Animal Planet is set to air the public memorial for Steve Irwin commercial-free in all markets, according to PR Newswire.
The memorial is set for Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006 at 9 a.m. in Brisbane, Australia, at Irwin's Australia Zoo's 5,500 seat Crocoseum. Because of the time difference between Australia and the U.S., Animal Planet will actually be airing the memorial on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 9 p.m., with an encore presentation scheduled for 12 a.m.
Irwin's widow, Terri, had said there was no other place as fitting as the family's zoo to honor the man who had brought conservation to an audience of millions worldwide.
Due to the capacity limitations of the Crocoseum, local stations will also carry the memorial on Australian television. Fans started camping out for tickets shortly after the announcement was made. Tickets have now all be distributed. Media access to the tribute will be limited in an effort to give the family respite from any intrusive behavior by reporters. John Stainton, friend/producer/manager, said, "'we don't want people in there dribbling and writing nonsense and behaving like ghouls.'"
Beginning at noon on Sunday, September 17, Animal Planet—the house that croc built—will run 15 hours of nothing but Steve Irwin. Between episodes of the The Crocodile Hunter, friends, colleauges, and, presumably, family, will offer their thoughts and insights on Irwin.
Irwin was killed on Monday, Sept. 4 while out filming near the Great Barrier Reef. His heart was punctured by a stingray barb and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. He was buried on Saturday, Sept. 9 following a small private funeral attended by family and his closest friends. The exact location of his grave has not been revealed. Wes Mannion, Zoo director and long time friend of Irwin, said the Croc Hunter's final resting place will remain undisclosed.
Article comments
1 - Debbie Ciampaglia
I just wanted to say that Steve Irwin was a very good hearter brave man. He introduced us to things about animals that most of us would have never know. He was a wonderful father and husband and spoke about his family with so much passion. There were no false airs about Steve Irwin. He was who he was.
There are never the right words to say to a family with such a great loss ,but Terri I am so sorry for your loss and i can not amagine how hard it must be to have lost your best friend and soul mate, but even if he will not be there with you with all the love and support from all of his fans you will feel his presents everyday. Thank you to you and your family for sharing so much with us the viewers. I wish you the best.