I started working on this page the day after I heard the news that Steve Irwin had died. I was still to much in shock to finish the page that afternoon so I decided to wait a couple of weeks before finishing the page.
Steve Irwin
1962-2006
The Crocodile Hunter
I am totally at a loss right now. It's difficult to know what to say. I am in tears as I write this. I couldn't believe it when I read the headline late last night. I had decided to check out the website for the local newspaper while listening to music to decide what to put on my ipod when a single headline caught my eye. It simply said, "Steve Irwin Killed".
At first I didn't believe it. I thought it had to be a mistake but, as I started searching the web, other news stories appeared confirming the awful news. The Crocodile Hunter had been killed when a barb from a stingray when into his heart. It was described as a freak accident by some, while others said he must have been provoking the stingray. Soon the details of the story emerged. Steve Irwin had been swimming over the stingray when the animal became frightened and raised its tail, putting the razor sharp barb into Steve Irwin's heart.
Even now I can't believe it. Steve Irwin almost seemed invincible the way he handled venomous snakes and powerful crocodiles. He never seemed to be afraid of any of the animals he encountered, even when those animals could easlily have killed him. But he always respected the animals. He always handled snakes gently without grabbing them behind the head the way others do. Instead he gently held the snake by the tail end, allowing it to move freely as he showed the snake off for the camera.
He never seemed afraid...
I remember seeing him swim with a crocodile when it was released into the water. I remember seeing him swim with sharks. He always seemed excited to have the chance to encounter another animal whether it was big and dangerous or cute and furry. I saw him handle spiders and scorpions. I remember one episode where he was chased by a huge monitor lizzard. That was probably the only time he ever seemed afraid - when he had to climb a tree to get away from the monitor lizzard. Of course anybody would be afraid in a situation like that. But most of the time he had a child-like enthusiasm for finding new animals to show to people.
The newer TV shows all seemed to deal with the Australia Zoo. Even within the confines of the zoo, his passion and enthusiasm for conservation seemed to emerge from the TV screen with an impossible energy. He was never afraid to show emotion when one of his animals died. I remember watching the episode where one of the crocodiles had died and Steve was crying as he wrapped his arms around the body of the crocodile. He wasn't ashamed to cry in front of the camera when an animal that he loved died.
I guess that's one of the things I respected most about him - he was completely open and upfront. Whether in laughter or tears, the audience saw it all and was made to feel a part of his adventures and even his life. When his daughter was born, he brought the cameras into the room where his wife was giving birth. Such an intimate and beautiful moment and we, the viewers, were welcomed into the room to share it with Steve and Terri.
And now he's gone ... taken away from this world in an instant. There will never be anybody like him. His love of wildlife ... his amazing enthusiasm and energy ... his tireless dedication to educating people about the wonderful animals we share this world with ... and his selfless work toward conservation. He was truly unique and he will be missed.
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I saw an interview with Terri Irwin on TV a couple of nights ago. It was the first time she has spoken in public since her husband's death. My heart breaks for her and her children. If Steve Irwin's death hurt me - and millions of other people who didn't even know him - so badly, then I can only imagine how it must be for them. Then again maybe I can't ... at times during the interview her face would light up as she talked about her husband - then the tears would come. She wasn't ashamed to show her pain or her tears. I admire her strength and her faith. And I pray for her and the children during this time of grief. May God bless them and give them strenth.
Terri Irwin and her children at the memorial service for Steve Irwin
