Steve Irwin

Early Years

Steve Irwin’s interest in animals started at an early age. The son of Bob Irwin, a wildlife expert interested in herpetology, he began handling crocodiles at the age of nine. In fact, young Steve regularly assisted his mother and father with their duties as owners of the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park.

In 1992, Steve married Terri Raines, an American-born naturalist who was best known for her work starting Cougar Country--a facility to re-educate and release predatory mammals such as bears, bobcats, foxes, opossums, raccoons, and cougars back into the wild. Footage shot on the couple’s crocodile-trapping honeymoon later become part of the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter.

In 1997, The Crocodile Hunter was first broadcast in the United States. The spin-off series The Crocodile Hunter Diaries and The Crocodile Hunter's Croc Files soon followed. Steve’s Australian accent and catchphrase "Crikey!" made him an instant hit with animal lovers of all ages.

Accomplishments

Throughout his life, Steve made several valuable contributions to environmental awareness. For example:

• On the coast of Queensland, Steve discovered a new species of turtle that now bears his name. The turtle is known as Elseya irwini, or Irwin's Turtle.
• Steve is the founder of the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation. This independent charity was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide.
• Steve was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 in honor of his outstanding service to global conservation and Australian tourism.
• Steve worked with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to promote awareness of the country’s strict quarantine requirements. The campaign played a crucial role in protecting several unique species of Australian wildlife.
• Steve and his wife Teri co-owned and operated Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland. In 2002, this zoo was voted Queensland’s top tourist attraction.

Tragedy

Unfortunately, Steve Irwin’s life came to a tragic end when he was fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray spine on September 4, 2006. He was in the process of filming a documentary called The Ocean’s Deadliest. Steve was filmed pulling the barb from his chest moments before losing consciousness.

While it's true that Steve had encountered many dangerous animals during his career, he was always careful to follow standard safety precautions. In fact, many experts called his death an unfortunate and tragic accident. Stingrays are poisonous, but very rarely attack humans.

Steve Irwin Trivia

Think you’ve heard all there is to know about Steve Irwin? Check out the following:

• Steve was born on his mother’s birthday. Throughout his life, he enjoyed a close relationship with her. In fact, after her death, he started the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, with proceeds going to the Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
• Steve left behind two children, Bindi Sue and Robert Clarence Irwin. Bindi is following in her father’s footsteps as the host of Bindi the Jungle Girl, a wildlife documentary presented by the Discovery Kids Network.
• After receiving several painful bites, Steve developed a fear of parrots.
• Steve loved mixed martial arts competitions and was trained in the fighting/grappling system of Gaidojutsu.
• In 2001, Steve had a cameo role in the Eddie Murphy movie Dr. Dolittle 2.
• Parodies of a khaki-clad Steve Irwin have appeared in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie, The Simpsons, South Park, and several other popular television programs.

Additional Information

Want to learn more about Steve Irwin? Check out the following websites:

• Steve Irwin quotes regarding environmentalism and The Crocodile Hunter
• Steve Irwin video clips
• Steve Irwin video tribute
• The Steve Irwin Memorial Fund