Steve Irwin

"I have a message for my fans. Whatever you want to do in this world, it is achievable. The most important thing that I've found, that perhaps you could use, is be passionate and enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life, and you'll be a winner" (Steve Irwin) Irwin was a person that was passionate about doing what he loved since he was young and inspiring others with his great success. Steve was born on February 22, 1962 in Essendon, Australia into a family filled with an infinite amount of  love for all animals. Irwin's parents established a reptile park in 1970 where Irwin was first able to interact with many animals that he adored. Over the years, Irwin met the love of his life, Terri, and started a family of two children. A few of Irwin's greatest accomplishments in his life were the creations of his T.V shows "The Crocodile Hunter", "The Croc Files" and the production of his movie with his wife called "Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course" which allowed Irwin to spread his love for animals on a greater scale. Despite of the controversy of Steve Irwins intentions, Irwin is a hero because he is dedicated about teaching others, passionate about all animals and his ability of changing the perspective of others.

Steven Irwin was passionate about teaching others and spreading awareness about the animals he cherished. Irwin did everything to disperse his knowledge about animals by reaching the younger generation, after having success with his first popular T.V show, "The Crocodile Hunter", he created the "The Croc Files": "They also developed a new show for younger children called the "Croc Files." It used shorter, simpler, and more exciting clips put together to keep kids' attention." ("Steve Irwin." Steve Irwin). Irwin did  not only teach adults, Irwin figured out ways to appeal to kids. By going the extra mile, Steve has made a difference in wildlife awareness by educating the future generations of the world. Steve Irwin's dauntless personality allows him to get daringly close to potentially  dangerous animals: "Irwin told Entertainment Weekly, "While most shows use long lenses, we get right up close so the audience feels like they're smack in the middle of the bush. One time, a 10-foot saltwater croc grabbed me on the hand and--whap!--pulled me into the water..." ("Steve Irwin." Gale Biography in Context).  Irwin was committed to teach others by putting himself in danger by getting one good shot that would increase the quality of his show and hopefully help other people better understand wild animals. Irwin's lighthearted tone when he talks about his dangerous actions shows how fulfilled and happy he is about teaching others even if it means he risks his well being. Through Steve Irwin's actions we can learn about his dedication of teaching others about the animals he treasures.

Irwin is driven to help animals and make a difference in wildlife conservation. Ever since Steve's  father turned over the family zoo, Steve has done everything he possibly could to help make the zoo a better place for all animals: "Under his direction, the zoo continued to expand. More land was purchased and the number of animals neared 500. A veterinary center was added to care for the resident zoo animals and for the injured wild animals brought by others. Two vehicles were added to be ready for emergency wildlife rescue calls. Areas for crocodiles became more and more important as the Irwins continued their work to save "problem" crocodiles and increase public awareness" ("Steve Irwin." Steve Irwin ). Through all the changes that Irwin made for the zoo one can tell he wants the best for his animals. Steve also tried to protect crocodiles from others that were not educated. Irwin did  not use his profits he made from his successful T.V shows and movie for their own personal benefit; Irwin used his money to support the wellbeing of the animals: "According to Irwin however, the financial fruits of this success have not gone to fuel a lavish lifestyle, but have been channeled into purchasing tracts of endangered habitat to be set aside for wildlife conservation" (Soylent Communication).Irwin's selflessness is apparent due to his sacrifice of a sumptuous lifestyle most people wish for, as a result to help the preservation of the wildlife. Steve's main goal in life was too help animals in every way he possibly could.

Irwin had a unique aspect in his personality that caused people to change their mindset about  wildlife and unusual animals. After Irwin's death, his daughter, Bindi, was motivated to create her own T.V series: "Irwin's legacy was the work and family he doted on. His eight-year-old daughter, Bindi, was already following in his footsteps and had been making a series with him at the time of his death. Environmental organization Planet Ark founder John Dee, a friend of Irwin's, told Jennifer Wulff of People, "We've got a fantastic chip off the block ready and raring to go. Hopefully [Bindi will] educate a whole new generation in the way her dad has." That time would, understandably, would be some time off in the future, as his wife and children mourned him" ("Irwin, Steve"). As a result of her father's success in educating people through his various T.V shows, Bindi has also decided to educate others about wildlife. Irwin's love for animals transferred over to his daughter so that she can continue to try to make a difference in the way future generations will think about unfamiliar animals. Steve Irwin created a chain reaction of awareness that will make a difference in the world. Terri, Irwin's wife, reflects on the accomplishments Irwin has done to society: "As Terri once said, 'All Steve wants to do is save these animals. He lives it, he breathes it, he sleeps it.. Steve's a great role model, and he won't sit there and tell you that. He won't tell you that, while in the scientific world a lot of the things, that are going on are very necessary and important, the reality, is that you're going to have kids from eight to 80 going, 'This animal that I was scared of--it's cool! That snake in the backyard? Check it out!' Instead of just going WHACK, WHACK, WHACK and killing it, people are now interested in it. We're reaching kids, we're reaching new generations, we're reaching people who never gave a rat's patootie about wildlife or conservation'" ("Steve Irwin." Steve Irwin ). Due to the hard work Irwin did with his informative shows, he changed the way people of all ages reacted to uncommon animals. Additionally, by informing many people around the world and changing their point of view, Irwin has helped many animals that would have otherwise been harmed. Irwin has made an transformation in society by just demonstrating to the world how much he cares about animals.

Through Irwin's passion of spreading awareness and teaching others about wildlife, keeping animals safe and altering the perceptions of many, Irwin is seen as a heroic icon. His passion for sharing information can be displayed as he risked his life in many life threatening situations. Irwin's selfless ways of life can be seen as he did everything he possibly could to help protect animals and make a difference in animal conservation. Even though Irwin has had great success in his, he continued to help others achieve their goals: " Having done so much for conservation already, they only wanted to do more and help other conservationists achieve their goals as well" ("Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors - Our Inspiration") Since Irwin has already made a great difference in wildlife conservation, he believes that if more people reach their goal it would make even more of a significant impact on conservation. This selfless act proves Irwin as a hero for me because he could of stopped after he achieved his goal but he continued to support others. Steve Irwin has also inspired many others through his hard work and great heroic values. Steve Irwin is my hero because even though he help animals in the wild, he has inspired to look into volunteering at local pet shelters to just make a small difference in animal's lives. On the tragic day of September 4, 2006, when a fatal accident happened, Irwin died a hero because he made many animals' lives better.