In June 2004, Irwin again found himself in the media spotlight while filming the Ice Breaker documentary for US television channel Animal Planet. It was alleged that Irwin had closely interacted with several Antarctic wildlife -- a federal and international crime attracting fines of up to $1 million dollars and two years jail. The Australian Antarctica Division of the federal government investigated the footage but found no grounds for charges to be made.
Beyond all his unconventional antics, Steve was a well-loved personality, national ambassador, and highly respected conservationist. He appeared in the movies Dr. Dolittle 2 with Eddie Murphy; Wiggly Safari in the company of popular children entertainers, The Wiggles; and his own feature film, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course. His exuberant personality attracted a strong fanbase around the world, with children his most loved audience.
In conjunction with his work at Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin established Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, International Crocodile Rescue, and the Australian Wildlife Hospital. His conservation work was not just centered on crocodiles, having made noteworthy contributions to the preservation of many other endangered species, including koalas and wombats.
He urged Australians to be aware of strict quarantine requirements, for the benefit of native ecology and wildlife, in an advertising campaign for the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. He was honored with a Centenary Medal in 2001, for his service to global conservation and Australian tourism.
Steve Irwin was 44 years old and is survived by his wife, Terri; daughter, Bindi, aged 8; and son, Robert, aged 2.
Article comments
1 - diana hartman
I am pleased to tell you this article is being featured in the Culture Focus today, September 4th.
Diana Hartman
Culture Editor
2 - Joan Hunt
Nice job, Poizon. Let's hope Australians keep up his efforts to protect all those natural wonders!
3 - DannyBlizz
Wow... This is really sad. I wonder if they ever going to publish the video in wich it shows when the stingray kills him.
4 - greenday
sooner or later that video's going to get to the internet unless they allreadey distroyed it
5 - Jack
He did great things for Australia. Apparantly many people around the world knew him better than our Prime Minister..
He did great things with his life. RIP Steve...
6 - claire
i loved him he was so great he died doing something he loved always in my heart and my thoughts are with his family R.I.P STEVE
7 - DONNA
HE WAS GREAT I LOVED WATCHING HIM, HE MADE HIS PROGRAMS ENTERTAINING U WONT FIND ANOTHER ONE LIKE HIM
R.I.P STEVE ALSO MY THOUGHTS R WITH HIS FAMILY
8 - alexandra xx
i still cant belive it. its hard to get your head round it he was so alive and full of personality and now hes gone! i wish his family well i no wot losing a dad is like as i lost mine wen i was 13 hope they mannage xxxxxxxxx
9 - Chris Treen
Steve was a legend and he was also known 4 they saying 'wot a beauty' He brought entertainment and excitment to our television's. many people didnt appreciate the danger he risked to bring us this and i know that he would have much rather died that way rather than 80 year old on his death bed. he died chasing a dream ( R>I>P steve you lived a dream. All my deepest sympthy goes to your family and im sure they are proud of you cause if you was a member of my family i know i would. your the man
10 - arju
steve was nice and happy