Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin (22 February 1962 – 4 September 2006) was an Australian wildlife conservationist and television personality. He gained worldwide fame as the host of the internationally popular wildlife documentary television series, The Crocodile Hunter.

Early Life

Irwin was born in Essendon, Victoria, Australia. His parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin, were wildlife naturalists who owned the Australia Zoo, in Beerwah, Queensland. Irwin grew up around crocodiles and other reptiles, developing a deep and abiding love for wildlife from a young age.

Career

Irwin's career began in earnest in 1991 when he took over the management of the Australia Zoo. In 1992, he met Terri Raines, an American naturalist, who he married later that year. The couple spent their honeymoon capturing crocodiles, and the footage they shot became the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter. The series debuted on Australian television in 1996 and quickly became popular, eventually being broadcast in over 130 countries.

Irwin was known for his enthusiastic and somewhat unconventional approach to wildlife conservation. He was often seen in close proximity to dangerous animals, including crocodiles, snakes, and spiders. His catchphrase, "Crikey!", became well known around the world.

Death and Legacy

Irwin died on 4 September 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary film titled Ocean's Deadliest. His death was met with shock and grief around the world, and he was posthumously awarded the Centenary Medal by the Australian government for his services to global conservation.

Irwin's legacy lives on through his family and the continued work of the Australia Zoo. His daughter, Bindi Irwin, is a television personality and conservationist, and his son, Robert Irwin, is a photographer and television personality.

See Also

• Wildlife conservation
• The Crocodile Hunter
• Australia Zoo