Steve Irwin Biography

Who Was Steve Irwin? Steve Irwin grew up on a wildlife park owned by his parents and went on to become an animal enthusiast and TV personality, hosting the popular series The Crocodile Hunter and appearing on major talk shows. Irwin's work spawned an array of merchandise tie-ins. He was killed by a stingray during a diving expedition on September 4, 2006, off the coast of Port Douglas in Queensland, Australia.

Early Life Irwin was born on February 22, 1962, in Essendon, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Part wildlife expert and part entertainer, Irwin became world-famous for his TV series The Crocodile Hunter, among other nature programs. While he had no scientific degree, he grew up studying and caring for animals at his parents' wildlife park, which is now known as the Australia Zoo. He first learned how to catch and handle his beloved crocodiles from his father and once received a python as a birthday present.

'The Crocodile Hunter' Premieres Irwin met American-born Terri Raines, who in was in Australia on vacation, in 1991. The couple later married and spent part of their honeymoon filming crocodiles. This footage became part of their 1992 Australian TV show The Crocodile Hunter. Four years later, the series was picked up by the American cable network Animal Planet. At the peak of its popularity, the show aired in more than 200 countries.

Audiences were often spellbound by Irwin's dangerous encounters with animals on the series. He thought nothing of tangling with deadly snakes, spiders, lizards, and, of course, crocodiles. In addition to his hair-raising adventures, Irwin considered himself a wildlife educator, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for animals with his viewers.

Always in his trademark khaki shirt and shorts, Irwin became a well-known figure in popular culture. He even had his own catchphrase—"Crikey!"—an Australian expression of surprise or excitement. There have been countless parodies and spoofs of the famed adventurer—even The Simpsons and South Park featured send-ups of Irwin. He wasn't afraid to poke fun at his image as an energetic naturalist and showman. Irwin appeared as himself in the 2001 film Dr. Dolittle 2 with Eddie Murphy. The following year, Irwin and his wife starred in their own film, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.

Controversy Irwin occasionally drew criticism for his stunts. Some said that he was exploiting the animals that appeared on his shows. He stirred up even greater controversy in 2004 for feeding a crocodile while holding his infant son. Many were shocked by the images of Irwin and his son Robert with the snapping crocodile and accused Irwin of child endangerment. Irwin was never charged in regard to this incident and stated that his son was never in harm's way. He had grown up in a zoo environment and wanted the same experience for his son, Robert, and his daughter, Bindi Sue.

Tragic Death On September 4, 2006, Irwin was filming a new program off the coast of Port Douglas in Queensland, Australia. Snorkeling near a stingray, he was pierced in the chest by its barb, which hit his heart. Irwin died of cardiac arrest shortly after being stung.

Stunned by the news of his sudden death, people around the world mourned his passing. Many left flowers and notes at the Australia Zoo, which he and his wife ran, taking over for his parents. Others posted messages expressing their grief on the Web. Wildlife experts, such as Jack Hanna, noted that Irwin was a great conservationist.

Irwin continues to be remembered today for his many contributions to the field of wildlife education and conservation, including running an organization to rescue and protect crocodiles and supporting numerous other animal charities. November 15 has been designated Steve Irwin Day, an international tribute held annually in recognition of his life and work.

QUICK FACTS Name: Irwin Birth Year: 1962 Birth date: February 22, 1962 Birth City: Essendon, Melbourne, Victoria Birth Country: Australia Gender: Male Best Known For: Steve Irwin was a famous Australian wildlife enthusiast who was at the helm of the popular 'Crocodile Hunter' series. Industries Television Astrological Sign: Pisces Nationalities: Australian Death Year: 2006 Death date: September 4, 2006 Death City: Near Port Douglas, Queensland Death Country: Australia

https://essayforum.com/undergraduate/steve-irwin-impact-texas-topic-41965/ "I have a message for my fans. Whatever you want to do in this world, it is achievable. The most important thing I've found that perhaps you could use is to be passionate and enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life, and you'll be a winner." -Steve Irwin Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, had a bigger than life personality. People around the world knew his passion not only his passion not only not only his passion not only for wildlife, but also his passion for life itself. He influenced many with his television shows, including younger viewers, as well as myself when I was young, and even still to this day.

I was introduced to Steve Irwin at a young age, ever since; I first saw his Crocodile Hunter show on the Animal Planet. Watching his shows is when I realized what a dedicated and inspiring person he really was. Steve took his work seriously, but I saw what fun he had as well. As the Crocodile Hunter, he worked with many reptiles, yet he traveled all around the world, exploring the different regions and species on earth. He worked with a variety of diverse species, including sea creatures. One year, Steve went on a trip to an ocean to film an episode with sea creatures, as well as stingrays. He was going down to the bottom floor of the ocean where the stingrays where, then when he got to close to one of them, the creature got frightened and fatally stung him with its barb straight through Steve's heart. In just a matter of moments, the Crocodile Hunter was no longer.

Steve Irwin impacted me tremendously in many ways. He not only was an environmentalist that helped look out for the wildlife, but also a nurturing father and caring husband. Mainly, Steve loved what he did and was passionate about it. He relates to me because I love the outdoors and want to strive to do what I love at my very best, and that is to be an engineer. Steve Irwin will constantly be a legacy that will love on through other generations, and expectantly impact them as much as he has already. He impacted me simply by doing what he loved, while helping everything and everyone around him, even though that in the end, he paid a sacrifice for it.