His payments for these advertising campaigns were directed into his wildlife fund.
Environmentalism
Irwin was a passionate conservationist and believed in promoting environmentalism by sharing his excitement about the natural world rather than preaching to people. He was especially concerned with conservation of endangered animals and land clearing leading to loss of habitat. He considered saving endangered species to be the most important part of his work.
Irwin bought large tracts of land in Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and the United States, which he described as "like national parks," and stressed the importance of people realizing that they could each make a difference.[1] He urged people to take part in considerate tourism and not support illegal poaching through the purchase of items such as turtle shells or shark-fin soup. Irwin and his father discovered a new species of turtle that now bears his name, Elseya irwini — Irwin's Turtle—-a species of turtle found on the coast of Queensland.
He also founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and became an independent charity. British naturalist David Bellamy lauded his skills as a natural historian and media performer.[2]
He also helped to found a number of other projects, such as the International Crocodile Rescue, as well as the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, in memory of his mother, who was in a fatal car crash in 2000, with proceeds going to the Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
Controversy
On January 2, 2004, a controversial incident occurred during a public show when Irwin carried his one-month-old son, Bob, in his arm while hand-feeding a chicken carcass to a 12-foot saltwater crocodile. Comparisons were made in the press to Michael Jackson's dangling his son outside a multi-story hotel window. Child-welfare groups, animal-rights groups, and some of Irwin's television viewers criticized his actions as irresponsible and tantamount to child abuse.
Both Irwin and his wife claimed that Irwin was in complete control of the situation, since he had dealt with crocodiles since he was a child, and thus neither he nor his son were in any danger. He also showed footage of the event shot from a different angle, demonstrating that they were much further from the crocodile than they had appeared in the widely publicized clip. Terri Irwin said their child was in no more danger than one being taught to swim. No charges were filed, but Irwin told officials he would not repeat the action. The incident prompted the Queensland government to change its crocodile-handling laws, banning children and untrained adults from entering crocodile enclosures.
Death
Terri Raines Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin
On September 4, 2006, Irwin was fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray spine while snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, at Batt Reef, off the coast of Port Douglas in Queensland. He was in the area filming his own documentary, Ocean's Deadliest, but weather had stalled filming. Irwin decided to take the opportunity to film some shallow water shots for a segment in the television program his daughter Bindi was hosting, when, according to colleague John Stainton, he swam too close to one of the stingrays. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat the Croc One.
Crew members aboard the boat called the emergency services in the nearest city of Cairns and administered CPR as they rushed the boat to the nearby Low Islets to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced him dead when they arrived a short time later. Irwin's body was flown to a morgue in Cairns.
Terri Irwin recently reported that Irwin had an ongoing premonition that he would die before he reached age 40. He was 44 years old.[3]
Worldwide reaction
News of his death prompted a worldwide grief. Australian Prime Minister John Howard expressed his "shock and distress" at the death, saying that "Australia has lost a wonderful and colorful son."[4] Several Australian news websites went down because of high web traffic. Talk-back radio experienced a high volume of callers expressing their grief. Flags at the Sydney Harbor were lowered to half staff in honor of Irwin.
The United States feed of the Animal Planet, cable-television channel aired a special tribute to Steve Irwin that started on Monday, September 4, 2006. The tribute continued with the Animal Planet channel showing highlights of Irwin's more than 200 appearances on Discovery Networks shows.
Thousands of people visited Australia Zoo to pay tribute to the deceased entertainer and conservationist. The day after his death, the volume of people visiting the zoo to pay their respects affected traffic so much that police reduced the speed limit around the Glass House Mountains Road and told motorists to expect delays.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie extended the offer of a state funeral to Irwin's family, an honor also agreed to by Prime Minister John Howard. The family decided that such a funeral would not be appropriate, a sentiment echoed by many Australians outside media and political circles. Irwin's father, Bob Irwin, stated that his son would not have wanted such an honor, and would want to be remembered as an "ordinary bloke."[5] Beattie stated he would honor the decision of the Irwin family regarding their arrangements. Family and friends thus attended a private funeral service for Irwin held at Caloundra on the afternoon of September 9, 2006. The naturalist was buried in a private ceremony at the zoo on the same day.
Legacy
In 2001, Irwin was awarded the Centenary Medal for his "service to global conservation and to Australian tourism." Shortly before his death, he was to be named an adjunct professor at the University of Queensland's School of Integrative Biology.
MV
Steve Irwin approaching Melbourne in February 2008
Ocean's Deadliest aired for the first time on the Discovery Channel on January 21, 2007. On the same day, the Animal Planet cable network ended The Crocodile Hunter with a series finale entitled "Steve's Last Adventure." The documentary spanned three hours, with footage of Irwin's across-the-world adventure in locations including the Himalayas, the Yangtze River, Borneo, and the Kruger National Park. Animal Planet also created the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund called the "The Crikey Fund" to "provide a way for people from across the globe to make contributions in Irwin's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation."
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship MV Steve Irwin was named in his honor, christened by his wife Terri, who said "If Steve were alive, he'd be aboard with them!"
Films featuring Irwin include: Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002), and Happy Feet (2006).
Numerous conservation projects and animal parks have been named in his honor.
Notes
- ↑ Enough Rope with Andrew Denton - episode 30: Steve Irwin, October 6, 2003, ABC.
- ↑ Australia stunned by death of "modern-day Noah", Retrieved February 24, 2009.
- ↑ Croc hunter Irwin believed he'd die young: wife, Retrieved February 24, 2009.
- ↑ Irwin brought joy to millions: PM, The Australian, September 4, 2006. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
- ↑ Father rejects state funeral for 'ordinary bloke' son The Age, September 7, 2006. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Baker, Trevor. Steve Irwin: The Incredible Life of the Crocodile Hunter. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press, 2006. ISBN 9781568583495
- Irwin, Steve, and Irwin, Terri. The Crocodile Hunter: The Incredible Life and Adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin. New York: Dutton, 2001. ISBN 9780525946359
- Irwin, Terri. Steve & Me. New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2007. ISBN 9781416953883
- Shears, Richard. Wildlife Warrior: Steve Irwin, 1962-2006: A Man Who Changed the World. Sydney, Australia: New Holland, 2006. ISBN 9781741105520
External links
All links retrieved February 25, 2023.
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