Spotlight on Steve Irwin

by Elena Larsen

“I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message” - Steve Irwin

If you have ever been slightly interested in wildlife or conservation, you likely have heard of the legend Steve Irwin. Stephen Robert Irwin was an absolute pioneer in the world of conservation and wildlife education. Steve came into our lives and our living rooms for years to spread his message of love for all creatures on the planet. Steve was a force as a conservationist, a father, and a human being. His legacy lives on through his family and the conservation project he left behind. As we approach the anniversary of his death, I felt it important to look into Steve and some of the amazing things he did. 

“My job, my mission, the reason I’ve been put onto this planet, is to save wildlife. And I thank you for comin’ with me. Yeah, let’s get 'em!” - Steve Irwin

Steve’s main claim to fame was starring as the host of the TV series The Crocodile Hunter. He is also quite famous for his snappy tagline “Crikey!” Which, according to him, means Gee Whiz or Wow. When I was growing up, I absolutely loved watching the Crocodile Hunter and anything else with Steve in it. He had such great energy and was incredibly entertaining. His accent was also a huge plus. Although I loved Steve Irwin’s shows growing up, I don’t think I truly recognized how much work he was doing for wildlife conservation and education. As someone who now works in conservation and education, I can’t help but look at him as a guide for how to engage an audience and get people excited about the world around them. While I do not have the knowledge (or courage) to pick up dangerous wild animals, I can definitely adapt a lot of his techniques for getting excited by showing how excited I am about what I’m talking about!

Although Steve did get some push back on his very zealous approach to showcasing wildlife, he says he did so to try and get people to love these animals as much as he does, because humans want to protect the things that they love. To be clear, I am in no way, shape, or form encouraging anyone to handle wildlife. It can be extremely dangerous to both the human and the animal and is in many cases illegal. That being said, Steve’s approach did have the intended effect of showing people how amazing the world around them is. It also showed people how powerful many of these animals are, even if they don’t look it. 

“If we save our wild places, we will ultimately save ourselves.” - Steve Irwin 

Steve’s effect on the conservation of wildlife, especially in Australia, cannot be overstated. Not only did he show people across the planet how important it is to conserve wildlife and habitat, but he was able to create conservation areas in Australia. 

Steve and his wife Terri Irwin founded the Wildlife Warriors in 2002 to connect like-minded people in saving injured, threatened, and endangered species. 

After Steve’s death, an area of northern Australia was gifted to the Irwin’s and names “Steve’s Place.” The area covers 330,000 acres of wilderness and has 35 unique habitat areas, including one habitat type previously unknown. This area is labeled as a Strategic Environmental Area and has more protections than the Great Barrier Reef. 

Steve was born into a family of animal lovers, and took over management of his families wildlife park in 1991. After he and his wife Terri got married, they changed the name of the wildlife park to Australia Zoo with the goal of having this be a leading example for wildlife conservation worldwide. Every year, approximately 7,000 native Australian animals are rehabilitated at the zoo’s hospital and released back into the wild. The zoo also raises funds to help support the Wildlife Warriors program. 

Steve and Terri ensured all proceeds earned through their many TV shows was put directly back into wildlife and conservation. This helped expand the Australia Zoo from the two acre wildlife park it started as, to over 700 acres with 500 employees. 

“I have no fear of losing my life - if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it.”

Tragically, Steve lost his life on September 4th 2006 as a result of being stung by a stingray in the chest. Steve went into cardiac arrest and passed away within an hour. While we all mourned the loss of such an amazing person and conservation warrior, it is important to remember that Steve would NEVER want us to hold anything against the stingray or any other animal. It was Steve’s mission to get people to love and respect wildlife. He knew the risks he put himself in everyday. His legacy lives on through his children and the conservation areas that he was able to secure. His son, Robert, has followed in his father’s footsteps and continues to work at the Australia Zoo and spread their message to the world. His daughter, Bindi, continues to be a warrior for wildlife along with her husband and daughter. Steve’s wife Terri continues to work toward her and her husband’s long term goals of conservation. Terri was a passionate conservationist even before she met Steve, she is an outspoken environmentalist and is keeping her and Steve’s legacy alive along with her children. 

“I have a message for my fans. Whatever you want to do in this world, it is achievable. The most important thing that I've found, that perhaps you could use, is be passionate and enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life, and you'll be a winner.”

Thank you Steve for everything you taught us and everything you’ve done for the world. 

Links:

https://wildlifewarriors.org.au/conservation-projects/steve-irwin-wildlife-reserve/#:~:text=Protected%20Wild%20Places&text=From%20arid%20regions%20in%20the,a%20real%20chance%20at%20flourishing.

https://australiazoo.com.au/about-us/history/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-Irwin

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14663786

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/steve-irwin-died-11-years-ago-today-heres-3-things-i-learned-krishna

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-03/steve-irwin-crocodile-hunter-in-his-own-words/7674178

https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/bindi-and-robert-irwins-most-touching-tributes-to-late-dad-steve-irwin/

About the Author

Elena served as a Naturalist Educator for TMPF in the spring and summer of 2018 and is now working as the VP of Rosewood Nature Study Area.  She's a local, and is extremely excited and proud to be working to restore an abandoned open space back to a functional ecosystem in her hometown.  In her free time, Elena can be found obsessing over dogs or participating in trivia nights.