Steve Irwin, the famous Crocodile Hunter from Australia died nearly three years ago. He was an Australian icon, winning the hearts of the world through his encounters with crocodiles and snakes. Some would say that Steve Irwin was an Ambassador for Australia. He had a larger than life personality, a sense of fun and adventure and of course that great Australian accent - "Crikey!"
1992 marked the start of Steve's International success. Steve and his wife decided to film a wildlife documentary about a crocodile rescue mission. This was instead of a more traditional honeymoon. This was the first episode of the "Crocodile Hunter" It became a success almost overnight with a further 150 episodes being filmed. Today it has been viewed by over 500 million people across over 140 countries.
From an early age, Steve was exposed to wildlife as his parents ran a reptile park in Queensland. He took an active role in the park, performing various duties. It was his Dad who was Steve's hero. He took Steve with him on various field trips to rescue crocodiles or remove them from populated areas. They also visited the Australian deserts to study snakes.
It was at the Reptile Park that Steve met his wife Terri. She was visiting from Eugene, Oregon which is in the centre of the USA. Steve was 29 and Terri was 27. It was apparently love at first site. They had lots in common. Terri herself was into wildlife and had started her won wildlife rehabilitation programme in 1986 called "Cougar Country." She was also a Veterinary Technician in a veterinary hospital.
The 90's saw the retirement of Steve's parents. It meant that the family Reptile Park transferred to Steve and Terri to run. They decided to re-name it, Australia Zoo Today, the zoo is world famous and probably the most well known zoo in all of Australia.
It wasn't long until Steve and Terri decided to have children. Their first was a daughter born in July 1998. They called her Bindi, which is an aboriginal word meaning "Young Girl." It was also the name of Steve's favourite crocodile. Their second child was born in 2003, a boy, whom they named Robert. He is very like his father.
Steve died on 4th September 2006. He was out at sea in Australia, shooting a documentary on the dangerous creatures of the sea. A stingray's barb entered his chest and killed him almost instantly. It seems ironic to think that this is only the second death in Australia by a stingray - how unlucky he was, this man that wrestles crocodiles for a living. The Australian nation was devastated by his death and the rest of the world mourned his lost.
Steve was a legend when it came to his charity work. Today Terri, Bindi and Robert continue on with Steve's plans. Australia Zoo is an awesome day out and continues to attract both National and International travellers. It is only an hour or so drive north of Brisbane and should be added to your itinerary if you intend to travel down the East Coast of Australia. If you love animals or have kids, then I strongly recommend spending a day here.
The Irwin Family continue to promote Steve's good causes and are celebrities in their own right now. Bindi is perhaps the most well known having her own doll and clothes line.
Steve really was an Aussie legend and is sadly missed across the world.
1992 marked the start of Steve's International success. Steve and his wife decided to film a wildlife documentary about a crocodile rescue mission. This was instead of a more traditional honeymoon. This was the first episode of the "Crocodile Hunter" It became a success almost overnight with a further 150 episodes being filmed. Today it has been viewed by over 500 million people across over 140 countries.
From an early age, Steve was exposed to wildlife as his parents ran a reptile park in Queensland. He took an active role in the park, performing various duties. It was his Dad who was Steve's hero. He took Steve with him on various field trips to rescue crocodiles or remove them from populated areas. They also visited the Australian deserts to study snakes.
It was at the Reptile Park that Steve met his wife Terri. She was visiting from Eugene, Oregon which is in the centre of the USA. Steve was 29 and Terri was 27. It was apparently love at first site. They had lots in common. Terri herself was into wildlife and had started her won wildlife rehabilitation programme in 1986 called "Cougar Country." She was also a Veterinary Technician in a veterinary hospital.
The 90's saw the retirement of Steve's parents. It meant that the family Reptile Park transferred to Steve and Terri to run. They decided to re-name it, Australia Zoo Today, the zoo is world famous and probably the most well known zoo in all of Australia.
It wasn't long until Steve and Terri decided to have children. Their first was a daughter born in July 1998. They called her Bindi, which is an aboriginal word meaning "Young Girl." It was also the name of Steve's favourite crocodile. Their second child was born in 2003, a boy, whom they named Robert. He is very like his father.
Steve died on 4th September 2006. He was out at sea in Australia, shooting a documentary on the dangerous creatures of the sea. A stingray's barb entered his chest and killed him almost instantly. It seems ironic to think that this is only the second death in Australia by a stingray - how unlucky he was, this man that wrestles crocodiles for a living. The Australian nation was devastated by his death and the rest of the world mourned his lost.
Steve was a legend when it came to his charity work. Today Terri, Bindi and Robert continue on with Steve's plans. Australia Zoo is an awesome day out and continues to attract both National and International travellers. It is only an hour or so drive north of Brisbane and should be added to your itinerary if you intend to travel down the East Coast of Australia. If you love animals or have kids, then I strongly recommend spending a day here.
The Irwin Family continue to promote Steve's good causes and are celebrities in their own right now. Bindi is perhaps the most well known having her own doll and clothes line.
Steve really was an Aussie legend and is sadly missed across the world.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decadeof experience in travelling Australia. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com gives useful information for planning your visit to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more information on the Irwin's and getting the most out of a visit to Australia Zoo
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