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{{Infobox Celebrity
| name = Steve Irwin
| image = Steve Irwin.jpg
| caption =
| birth_date = [[February 22]], [[1962]]
| birth_place = <!-- do NOT remove flag! It is considered VANDALISM. -->{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Essendon, Victoria|Essendon]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]].
| death_date = [[September 4]], [[2006]]
| death_place = {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Batt Reef]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]]
| occupation = [[Natural history|Naturalist]], [[Zoologist]], [[Conservationist]], <br>[[Nature documentary|Television Personality]]
| spouse = [[Terri Irwin]]
| children = [[Bindi Irwin|Bindi Sue]] and <br>Robert (Bob) Clarence
| website = [http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au CrocodileHunter.com.au]
| footnotes =
}}
{{Wikiquote}}
'''Stephen Robert Irwin''' ([[February 22]], [[1962]] – [[September 4]], [[2006]]), nicknamed "'''The Crocodile Hunter'''", was an [[Australia|Australian]] conservationist and television personality. He achieved world-wide fame from the television program ''[[The Crocodile Hunter]]'', an internationally-broadcast [[nature documentary|wildlife documentary]] series co-hosted with his wife [[Terri Irwin]]. Together with his wife, he also co-owned and operated [[Australia Zoo]] in [[Beerwah, Queensland|Beerwah]], [[Queensland]], founded by his parents.

==Early years==
Born to Lyn and [[Bob Irwin]] in [[Essendon, Victoria|Essendon]], a [[suburb]] of [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], Irwin moved with his parents as a child to Queensland in 1970. Irwin described his father as a wildlife expert interested in [[herpetology]] whilst his mother Lyn was a [[wildlife]] rehabilitator. After moving to Queensland, Bob and Lyn Irwin started the small Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, where Steve grew up around [[crocodile]]s and other [[reptile]]s.

Irwin became involved with the park in a number of ways, including taking part in daily animal feeding, as well as care and maintenance activities. On his sixth birthday he was given a 12-foot [[python|scrub python]]. He began handling crocodiles at the age of nine after his father had educated him on reptiles from an early age.<ref>{{cite web | title = Biography: Steve Irwin | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20350280-601,00.html | work = [[The Australian]] | publisher = News Limited | date = [[4 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> Also at age nine he wrestled his first crocodile, again under his father's supervision.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Wulff | first = Jennifer | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Wild by Nature. (STEVE IRWIN 1962-2006) | journal = People Weekly | volume = 66 | issue = 12 | pages = 60 | publisher = Time, Inc | date = Sept 18, 2006 | url = | doi = | id = | accessdate = }}</ref> He graduated from Caloundra State High School in 1979. He soon moved to Northern Queensland, where he became a crocodile [[Trapping (Animal)|trapper]], removing crocodiles from populated areas where they were considered a danger. He performed the service for free with the ''[[quid pro quo]]'' that he be allowed to keep them for the park. Irwin followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a volunteer for the Queensland Government's East Coast Crocodile Management program.

==Career==
===Rise to fame===
{| align=left cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0
|-
| [[Image:Steve irwin at Australia zoo.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Irwin feeding a crocodile at [[Australia Zoo]].]]
|-
| {{wiktionaryleft|crikey}}
|}
The park was a family run business until it was turned over to Irwin. He took over the running of the park, now called Australia Zoo (renaming it in 1992). Also that year, he appeared in a one-off reptile and wildlife special for television. In 1991, he met Terri Raines at the park, whilst performing a demonstration. The two married in June 1992, in Eugene, [[Oregon]]. The footage, shot by [[John Stainton]], of their crocodile-trapping [[honeymoon]] became the first episode of ''The Crocodile Hunter''. The series debuted on Australian TV screens in 1996, and by the following year had made its way onto North American television. ''The Crocodile Hunter'' became successful in the United States and also, after repackaging by Partridge Films for ITV, in the UK. <ref>Platt, R: "A Natural Presenter at One With Nature" The Guardian. 5 September 2006</ref>In 1998 he continued, working with producer and director [[Mark Strickson]], to present ''The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World''. By 1999, he had become very popular in the United States, making his first appearance on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]''. By this time, ''the Crocodile Hunter'' series was now broadcast in over 137 countries, reaching 500 million people. His exuberant and enthusiastic presenting style, broad [[Australian English|Australian accent]], constant wearing of [[khaki]]s, and [[catch phrase|catchphrase]] "Crikey!" became known worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | first = Sandra | last = Lee | title = Wild Thing | url = http://www.usaweekend.com/00_issues/000618/000618croc_hunter.html | publisher = [[USA Weekend|USA Weekend Magazine]] | date = [[18 June]] [[2000]] | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref>

Under Irwin's leadership, the operations grew to include the zoo, the television series, the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation (renamed [[Wildlife Warriors]]), and the International Crocodile Rescue. Improvements to the Australia Zoo include the Animal Planet Crocoseum, the rainforest aviary and Tiger Temple. Irwin mentioned that he was considering opening an Australia Zoo in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], and possibly at other sites around the world.<ref name="larry_king_transcript">{{cite web|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0411/25/lkl.01.html |title=LARRY KING LIVE Interview With Steve Irwin |accessmonthday= [[4 September]]|accessyear=2006 |last=King |first=Larry |authorlink=Larry King |coauthors=Irwin, Steve |date=[[2004-11-25]] |work=CNN |publisher=Cable News Network LP, LLLP}}</ref>

===Film===
[[Image:Crocodile Hunter film.jpg|thumb|Irwin in ''[[The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course]]''.]]
In 2001, Irwin appeared in a [[cameo appearance|cameo role]] in the [[Eddie Murphy]] film ''[[Dr. Dolittle 2]]''. Irwin's only starring feature film role was in 2002's ''[[The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course]]'', which was released to mixed reviews. In the film Irwin (who portrayed himself and performed numerous stunts) mistakes some [[CIA]] agents for poachers. He sets out to stop them from capturing a crocodile, which, unknown to him, has actually swallowed a [[tracking transmitter]]. The film won the Best Family Feature Film award for a comedy film at the [[Young Artist Awards]]. The film was produced on a budget of about $12 million, and has grossed [[United States dollar|$]]33 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=crocodilehunter.htm |title=The Crocodile Hunter:Collision Course |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |publisher=Box Office Mojo, LLC}}</ref> To promote the film, Irwin was featured in an animated short produced by [[Animax Entertainment]] for Intermix.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.animaxent.com/crocodile_hunter| publisher=Animax| title=The Crocodile Hunter| accessdate=2006-09-10}}</ref>

In 2002, the Irwins appeared in the [[Wiggles]] video/dvd release ''[[Wiggly Safari]]'', which was set in Irwin's Australia Zoo. It featured Irwin-themed songs written and performed by the Wiggles such as "Crocodile Hunter", "Australia Zoo", "Snakes (You can look but you better not touch)" and "We're The Crocodile Band". Irwin was featured prominently on the cover and throughout the movie.

In 2003, Irwin was reportedly in line to host a [[chat show]] on Australian network television, a series that never went into production.{{fact}}

In 2006, Irwin provided his voice for the animated film ''[[Happy Feet]]'', as an [[elephant seal]] named Trev. The film was dedicated to Irwin, as he died during post-production.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366548/trivia | title=Trivia for Happy Feet (2006) | publisher=[[IMDB]] | accessdate=2006-11-26}}</ref>

===Animal Planet===
[[Image:Croc Files.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Croc Files]]]]
[[Animal Planet]] ended ''The Crocodile Hunter'' with a series finale entitled "Steve's Last Adventure." The last Crocodile Hunter documentary spanned three hours with footage of Irwin's across-the-world adventure in locations including the [[Himalayas]], the [[Yangtze River]], [[Borneo]], and the [[Kruger National Park]]. Irwin went on to star in other Animal Planet documentaries, including ''The [[Croc Files]]'', ''[[The Crocodile Hunter Diaries]]'', and ''New Breed Vets''.

===Later projects===
In January 2006 as part of "Australia Week" celebrations in the USA, Irwin appeared at the [[Pauley Pavilion]], [[UCLA]] in [[Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles]], [[California]]. During an interview on ''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', Irwin announced that [[Discovery Kids]] would be developing a show for his daughter, [[Bindi Sue Irwin]].<ref>''The Tonight Show with Jay Leno'', [[13 January]] [[2006]].</ref> The show, ''Jungle Girl'', was tipped to be similar to [[The Wiggles]] movies, with songs that surround a story. A feature-length episode of Australian kids TV show ''[[The Wiggles]]'' entitled "Wiggly Safari" appears dedicated to Irwin, and he's featured in it heavily with his wife and daughter. The show includes the song "Crocodile Hunter, Big Steve Irwin".

In 2006, the American network [[Travel Channel|The Travel Channel]] had begun to show a series of specials starring Irwin and his family as they travelled on cross-country tours.

===Media work===
[[Image:Posters steve koala.jpg|thumb|right|A poster from Irwin's ''Quarantine Matters!'' campaign.]]
Irwin was also involved in several media campaigns. He enthusiastically joined with the [[Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service]] to promote Australia's strict [[quarantine]]/[[customs]] requirements, with advertisements and posters featuring slogans such as, "Quarantine Matters! Don't muck with it". His payments for these advertising campaigns were directed into his wildlife fund.<ref name=Willis>{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2003/s982212.htm | title = PM - Steve Irwin defends quarantine ad | accessmonthday = [[5 September]] | accessyear = 2006 | author = Willis, Louise | coauthors = Irwin, Steve; Colvin, Mark | date = [[2003-11-04]] | work = | publisher = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] }}</ref>

In 2004 he was appointed ambassador for [[The Ghan]], the passenger train running from [[Adelaide]] to [[Alice Springs]] in the central Australian outback, when the line was extended all the way to [[Darwin]] on the northern coast that year. For some time he was sponsored by [[Toyota]].<ref>[http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:JQzo9gBgQ70J:trd.toyota.com.au/psa/articles/0,2481,subId%25253D816%252526sectionId%25253D714,00.html+steve+irwin+toyota&hl=en&gl=au&ct=clnk&cd=2&client=firefox-a Google cache copy of a Toyota Australia page]: Crikey! Steve Irwin loves his Toyotas! </ref>

He was also a keen promoter for Australian tourism in general and Queensland tourism in particular. In 2002 the Australia Zoo was voted Queensland's top tourist attraction.<ref name=Murdoch>{{cite news | first = Anna | last = King Murdoch |title = He's smart, by crikey | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/06/09/1055010919523.html | work = The Age | publisher = The Age Company Ltd | date = [[10 June]] 2003 | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> His immense popularity in the United States meant he often promoted Australia as a tourist destination there.<ref name=Elliot>{{cite news | first = Geoff | last = Elliot | title = Keep it simple, mate | work = [[The Australian]] | publisher = News Limited | date = [[27 January]] 2006 }}[http://www.australianmade.com.au/news/articles/7364.asp Copy at www.australianmade.com.au]</ref>

===Honours===
In 2001 Irwin was awarded the [[Centenary Medal]] for his "service to global conservation and to Australian tourism".<ref>[http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1116480&search_type=quick&showInd=true www.itsanhonour.gov.au]</ref> In 2004 he was recognised as Tourism Export of the Year.<ref>[http://www.crocodilehunter.com/crocodile_hunter/news_articles/crikey_croc_huntere_wins_top_export_gong.htm Crocodile Hunter: Croc Hunter Wins Top Export Gong], copy of [[Sunshine Coast Daily]] article, originally published [[10 December]] [[2004]].</ref>
He was also nominated in 2004 for [[Australian of the Year]]; an honour which was won by [[Steve Waugh]]. Doubts were cast over his nomination when the "baby Bob" incident occurred in January of that year.<ref>{{cite news |title = Irwin defends stunt |url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/05/1073267964997.html |publisher = Sydney Morning Herald |date = [[2004-01-06]] |accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> Shortly before his death, he was to be named an adjunct professor at the University of Queensland's School of Integrative Biology.<ref> {{cite news| url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20445606-1702,00.html|publisher=NEWS.com.au|
date=[[2006-09-20]]|title=Irwin was set to be academic|accessdate=2006-09-20}}</ref>

===Environmentalism===
{{seealso|Wildlife Warriors}}
Irwin was a passionate [[conservationist]] and believed in promoting [[environmentalism]] by sharing his excitement about the natural world rather than preaching to people. He was concerned with conservation of [[Endangered species|endangered animals]] and [[Deforestation|land clearing]] leading to loss of habitat. He considered conservation to be the most important part of his work: "I consider myself a wildlife warrior. My mission is to save the world's endangered species."<ref name=Murdoch/> Irwin bought "large tracts of land" in [[Australia]], [[Vanuatu]], [[Fiji]] and the [[United States]], which he described as "like [[national park]]s" and stressed the importance of people realising that they could each make a difference.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s960998.htm | title = ENOUGH ROPE with Andrew Denton - episode 30: Steve Irwin | accessmonthday = [[4 September]] | accessyear= 2006|author=Denton, Andrew |authorlink=Andrew Denton | coauthors = Irwin, Steve | date= [[2003-10-06]] |work= | publisher = [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] }}</ref>

He had urged people to take part in considerate tourism and not support illegal [[poaching]] through the purchase of items such as turtle shells, or [[shark-fin soup]]:<ref name="SharkFinSoup">{{cite web |url = http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?menuID=2&subID=883&p=3 | publisher = The First Post | title = Death of the crocodile hunter | date = September 4 2006 | accessdate=2006-09-10}}</ref>

{{cquote|These [[Adolf Hitler|Hitlers]] use the camouflage of science to make money out of animal deaths … So whenever they murder our animals and call it sustainable use, I'll fight it. Since when has killing a wild animal, eating it or wearing it, ever saved a species?
<P>
There are people who butt out their [[cigarette]]s in gorilla-paw ashtrays, with wastepaper baskets that were once elephant feet, who have ivory ornaments… who wear cheetah fur. Don't buy these things! Then there'll be no market and the animals won't be killed.
<P>
We have domesticated livestock raised for consumption and perfectly good fake leather and fur, so why must we kill wild animals to satisfy the [[macabre]] taste of some rich person?<ref>[http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/in_the_media/irwinsinc.html Wildlife Warriors: In the Media 2006], copy of an article from ''[[Australian Women's Weekly]]'', August 2006.</ref>}}

He founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and became an independent [[charity]]. He was described after his death by the [[CEO]] of [[RSPCA Australia|RSPCA]] Queensland as a "modern-day [[Noah]]", and [[United Kingdom|British]] naturalist [[David Bellamy]] lauded his skills as a [[natural history|natural historian]] and media performer.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://today.reuters.com/News/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=SP68982 | title = Australia stunned by death of "modern-day Noah" | accessmonthday = [[4 September]] | accessyear = 2006 | last = Tait | first = Paul | date = [[2006-09-04]] | work = Reuters.com | publisher = Reuters }}</ref> Irwin discovered a new species of turtle that now bears his name, ''[[Elseya irwini]]'' &mdash; Irwin's Turtle &mdash; a species of turtle found on the coast of Queensland.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.deh.gov.au/cgi-bin/abrs/fauna/details.pl?pstrVol=REPTILIA;pstrTaxa=3312;pstrChecklistMode=1 | title = Elseya irwini | accessmonthday = [[4 September]] | accessyear = 2006 | work = Australian Faunal Directory | publisher = Department of the Environment and Heritage, Commonwealth of Australia }}</ref>

He also helped to found a number of other projects, such as the International Crocodile Rescue, as well as the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, in memory of his mother, with proceeds going to the Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Irwin, however, was criticised for having an unsophisticated view of [[conservation in Australia]] that seemed more linked to tourism than the problems Australia faces as a [[Australia (continent)|continent]]. The ''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'' reported in 2002 that Irwin had stated:

{{cquote|"Here is my greatest gift to the world," he cries. "We need to stand proud of what is Australia … the greatest grazing nation on the face of the Earth! The whole joint is grazing land … and by crikey we're good at it! We should be … [eating] beef and lamb, not kangaroos and crocodiles. They're why [[tourists]] come to Australia. They are tourism icons!"}}

In response to questions of Australia's problems with [[overgrazing]], [[Salinity in Australia|salinity]], [[erosion]], Irwin responded: "Cows have been on our land for so long that Australia has evolved to handle those big animals." The Sydney Morning Herald concluded with the opinion that his message was confusing and amounted to "eating roos and crocs is bad for tourism, and therefore more cruel than eating other animals".<ref>{{cite news | first = Frank | last = Robson | author = | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/09/04/1157222053963.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap3 | title = Crikey, it's raw Stevo! | work = Good Weekend | publisher = Sydney Morning Herald | date = First published April 2002, republished [[2006-09-04]] | accessdate = 2006-09-05 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
<!--[[Image:Slide2v.jpg|right|thumb|230px|The Irwin Family: [[Terri Irwin|Terri]], Bob, Steve, and Bindi.]] comment out image with uncertain copyright status-->
===Family===
In 1992, Irwin married Terri Raines from [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], [[Oregon]], [[United States]]. The pair had met a few months earlier when Raines had visited the zoo on a holiday. Said Terri at the time, "I thought there was no one like this anywhere in the world. He sounded like an environmental Tarzan, a larger-than-life superhero guy."<ref name=Who.com>{{cite web | url = http://www.who.com/who/scoop/article/0,19971,1531530,00.html | title = Reptile Romance | accessmonthday = [[4 September]] | accessyear = 2006 | date = [[2002-11-02]] | work = Who Magazine | publisher = Time Inc }}</ref> Together they had two children: a daughter, [[Bindi Irwin|Bindi Sue Irwin]] (born [[July 24]], [[1998]]), and a son, Robert Clarence "Bob" Irwin (born [[December 1]], [[2003]]). Bindi Sue is jointly named after two of Steve Irwin's favourite animals: Bindi, a [[Saltwater Crocodile|saltwater crocodile]], and Sui, a [[Staffordshire Bull Terrier]] who died in June 2004.

Irwin was as enthusiastic about his family as he was about his work. He once described his daughter Bindi as "the reason he was put on the Earth." His wife once said, "The only thing that could ever keep him away from the animals he loves are the people he loves even more. "<ref name="larry_king_transcript"/>

===Controversy===
Some controversy arose during a public show on [[January 2]], [[2004]], when Irwin carried his one-month-old son, Bob, in his arm whilst hand-feeding a chicken carcass to Murray, a 3.8-metre (12.5-foot) saltwater crocodile. The infant was close to the crocodile, and comparisons were made in the press to [[Michael Jackson]]'s dangling his son outside a German hotel window (in the attempt to present his son to the crowd of fans).<ref name="babydangling">{{cite news
| title = It's like a part of Australia has died
| author = Patrick Barkham
| url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/australia/story/0,,1865085,00.html
| publisher = Guardian Unlimited
| date = [[2006-09-05]]
| accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref> In addition, child welfare groups, [[animal rights]] groups, and some of Irwin's television viewers criticised his actions as irresponsible and tantamount to [[child abuse]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3364733.stm |title=Inquiry into croc baby stunt |accessmonthday=[[4 September]] |accessyear=2006 ||date=[[2004-01-03]] |work=bbc.co.uk |publisher=[[BBC]]}}</ref> Despite public outcry by some in Australia and abroad, Irwin refused to apologise for the incident. Both he and his wife publicly stated that Irwin was in complete control of the situation, as he had dealt with crocodiles since he was a small child, and based on his lifetime of experience neither he nor his son were in any danger. Terri Irwin claimed their child was in no more danger than one being taught to swim. No charges were filed; according to one journalist, Irwin told officials he would not repeat the action.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/04/1073151212433.html | title = Croc hunter ducks for cover | first = Claire | last = O'Rourke | publisher = [[Sydney Morning Herald]] | date = [[2004-01-05]] |accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> The incident prompted the Queensland government to change its crocodile-handling laws, banning children and untrained adults from entering crocodile enclosures.<ref>{{cite news |first = |last = |author = |coauthors = |title = Steve Irwin baby concerns prompt law change |url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Steve-Irwin-baby-concerns-prompt-law-change/2005/02/23/1109046983142.html |format = |work = |publisher = Sydney Morning Herald |pages = |page = |date = [[2005-02-24]] |accessdate = 2006-09-04 |language = }}</ref>

In June 2004, allegations were made that he disturbed wildlife (namely [[whales]], [[sea lion|seals]] and [[penguin]]s) while filming a documentary, ''[[Ice Breaker (documentary)|Ice Breaker]]'', in [[Antarctica]]. The matter was subsequently closed without charges being filed.<ref name="ice_breaker">{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3896685.stm | title = Irwin cleared after Penguin Probe | publisher = [[BBC News]] | date = [[2004-06-15]] |accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref>

[[Animal Planet]] released a "Crocodile Hunter" special called "Confessions of the Crocodile Hunter" which attempted to explain some of the incidents. This special argues that Irwin's son was never in danger of being eaten by the crocodile, and that Irwin was of no threat to the animals in Antarctica.

===Politics===
After questions arose about Irwin being paid $175,000 worth of taxpayers' money to appear in a television advertisement and his possible political ties, Irwin told [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]:

{{cquote|I love [[John Howard]], and that's the way I am. So everyone thinks I'm, like, this diehard Liberal supporter. I'm not! I'm not. I'm sitting on the fence, mate; I'm a conservationist. I can't afford to be one way or the other. I just have to run straight up the middle, mate. I have to get on with whoever's in power. And to tell you the truth, the best speech that popped up in Parliament House when [[George W. Bush|George Bush]] was here was [[Simon Crean]]. Here's a bloke who actually disagreed with Iraq, OK, so he put forward the most eloquent speech, which really boosted his profile in my eyes. By crikey, I thought, Simon did the best one there, which is fantastic. So I appreciate good work when I see it, and that's all it is.<ref name=Willis />}}

His comments describing John Howard as the "greatest leader in the world" earned him scorn in the media.<ref>{{cite news | first =Miranda | last =Devine | title =Crikey! Praise for PM puts you in a snake pit | url =http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/08/1068243301741.html | work =The Sun-Herald | publisher =The Sydney Morning Herald | date = [[9 November]] 2003| accessdate =2006-09-05}}</ref>

===Search and rescue effort in Mexico===
In November 2003, Irwin was filming a documentary on [[sea lion]]s off the coast of [[Mexico]]'s [[Baja California Peninsula]] when he heard via his boat's radio that two [[scuba diver]]s were reported missing in the area. Irwin and his entire crew suspended operations to aid in the search. His team's divers searched with the rescue divers, and Irwin used his vessel to patrol the waters around the island where the incident occurred, as well as using his satellite communications system to call in a rescue plane. On the second day of the search, [[kayaker]]s found one of the divers, Scott Jones, perched on a narrow ledge of rocks over waters with dangerous currents. Irwin and a crewmember escorted him to Irwin's boat. Jones reported not recognising his celebrity rescuer as he had never seen Irwin on television. The other lost diver, Katie Vrooman, was found dead later the same day by a search plane not far from Jones's location.<ref>[http://www.cdnn.info/safety/s031123/s031123.html CDNN: Diver remembers day her scuba buddy died in Baja] by Thomas Geyer</ref>

===Sports fan===
Having grown up in Essendon, Irwin was a fan of the [[Essendon Football Club|Essendon Bombers]], an [[Australian rules football]] club in the [[Australian Football League]].<ref Name=times>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2342450,00.html "Steve Irwin"] The Times Online [[September 5]] [[2006]]. URL accessed on [[6 September]] [[2006]]</ref> Irwin took part in an Australian Rules football promotion in Los Angeles as part of "Australia Week" in early 2006.<ref>[http://www.australia-week.com/page/AFLMatchSteveIrwinShow AFL Match, Steve Irwin Show]. URL accessed on [[5 September]] [[2006]]</ref> After his death, a picture of Irwin wearing a Bombers guernsey was shown by [[ESPN|ESPN.com]] in their Bottom 10 ranking of the worst [[Division I-A]] [[college football]] teams after Week 1 of the season in tribute to him.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2573548 | title = The Bottom 10: Have a look at this beauty | firstname = David | lastname = Duffey | publisher = ESPN.com | date = 2006-09-06 | accessdate = 2006-09-11 }}</ref>

Living in Queensland most of his life, Irwin was also a fan of [[Rugby League]]. As a teenager he played for the Caloundra Sharks as a second-rower,<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20383719-3102,00.html Our mate Steve]. URL accessed on [[12 September]] [[2006]]</ref> and as an adult he was known to be a passionate [[Brisbane Broncos]] fan and was involved with the club on several occasions. On one occasion after turning up to training he asked if he could tackle the largest player, [[Shane Webcke]]. Despite being thrown to the ground and looking like he'd been crushed he was jovial about the experience. Irwin laughingly shared the experience with the [[Queensland State of Origin Team|Queensland]] [[Rugby League State of Origin|State of Origin]] squad before the 2006 series<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,20350166-2,00.html Tributes flow for 'true original']. URL accessed on [[12 September]] [[2006]]</ref>. Irwin also supported [[rugby union]], being a fan of the national team, the [[Australia national rugby union team|Wallabies]]. He once wore Wallaby jersey during a demonstration at the zoo. A behind-the-scenes episode of ''The Crocodile Hunter'' showed Irwin and the crew finding a gas station in a remote part of [[Namibia]] to watch the Wallabies defeat [[France national rugby union team|France]] in the [[1999 Rugby World Cup]] Final. Irwin was also a talented surfer. <ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=3699961&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection | title = Surfers invited to pay tribute | date = 2006-09-06 | accessdate = 2006-11-07}}</ref>

===Other personal information===
* Irwin was born on his mother's birthday.<ref name="larry_king_transcript" />
* Irwin was particularly interested in [[Singapore Zoo]], which he considered a sister institution of the [[Australia Zoo]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Singapore Sling! | work = International Crocodile Rescue | url = http://www.crocodilerescue.com/singapore.html | accessdate = 16 March | accessyear = 2006 }}</ref>
* Irwin loved [[mixed martial arts]] competitions and trained with Greg Jackson in the fighting/grappling system of [[Gaidojutsu]].<ref>[http://www.jacksons.tv/mma/index.php Jackson's Gaidojutsu Self Defense] www.jacksons.tv. Retrieved [[7 September]] [[2006]].</ref>
* Irwin said on an interview for the [[Discovery Communications|Discovery Networks]] that he would only stop his wildlife conservation efforts when his children took hold of the operation, just as he had done with his father.
* In 2004, during an interview with [[Larry King]], he admitted that after receiving many painful bites he had a fear of parrots.<ref name="larry_king_transcript"/>
* In 2005, in an interview for ''[[New Idea]]'', he told the magazine he was afraid of being killed in a car crash.<ref name="car crash">{{cite web | title = Irwin feared fast cars more than animals | url = http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=141770 | accessdate = 10 September | accessyear = 2006 }}</ref>
* Claims that he had joined a church a short time before his death appear to be [[urban legend]].<ref>{{cite news |first = Linda |last = Morris |title = Christians fed to lyings: Irwin no convert |url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/09/21/1158431843995.html?from=top5 |work = [[Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher = [[John Fairfax Holdings]]
|date = [[2006-09-22]] |accessdate = 2006-09-22}}</ref>,although Terri Irwin has stated in an interview that Steve believed in God.<ref>{{cite news|title=Interview|work=[[Woman's Day (Australia)]],date=2006-10-09|publisher=[[Australian Consolidated Press]]}}</ref>
* According to Terri, [[David Attenborough|Sir David Attenborough]] was a inspiration to Irwin. When presenting a [[Lifetime Achievement Award]] to Attenborough at the British [[National Television Awards]] on [[October 31]], [[2006]] she said "If there's one person who directly inspired my husband it's the person being honoured tonight." she went on to say "(Steve's) real, true love was conservation - and the influence of tonight's recipient in preserving the natural world has been immense."<ref name="Inspiration">{{cite news | title = Wildlife legend honoured | work = ITN News | publisher = ITN | date = 2006-11-01 | url = http://www.itn.co.uk/news/entertainment_6bf41e7a55ac3b005e7946fe9fb592da.html | accessdate = 2006-11-01 }}</ref> Sir Attenborough reciprocated with praising Irwin for introducing many to the natural world, saying "He taught them how wonderful and exciting it was, he was a born communicator."<ref name="Communicator">{{cite news | title = Terri Irwin presents award to Attenborough | work = The Australian | publisher = News.com.au | date = 2006-11-02 | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20687207-5006786,00.html | accessdate = 2006-11-03 }}</ref>

==Death==
{{wikinewsart|Crocodile Hunter's Steve Irwin dies at 44}}
Shortly after 01:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] (11:00 [[UTC+10|AEST]]) on [[September 4]], [[2006]], Irwin was fatally pierced in the chest by a [[stingray]] spine whilst snorkelling at the [[Great Barrier Reef]], at [[Batt Reef]], which is located off the coast of [[Port Douglas, Queensland|Port Douglas]] in [[Queensland]]. Irwin was in the area filming his own documentary, to be called ''The Ocean's Deadliest'', but weather had stalled filming. Irwin decided to take the opportunity to film some shallow water shots for a segment in the television program his daughter Bindi was hosting,<ref name="theage">{{cite news | title = Croc Hunter Irwin killed by stingray | publisher = THE AGE | date = [[4 September]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Croc-Hunter-Steve-Irwin-died-instantly/2006/09/04/1157222051588.html | accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> when, according to his friend and colleague, [[John Stainton]], he swam too close to one of the stingray. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat the ''Croc One''.

The events were caught on camera, and a copy of the footage was handed to the [[Queensland Police]].<ref name="AustNews">{{cite news | first = Ian | last = Gerard | coauthors = and Koch, Tony | title = Steve Irwin's freak death filmed | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20355112-601,00.html | publisher = The Australian | date = [[4 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref> After reviewing the footage of the incident and speaking to the cameraman who recorded it, marine documentary filmmaker and former spearfisherman [[Ben Cropp]] speculated that the stingray "felt threatened because Steve was alongside and there was the cameraman ahead". In such a case, the stingray responds to danger by automatically flexing the serrated spine on its tail (which can measure up to 25 cm or about 10 inches in length) in an upward motion.

Cropp said Irwin had accidentally boxed in the animal. "It stopped and twisted and threw up its tail with the spike, and it caught him in the chest. It's a defensive thing. It's like being stabbed with a dirty dagger". The stinging of Irwin by the [[Bull rays|bull ray]] was "a one-in-a-million thing," Cropp told ''[[Time magazine|Time]]'' magazine. "I have swum with many rays, and I have only had one do that to me."<ref name="timemagazine">{{cite web | title = Death of a Crocodile Hunter | url = http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1531446,00.html | author = Rory Callinan | publisher = [[Time Magazine]] | date = [[4 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate=2006-09-04 }}</ref>

Initially, when Irwin's colleague, [[John Stainton]], was interviewed by CNN's [[Larry King]] late on [[September 4]], [[2006]] he denied the suggestion that Irwin had pulled the spine out of his chest, or that he had seen footage of the event, insisting that the anecdote was "absolute rubbish."<ref name="cnnstaintoninterview">{{cite web | title = Crocodile Hunter Remembered | url = http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0609/04/acd.01.html | accessdate = 2006-09-05 }}</ref> The following day, when he first described the video to the media, he stated, "Steve came over the top of the ray and the tail came up, and spiked him here [in the chest], and he pulled it out and the next minute he's gone".<ref name="AustNews"/> It is thought, in the absence of a coroner's report, that a combination of the toxins and the puncture wound from the spine caused Irwin to die of [[cardiac arrest]], with most damage being inflicted by tears to arteries or other main blood vessels.<ref>{{cite news | title = Serrated knife-like barb, not toxins, the likely killer | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/09/04/1157222072726.html | author = Richard Macey | date = [[2006-09-05]] | publisher = Sydney Morning Herald | accessdate = 2006-09-05}}</ref> A similar incident in Florida a month later in which a man survived a stingray barb through the heart showed that Irwin may have caused his own death by removing the barb.<ref>{{cite web|last= |first=|authorlink= |coauthors= | date=2006-10-20 | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/leaving-stingray-barb-in-saved-him/2006/10/20/1160851103853.html |title=Irwin might have survived: surgeon |format= |work= |pages= |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald | language= |accessdate=2006-10-20 }}</ref> Until the coroner's report is released, however, the precise cause of Irwin's death remains conjecture.
Crew members aboard his boat called the emergency services in the nearest city of [[Cairns]] and administered [[CPR]] as they rushed the boat to the nearby Low Islets to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead when they arrived a short time later.<ref name="theage" /> According to Dr. Ed O'Loughlin, who treated Irwin, "it became clear fairly soon that he had non-survivable injuries. . . . He had a penetrating injury to the left front of his chest. He had lost his pulse and wasn't breathing."<ref>{{cite news | title = Stingray Kills 'Crocodile Hunter' | publisher = AOL News | date = [[4 September]] [[2006]] | url = http://articles.news.aol.com/entertainment/_a/stingray-kills-crocodile-hunter/20060904005509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 | accessdate = 2006-09-04}}</ref>
[[Image:Cairns locator-MJC.png|thumb|right|Cairns, Queensland]]
Irwin's body was flown to a morgue in Cairns. His wife, Terri Irwin, was on a walking tour in [[Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park]] in [[Tasmania]] at the time, and returned via a private plane from [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]] to the [[Sunshine Coast, Queensland|Sunshine Coast]] with their two children.<ref name="theage" />

Fatalities due to stingrays are infrequent but occurrences are not collated.<ref>{{cite web | title = How Deadly Are Stingrays? | url = http://www.slate.com/id/2148992 | publisher = Washington Post Company | work = Slate | date = [[5 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate = 2006-09-15 }}</ref> The attack on Irwin is believed to be the only fatality from a stingray ever captured on film.<ref>{{cite web | title = Stingray Deaths Rare and Agonizing | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/04/australia.irwin.stingray.reut/index.html | publisher = [[Reuters]] | work = [[CNN]] | date = [[4 September]] [[2006]] | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref>

Speculations have surfaced which suggest the tape of Steve Irwin's death may be released for broadcast on television.<ref name="contactmusic">{{cite news | title = Crocodile Hunter death to be broadcast? | publisher = Contact Music | date = [[5 September]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/crocodile%20hunter%20death%20to%20be%20broadcast_1007314 | accessdate = 2006-09-07}}</ref> However, the opposite has also been stated. Irwin's friend and manager John Stainton told [[CNN]]'s [[Larry King]] "[The tape] should be destroyed".<ref name="tapedestroyed">{{cite news | title = Irwin's dad: 'I lost my best mate' | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = [[6 September]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/06/death.irwin/index.html | accessdate = 2006-09-07 }}</ref> Nevertheless, Irwin had commented that, if he were to be killed by an animal, he would want the incident filmed. However, in an [[American Broadcast Company|ABC]] interview with [[Barbara Walters]], Irwin's wife Terri said she hasn't seen the film of her husband's deadly encounter with the stingray and that it won't ever be shown on television.<ref name="airfootage">{{cite news | title = Widow: 'Croc Hunter' thought he'd die young | publisher = [[CNN]] | [[27 September]] [[2006]] | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/09/26/irwin.terri.ap/index.html | accessdate = 2006-09-30 }}</ref>

===Reaction===
News of his death prompted widespread shock. [[Prime Minister of Australia|Australian Prime Minister]] [[John Howard]] expressed his "shock and distress" at the death, saying that "Australia has lost a wonderful and colourful son."<ref>{{cite news | title = Irwin brought joy to millions: PM | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20350650-5006786,00.html | publisher =[[The Australian]] | date = [[2006-09-04]] | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> [[Premiers of Queensland|Queensland Premier]] [[Peter Beattie]] commented in a [[Channel Seven]] television interview that Irwin "will be remembered as not just a great Queenslander, but a great Australian".<ref name="statefuneral">{{cite news | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20356038-29277,00.html | title = Irwin family offered state funeral | publisher = The Australian | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref> Several Australian news websites went down because of high web traffic and for the first time the top 10 list of most viewed stories for [[Fairfax Digital]] news sites were swept by one topic.<ref name="consumes_web">{{cite web | url = http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/09/05/1157222114384.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1 | title = Croc Hunter news consumes the web | publisher = theage.com.au | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate= 2006-09-08}}</ref> Talk-back radio experienced a high volume of callers expressing their grief.<ref>{{cite news | first = Richard | last = Fidler | title = Tributes flow for Steve Irwin | url = http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1732538.htm | publisher = 612 ABC radio | date = [[2006-09-04]] | accessdate = 2006-09-04 }}</ref>

The U.S. feed of the [[Animal Planet]] [[cable television]] channel aired a special tribute to Steve Irwin that started on Monday, [[4 September]] [[2006]]. The tribute continued with the Animal Planet channel showing highlights of Irwin's more than 200 appearances on Discovery Networks shows.<ref>''[[Reuters]]'' [http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-09-04T213925Z_01_N04279992_RTRIDST_0_AUSTRALIA-IRWIN-MEDIA.XML&rpc=66&type=qcna "Discovery network mourns Irwin, plans tribute"]</ref> The president of the Discovery Network, Billy Campbell, released a statement, saying:<ref name="discovery_mourns">{{cite web | url = http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/crochunter/steve/pressrelease_print.html | title = Discovery Communications, Inc. Mourns the Death of TV Host and Conservationist Steve Irwin | publisher = Discovery Communications | date = [[2006-09-04]] | accessdate = 2006-09-08 }}</ref>

{{cquote|Our entire company is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced our air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.}}

On the evening of his death, ''[[Enough Rope]]'' re-broadcast an interview between Irwin and [[Andrew Denton]] originally broadcast in 2003. [[CNN]] showed a repeat of his interview on ''[[Larry King Live]]'', originally recorded in 2004. The Australian [[Australian Parliament|federal parliament]] opened on [[September 5]], [[2006]] with condolence speeches by both the Prime Minister [[John Howard]] and the Leader of the Opposition [[Kim Beazley]]. The [[Seven Network]] aired a television memorial show as a tribute to Irwin on [[5 September]] [[2006]],<ref name="yahoo7">''[[Seven Network]]'' [http://au.news.yahoo.com/060905/23/10erm.html "Yahoo7 TV Tribute to Steve Irwin"]</ref> as did the [[Nine Network]] on [[September 6]], [[2006]].

[[Jay Leno]] delivered a tribute to Irwin, describing him as a great ambassador of Australia. Irwin appeared on Leno's talk show on more than ten occasions.<ref name="ustalk">''[[Sydney Morning Herald]]'' [http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/aussie-superman-brings-tears-to-us-chat-shows/2006/09/06/1157222169182.html "Aussie 'Superman' brings tears to US chat shows"]</ref> There were also tributes on ''[[Live with Regis & Kelly]]'' and [[Barbara Walters]]' ''[[The View]];'' on the former show, [[Kelly Ripa]] came close to tears with her praise of Irwin.<ref name="ustalk"/>

Hundreds of people visited [[Australia Zoo]] to pay tribute to the deceased entertainer and conservationist. The day after his death, the volume of people visiting the zoo to pay their respects affected traffic so much that police reduced the speed limit around the Glass House Mountains Road and told motorists to expect delays.<ref name="beatie_flags_irwin_award">{{cite news | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1733664.htm | title = Beattie flags Steve Irwin award, national park | publisher = ABC | date = [[2006-09-05]] | accessdate = 2006-09-07 }}</ref> [[BBC]] reported on [[September 13]], [[2006]] that thousands of fans have been to Australia Zoo since Irwin's death, bringing flowers, candles, stuffed animals and messages of support.<ref name=BBC060913>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5340906.stm| title = 'Crocoseum' tribute set for Irwin | publisher = [[BBC]] | date = [[2006-09-13]] | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref>

In the weeks after his death, Irwin's conservation foundation [[Wildlife Warriors]] reported that thousands of people from around the world were offering their support via donations to the conservation group.

===Criticism===
Dan Mathews, vice-president of animal rights group [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals]], said it was "no shock at all that Steve Irwin should die provoking a dangerous animal". He added that "Irwin made his career out of antagonising frightened wild animals, that's a very dangerous message to send to children." He also made a comparison with another well known conservationist: "If you compare him with a responsible conservationist like [[Jacques Cousteau]], he looks like a cheap reality TV star."<ref>{{cite news | first = | last = AAP| title = Irwin's antics 'a danger to children' | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/irwins-antics-a-danger-to-children/2006/09/13/1157826993532.html | publisher=The Age | date = [[2006-09-13]] | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Walls, Jeannette | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14626178/ | title=PETA sheds no crocodile tears for Steve Irwin | publisher=MSNBC | accessdate=2006-09-14}}</ref> The son of Jacques Cousteau, [[Jean-Michel Cousteau]], also a producer of wildlife documentaries, also took issue with Irwin's hands-on approach to nature television. Cousteau asserted "You don't touch nature, you just look at it." Although it "goes very well on television", Irwin's approach would "interfere with nature, jump on animals, grab them, hold them, and have this very, very spectacular, dramatic way of presenting things" which Cousteau felt is "very misleading".<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | author= | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/irwin-interfered-with-nature-says-cousteau/2006/09/20/1158431752163.html
| title=Irwin interfered with nature, says Cousteau | work= | publisher=Sydney Morning Herald | date=[[2006-09-20]] | accessdate=2006-09-20}}</ref> Jacques Cousteau's grandson Phillipe Cousteau, on the other hand, was working with Irwin on the "Ocean's Deadliest" project at the time of his death, and called Irwin "a remarkable individual". Describing their project, he said "I think why Steve was so excited about it that we were looking at these animals that people think of as, you know, dangerous and deadly monsters, and they're not. They all have an important place in the environment and in the world. And that was what his whole message was about." <ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | author= | url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/06/cnna.cousteau/index.html
| title=Cousteau: Irwin a 'remarkable individual' | work= | publisher=CNN | date=[[2006-09-06]] | accessdate=2006-10-22}}</ref>

===Backlash===
In the wake of Irwin's death, at least ten [[stingrays]] were found dead and mutilated on the beaches of [[Queensland]], prompting some speculation that the killings were done as revenge by fans of Irwin. The tails of the stingrays had been cut off. Wayne Sumpton of the state fisheries department said that fishermen who inadvertently capture stingrays sometimes cut off their tails to avoid being stung, but that the practice was "uncommon".<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5338118.stm | title = Irwin fans 'in revenge attacks' | publisher = BBC | date = [[2006-09-12]] | accessdate = 2006-09-12 }}</ref> Michael Hornby, the executive director of Irwin's conservation group Wildlife Warriors, said he was concerned the rays were being hunted and killed in retaliation for the TV star's death. He said killing stingrays was "not what Steve was about."<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/12/irwin.stingrays.ap/index.html | title = Revenge theory in stingray attacks | publisher = CNN | date = [[2006-09-12]] | accessdate = 2006-09-12 }}</ref>

==Funeral and memorials==
[[Premiers of Queensland|Queensland Premier]] [[Peter Beattie]] extended the offer of a [[state funeral]] to Irwin's family, an honour also agreed to by [[Prime Minister of Australia|Prime Minister]] John Howard. The family decided that such a funeral wouldn't be appropriate. Steve Irwin's father, [[Bob Irwin]], stated that his son would not have wanted such an honour, and would want to be remembered as an "[[bloke|ordinary bloke]]".<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/father-rejects-state-funeral-for-ordinary-bloke-son/2006/09/06/1157222201277.html | title = Father rejects state funeral for 'ordinary bloke' son | publisher = The Age | date = [[2006-09-07]] | accessdate = 2006-09-07}}</ref> Beattie stated he would honour the decision of the Irwin family regarding their arrangements. Irwin was farewelled by family and friends at a private [[funeral]] service held at [[Caloundra, Queensland|Caloundra]] on the afternoon of [[9 September]].<ref>{{cite news | first = Lou | last = Robson | title = Family says private farewell | url = http://www.news.com.au/sundaymail/story/0,23739,20383870-3102,00.html | publisher= The Sunday Mail | date = [[2006-09-10]] | accessdate = 2006-09-10 }}</ref>The naturalist was buried in a private ceremony at the zoo on the same day.<ref name=BBC060913>{{cite news |title = 'Crocoseum' tribute set for Irwin | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5340906.stm | publisher= [[BBC]] | date = [[2006-09-13]] | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref>

===Memorial service===
A public service was held at the 5,500-seat Animal Planet Crocoseum at [[Australia Zoo]] on Wednesday morning [[September 20]], [[2006]]. The service was broadcast live, commercial free, in the eastern states of Australia, by free-to-air channels [[Seven Network|Seven]], [[Nine Network|Nine]] and the [[ABC TV|ABC]] in Australia, as well as live on subscription channel [[Sky News Australia]]. In addition, it was broadcast live around the world, particularly the United States, where the service was broadcast commercial free on [[Animal Planet]], as well as to Asia and Germany. A [[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]] camera crew was also sent especially to Australia to cover the memorial service for the [[United Kingdom]]. It is estimated that over 300 million viewers worldwide watched the service.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.ecanadanow.com/world/2006/09/19/300-million-people-to-watch-steve-irwin-memorial/| title = 300 Million People To Watch Steve Irwin Memorial | publisher = ecanadanow.com | date = [[2006-09-19]] | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref>.

[[Image:Australia zoo-Raffi Kojian-CIMG6415.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The memorial service was held in the "Crocoseum" at [[Australia Zoo]]]]

Messages from around the world came from people including [[Hugh Jackman]], [[Cameron Diaz]], [[Justin Timberlake]], [[Kevin Costner]], [[Russell Crowe]] and [[Larry King]]. Costner called him a "fearless" man who was brave enough to let people see him as he was.<ref name="cnn_mourning">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/09/19/crocodile.hunter.service/index.html|
title= Thousands mourn 'Crocodile Hunter'|publisher=CNN|date=2006-09-20|accessdate=2006-09-20}}</ref>
Crowe said in his recorded tribute: {{cquote|We have lost a friend, a champion. It will take some time to adjust to that.}}

The Prime Minister John Howard made an early speech at the service, as did Irwin's father Bob and his daughter [[Bindi Irwin|Bindi]], who said:{{cquote|My Daddy was my hero – he was always there for me when I needed him. He listened to me and taught me so many things, but most of all he was fun.
I know that Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did.
He built a hospital to help animals and he bought lots of land to give animals a safe place to live.

He took me and my brother and my Mum with him all the time. We filmed together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in [[the bush]] together.

I don't want Daddy's passion to ever end. I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did.

I have the best Daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day. When I see a crocodile I will always think of him and I know that Daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals. Daddy made this place his whole life and now it’s our turn to help Daddy.}}

[[Wes Mannion]] and [[John Stainton]] also made speeches and [[David Wenham]] read a poem.<ref name="cnn_mourning"/> [[Anthony Field]] from [[The Wiggles]] partly hosted the service, oftentimes sharing the screen with various animals, from koalas to elephants, and Australian music star [[John Williamson (singer)|John Williamson]] sang ''[[True Blue (John Williamson song)|True Blue]]'', which was Irwin's favourite song. Professor Craig Franklin of the [[University of Queensland]] told the crowd that the university was about to make Irwin an [[Professor#Other positions|adjunct professor]] for his contributions to the study of crocodiles.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20444641-5005961,00.html| title = Don't grieve for Irwin: Father | publisher = Herald Sun | date = [[2006-09-19]] | accessdate = 2006-09-13 }}</ref> In a symbolic finish to the service, Irwin's truck was loaded up with gear and driven out of the arena for the last time as Williamson sang.

In a final tribute, Australia Zoo staff spelled out Irwin's catchphrase "Crikey" in yellow flowers as Irwin's truck was driven from the "Crocoseum" for the last time to end the service. Flags on the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]] flew at [[half mast]] on the day of the memorial service.

===Other Australian memorials===
* Several permanent memorials for Irwin have already been considered or announced. Premier Peter Beattie suggested a national park be named after Irwin or a permanent memorial might be constructed in his honour, though the details of the structure would depend on Irwin's family.<ref name="beatie_flags_irwin_award"/>
* On [[September 27]], [[2006]], Premier Peter Beattie renamed a street outside Australia Zoo ''Steve Irwin Way'', in honour of "Queensland's most well-known ambassador ever".<ref> [http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=147871 Terri speaks: the pain of losing the Crocodile Hunter] (Retreived [[27 September]] [[2006]])</ref>

===American memorials===
* Animal Planet will rename the garden in front of Discovery's world headquarters in [[Silver Spring, Maryland|Silver Spring]], [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery County]], [[Maryland]], [[United States|USA]], to the "Steve Irwin Memorial Garden".<ref name="discovery_mourns" />

* Animal Planet is also creating the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund called the "The Crikey Fund" to "provide a way for people from across the globe to make contributions in Irwin's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation".<ref name="discovery_mourns" />

* Animal Planet also recently ran ''[[The Crocodile Hunter Diaries]]'' marathon on air to pay tribute to Irwin.

===Controversial memorials===
During the 2006 Halloween season, some Americans wore Steve Irwin costumes with fake bloody stingrays or barbs attached, including television personality [[Bill Maher]] [http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3845822a12,00.html]. ''[[South Park]]'' also took a shot at Irwin's death in the episode "[[Hell on Earth 2006]]". During a Halloween party, Satan has a conversation with Irwin, who has a stingray sticking out of his chest. At first, Satan does not realize that it is Irwin and believes it is 'uncool' to dress that way because it is too soon to be making fun of his death. Finding out it is actually Irwin, Satan kicks him out of the party for not wearing a costume.

Though the program is clearly labeled to be "Mature," Terri Irwin is nonetheless said to be "...concerned her two young children will see the episode, made just two months after his death from a stingray barb..." and "...is devastated Steve is being mocked in such a cruel way... 'Steve had as big a sense of humour as anyone, but this goes too far too soon.'" [http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news?id=24176] John Beyer of UK TV watchdog ''Mediawatch'' said: "This is such bad taste and the makers of ''South Park'' should review their decision to show it. Steve's family are still grieving..." [http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/27/irwin.southpark/]

[[Comedy Central]]'s Tony Fox has responded, saying "The ''South Park'' guys do inappropriate things all the time... Their goal is to make people laugh, not to offend people." [http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news?id=24190] Additionally, another network spokesperson added that ''South Park'' "...has offended people in the past and probably will again. Regular watchers would not be shocked." [http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/27/irwin.southpark/]

The backlash is somewhat ironic considering that the Devil is telling Irwin that his costume is offensive and that it is simply "too soon", much like the future backlash against the episode. Irwin's death would be mocked again - likely as a response to the media's anger - on two occasions in ''South Park''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s tenth season finale, "[[Stanley's Cup]]".

==Notes and references==
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== See also ==
* [[Terri Irwin]]
* [[Bindi Irwin]]
* [[Wildlife Warriors]]
* [[Australia Zoo]]
* ''[[The Crocodile Hunter]]''
* ''[[The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course]]''

==External links==
{{wikiquote|Steve Irwin}}
{{commons|Steve Irwin}}
* [http://www.crocodilehunter.com.au/ Australia Zoo's ''Crocodile Hunter'' website]
* [http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/crochunter/crochunter.html Official Animal Planet website for The Crocodile Hunter]
* {{dmoz|Arts/Television/Programs/Science/Animals/Crocodile_Hunter,_The/Irwin,_Steve/|Irwin,_Steve}}
* {{imdb name|id=0410455|name=Steve Irwin}}
* {{tvtome person|id=124720|name=Steve Irwin}}
* [http://www.ripsteve.com/ Online Memorial for Steve Irwin]

{{Persondata
|NAME=Irwin, Stephen Robert
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Australian environmentalist and television personality
|DATE OF BIRTH=[[1962-02-22]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Essendon, Victoria]], [[Australia]]
|DATE OF DEATH=[[2006-09-04]]
|PLACE OF DEATH=[[Batt Reef]], Low Isles off [[Port Douglas, Queensland]], [[Australia]]
}}

[[Category:Australian conservationists|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:Australian environmentalists|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:Australian naturalists|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:Australian television presenters|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:People from Melbourne|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:People from Queensland|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:Deaths due to animal attacks|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:Accidental deaths|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:1962 births|Irwin, Steve]]
[[Category:2006 deaths|Irwin, Steve]]

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[[zh:史帝夫·厄文]]

Revision as of 05:26, 27 November 2006

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