In the wake of Steve Irwin's death, much remains unknown about the future of the Crocodile Hunter franchise. One thing that is known, however, is that the Irwin family surrounded themselves with the best team when it comes to Australia Zoo and wildlife conservation.
I was emailed hours ago by Pat O'Brien of the Wildlife Protection Assn. of Australia, a conservation group funded by the Irwin family. They believed in the group's mission: "To conserve, protect and preserve the wildlife of Australia by all lawful means."
In his email, Pat shared with me the message that now appears on the WPAA website. Part of the message gives me great hope with regard to Steve's legacy:
Here at WPAA, we are determined that Steve and Terri’s plans and education programs to protect and conserve our wildlife must be continued. We will never stop fighting our campaigns to protect our wildlife. Steve would expect no less. He was the World’s greatest Wildlife Warrior, his shoes are impossible to fill, and wildlife around the world is much the poorer from his passing.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said a national park could be named after Steve Irwin to honor his work on behalf of wildlife in Australia. Irwin not only shined a bright spotlight on the native flora and fauna of Australia in his television shows, he also worked with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service by filming a series of ads encouraging travelers to report items of concern to inspectors and protect the Australian environment. Additionally, Irwin represented Australia in the U.S. media, raising the nation's profile to greater visibility and popularity as a tourism destination. Whether or not a park is named after him will be decided after Beattie speaks with Irwin's widow Terri.
John Stainton, producer-director-friend to the Croc Hunter, said he's reviewed the final footage and watched as the stingray's tail struck Irwin. He then saw Irwin pull the barb from his own chest, after which, he lost consciousness.
Article comments
1 - Omnipotent1
I saw a travel show a short while ago where the natives of this island were acturally kissing stingrays on the mouth. In the waistdeep water they were feeding and surrounded on all sides by stingrays and even got the host to get in and kiss one. Too bad the croc hunter didn't carry a blade so that he could've given that stingray as good as he got.
2 - Bliffle
Seems to me Irwin was a nut who harassed animals for a living. Finally, one of them successfully protested the invasion in the only way available.
Looks like modern people are so over-protected and coddled that, starved for real achievement, they must invent vicarious adventure at the same time they seek institutions to secure their own lives. It's a TV nation. Probably a TV world.
3 - cali
Looks to me like Omnipotent doesn't know much about wildlife or Irwin, and Bliffle spends a lot of time giving themselves a do it yourself colonoscopy.
Steve Irwin was a true conservationist who gave millions of people more information and respect for wildlife. In addition, it would seem he was also (gasp!) a human being with a wife and two children. Is a morsel of compassion and respect to much to ask?
4 - Nancy
Unfortunately, as with all high-risk activities, the laws of averages finally caught up with Mr. Irwin. On the few occasions I watched his show, while I appreciated his novel presentations and obvious interest in the less attractive fauna, I did feel he took lots and lots of unnecessary risks. It's a pity he felt he had to do this for ratings. Interesting that one of the most 'mellow' critter in the ocean should have been the one to put an end to him, but I remember once he said that all animals are capable of being dangerous, and should be respected. Guess he forgot his own advice.
5 - shailesh
Steve's contribution to conservation and his dedication to wild life will never go waste.. He has achieved what some of the Governments havent been able to achieve...We in India salute his contribution ....may god give his family all the strength to withstand this loss...
6 - jr
I am appauld at amazon.com for trying to make a buck off a very devastating and unfortuanate circumstance surronding the death of Steve IRWIN....shame on you
7 - Mistress La Spliffe
They're not the only one, Jr. Looking at that article, it seems that just a day after Irwin's death on the job, producer Stainton is already trying to set up some 'sequels' with his 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. Revolting.
8 - dillard69
steve irwin was the crocodile king and one of the best conservationist the world has ever seen and we the people of the united states will honor him and very proud of his achivements and he will never be forgotten in the history of men
9 - Feihung
Steve doing a great job,
He save a lot of crocodile being hunt by rich people in Australia, Without his show we do not know how the dangerous it is.
I missed his spirit, I do really hope there will be more people that have spirit like him
Good bye Steve and God Bless you...
10 - John
The world has lost a great ambassador.
G'bye Mate
11 - Kathleen Bialas
My prayers are with his family, including his precious father. Obviously Steve knew what was important in life. Who was responsible for instilling those values in him? His fine parents, I'm sure. My heart breaks for you. No parent should have to lose a child.
12 - Kathleen Bialas
This is to the person who wrote comment #4, Nancy:
Shame on you. This is an opportunity to pay our respects, offer condolences, and say goodbye. What are you thinking? Have some compassion for the family and friends left behind, who are mourning the loss of one they loved dearly.
13 - kaya
Mr.Steve Irwin, with his unique style and approach has contributed enormously to creating a genuine awareness about our nature and wildlife.He was a collosal bridge between mankind and the animal kingdom and through his special way of interaction taught us many aspects of animal life for which we are very thankful. In Turkish we have a saying, "Those who live with a sword, die by a sword".Steve's devoted and dedicated life taught us to love animals and his most tragic death has taught us to respect wildlife and its territories.Deepest sympathies from Turkey to the Irwin family and the Australian people. I hope his deeds and dedicated life will always be remembered and his name be given to national parks throughout the world.Humanity has lost a very special son.
14 - Kathy
my family lives in kentucky, and we loved watching steve and his family. its been a great loss to us i cant imagine the pain and suffering his family and friends have endured. we all loved him and will truley miss him. but GOD couldnt have taken a better man. we are all praying for his precious father and wonderful wife and children. may God give you strength and courage to go on and continue your lives. remember steve is always beside you!
15 - Michelle Pascoe
Hi my name is Michelle and I have this song that my husband (Wayne) and I wrote around the time that Steve Irwin passed away.
I am trying to find someone who can market the song as I believe the song has the potential to bring in a substantial amount of money to help in the crusade of Steve Irwin's dream, of helping the animals and their habitats.
I would like so much to help keep Steve's dream alive and I know this is a wonderful way.
Thousands of callers called in once they heard the song played on 4BC radio in Brisbane asking where they could purchase the song from.
Can you please listen to the song and put it in the hands of your marketing director.
We all have a duty of care in some way to help where and when we can; this is my way, I am just stuck as to who I need to hand it over to.
If your interested or know who I need to give this to then please email me back
Thank you and kind regards
Michelle Pascoe
16 - lizzie
OMG I LOVE BINDI IRWIN ND THA CROCMEN SONG "ELEPHANT OF INDIA"
omg....................................
17 - Gracey
For all of those people who believe Stainton and everyone else is just trying to make a buck out of Bindi is wrong. It is obvious that she is still upset about her father but do you think Steve would have wanted her sitting around moping. At least she's doing what she loves! The Bindi KidFitness isn't about making money from Steve's death, if anyone actually paid attention Steve is in the DVD...so how does that make sense? So leave Bindi alone, if she wants to sing and dance and save animals like her father then SO BE IT! RIP Steve mate, you were a hero and a warrior, god bless you and your family.
xx
18 - taylor
i love the croc-hunter. if we had more people like him the world would be a better place!!!
19 - lolotart
It does not feel real. I still watch him 2 week it like he still alive. I think thats a good thing and a bad thing the good thing is when i watch croc hunter he still here the bad thing is i cry evertime cause he gone. So do we stop watching and forget or do we keep watching and never forget?(but live in pain)
20 - noname
Lord, dont know what your plan is for Steve but I ask you to smile upon him. He cared for your creation and showed us the same. Judge Steve kindly and welcome him into your kingdom, please Lord. Amen