Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin with croc (www.flickr.com)

Ever since my childhood I have always been fascinated with animals. Watching documentaries and reading facts about animals became part of my daily routines. One of my favorite shows was “The Crocodile Hunter,” with wildlife expert, conservationist, and television show host Steve Irwin. Crazy encounters with crocodiles and other large reptiles were some of the primary story lines on his show. Steve Irwin hosted his show with quirky expressions and an enthusiasm and excitement for animals. Steve’s love for animals shone through as he continuously expressed his passion for animals with the world. His knowledge of reptiles and other animals in the world is what captivated me and why he became my hero.

Born in Australia in 1962, Steve Irwin grew up studying and caring for animals at his parents' wildlife park, the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, which is now known as the Australia Zoo. In his early years, Steve was taught by his father to catch crocodiles and he received a python for his sixth birthday. Steve Irwin’s early encounters with animals sparked his enthusiasm for showing and teaching others. After twenty years of rescuing crocodiles and helping his father, Steve took over the family business and renamed it the Australia Zoo. Steve’s new adventure was to make the Australia Zoo the world’s best zoo. Steve also married an American girl, Terrie Irwin, and started the television show “The Crocodile Hunter” while on their honeymoon.

Steve Irwin had two children, a lovely wife, and a prospering business, and his primary purpose was to protect animals and their environment. After fifteen years of a happy and successful life, tragedy struck the Irwin family. On September 4, 2006, Steve was filming a new program at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Snorkeling near a stingray, he was pierced in the chest by its barb, which hit his heart. Irwin died of cardiac arrest shortly after being stung. The death of Steve Irwin was a sad and unexpected ending for a man who had made rescuing and capturing formidable creatures his life's work. The legacy of Steve lives on through his family and every person he touched. This enthusiastic, knowledgeable man taught me much of what I know about animals and I am proud to say he is my hero.