Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin killed

[jesvet]

CNN (http://www.cnn.com) is reporting that Steve Irwin was killed in a marine accident, but no details are available yet.

This is so sad!

[ejs]

At least he died doing something he loved.

Australia's "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin dies: media 13 minutes ago



SYDNEY (Reuters) - Steve Irwin, the quirky Australian naturalist who won worldwide acclaim, has died in a marine accident off Australia's northeast coast, local media reported on Monday.

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Queensland state government sources quoted by Australian Associated Press (AAP) said Irwin, 44, whose television show "The Crocodile Hunter" won international acclaim and popularized the phrase "Crikey," was believed to have been killed by a stingray barb that pierced his chest.

He was filming an underwater documentary off Port Douglas when the accident occurred, the report said.

Sky Television also reported that Irwin had been stung by a sting ray.

Australian emergency officials could not immediately confirm the reports.

Irwin won a global following for his daredevil antics but also triggered outrage in 2004 by holding his then one-month-old baby while feeding a snapping crocodile at his Australian zoo.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060904/people_nm/australia_irwin_dc

[Sposa06]

At least he died doing something he loved.

That was the only thing I could think of that could possibly console his wife, Terri. This is so sad.

[honeygirl]

Oh that is so sad. DH and I visited his zoo (Australia Zoo) this spring, his death will be quite a loss to Australia and to animal supporters in general.

[Smiley124]

So sad. It amazes me that after all of the crazy and dangerous situations he has been in, he ends up dying from a stringray. Initial reports that I have seen are calling it a freak accident -- saying he took the stingray barb right to the heart. :(

[melnv]

"Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin has died in a freak marine accident while shooting a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef.

The 44-year-old is believed to have been killed by a stingray barb that went through his chest while he was diving.

He was filming an underwater documentary off Port Douglas when the accident occurred.

Mr Irwin's body is being flown to a morgue in Cairns.

It's believed his American-born wife Terri is trekking on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and authorities are trying to reach her with news of her husband's death."

source:http://www.smh.com.au

A stingray? His poor family.

[maplekitty]

Oh wow :(
....but I couldnt help but think as well - atleast he was doing what he loved!

he will be missed!

[Raven_Girl]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20060904/capt.sge.jyg95.040906070004.photo00.photo.default-369x512.jpg?x=248&y=345&sig=CjrQyKbihQWVOaJ5ZSemCA--


Australian 'crocodile hunter' Steve Irwin killed by stingray by Marc Lavine
32 minutes ago



SYDNEY (AFP) - World-renowned Australian "crocodile hunter" and television environmentalist Steve Irwin has been killed by a stingray on the famed Great Barrier Reef, police said.

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The iconic Irwin, 44, known for his enthusiastic handling of even the deadliest of wildlife, was killed when a stingray barb punctured his chest during the filming of an underwater documentary off the coast of the northeastern Australian state of Queensland.

"It is believed that Mr Irwin collapsed after being stung by a stingray at Batt Reef off Port Douglas at about 11:00 am (0100 GMT). He had been filming a documentary," a statement from the Queensland Police Service said.

"After being stung by a stingray, his crew called for medical treatment and the Queensland medical helicopter responded, however Mr Irwin had died," the statement added.

Stingrays have several sharp and highly toxic barbs on their tails that they use to defend themselves when they feel threatened.

"(They) are also like a bayonet, like a bayonet on a rifle," Australian wildlife filmmaker David Ireland said. "If it hits any vital organs it's as deadly as a bayonet."

Ambulance service officials said Irwin had suffered a puncture wound to the left side of his chest and he was immediately pronounced dead.

Police said the larger-than-life Irwin's family had been informed of his death. Irwin was married to US-born Terri Irwin and the couple had two children aged eight and three. Irwin's widow was informed of his death while hiking in Tasmania, police said.

The garrulous animal-lover's rallying cry of "crikey" when faced with a crocodile, snake or ferocious-looking spider, made him an Australian icon across the world.

His "Crocodile Hunter" show, in which the tousle-haired adventurer appeared in his trademark khaki shorts and shirt, was first broadcast in 1992 and has been shown around the world on the Discovery cable network ever since.

His outspoken persona became so popular that he won a cameo role in a Hollywood movie, "Dr Dolittle 2," starring US comic actor Eddie Murphy.

Irwin, who was born in the southern Australian city of Melbourne, was raised in Queensland by parents who owned small reptile park that he would eventually take over.

The young Irwin became a crocodile trapper, ridding residential areas of their reptilian threats for a fee.

Irwin's fearless approach to the animal kingdom however provoked international outrage when he involved his infant son in one of his death-defying antics.

In early 2004, he fed a four-metre (13-foot) crocodile with one hand while clutching his baby son Bob in the other during a show at his Australia Zoo reptile park on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland state.

But Irwin was unrepentant when confronted about the incident in an interview. "What I would do differently is I would make sure there were no cameras around," he said.

"I will continue to educate my children and the children of the world so they don't go into the water with crocs."

Australia immediately mourned the loss of one of its best-known sons, with shocked radio listeners and television viewers calling in to express their grief and disbelief.

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who used a photograph of his family at Irwin's zoo on his official Christmas card last year, praised Irwin, who has appeared in public service announcements and worldwide events aimed at promoting Australian tourism.

"The minister knew him, was fond of him and was very, very appreciative of all the work he'd done to promote Australia overseas," a spokesman said.

And Queensland's Tourism Minister Margaret Keech summed up Australia's reaction to Irwin's sudden death.

"He's done so much for Australia and he'll be missed by the entire world," she told Sky television.

[Liz]

That is so sad.

[silentbunny]

I was going to post this, but can never remember how to do links well.

I feel so terrible for his kids. I am in shock -- which it seems I shouldn't be, given what he has been doing with his life, but it was easy to think he was invincible, wasn't it?

:(

[Smittenk]

Here is the story from People.com

'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin Is Dead
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 04, 2006 01:40AM EST


Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, host of the Animal Planet series The Crocodile Hunter, was killed Monday during a diving expedition off the coast of Australia, Sydney's Daily Telegraph reports.

Irwin, 44, was filming a documentary was about the Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Queensland state when a stingray barb pierced his chest, the paper reports.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corp., a helicopter carrying paramedics flew to the site, but was too late.

Irwin leaves behind wife Terri, 42, daughter Bindi, 8, and son Bob, 2.

A tireless wildlife advocate, Irwin's career was not without controversy: in July 2004 he was cleared of charges that he got too close to penguins, a seal and humpback whales in Antarctica while making a documentary, and in January of that year enraged child welfare groups by holding son Bob, then one month old, while feeding a crocodile.

**********************************

I'm so sad about this...he was so good for animals and the environment with his TV shows and education. I feel terrible for his wife and kids.

[tlew12778]

How sad. I always thought he did really risky stuff while filming.

Seeing as how I had no idea what a stingray barb was, I looked it up. Apparenting almost all cardiac injuries are fatal:

Stingrays are the largest of the venomous fish, and there are many species in the Australian coastal waters. The tail of the stingray carries at least one barb or spine that may be up to 37 cm long. The barbs are cartilaginous and retroserrate, and covered by a film of venom and mucous contained within an integumentary sheath. Two longitudinal ventrolateral grooves contain venom secreting glands. Stingrays usually lie in the sand on the seabed. When disturbed by pressure over the dorsum of the body, the tail is thrust upward and forward, driving the barb in to the victim. Rupture of the integumentary sheath on penetration allows the venom to be released.

The venom contains toxic proteins. The effects of the venom may be local and/or systemic. Local effects include severe pain at the site of injury and tissue necrosis. Systemic effects include nausea, vomiting, salivation, sweating, respiratory depression, muscle fasciculation, convulsions, cramping abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischaemia and, rarely, death. Many of the systemic effects have been documented only in patients with viscus penetration (gut), and not in those with peripheral stingray injuries.

Local venom effects are usually more troublesome in peripheral stab injuries, but if the barb pierces a vital organ or structure mechanical damage may be more dangerous then the venom effects.

Instances of serious, penetrating, non-cardiac injuries include collection of pus within the chest three days after netting a stingray and sustaining a barb injury to the chest; penetration of the liver; multiple bowel perforations; and laceration of a femoral artery, with death by exsanguination. Penetrating cardiac injuries have generally been fatal. In 1938, an adult women died after a stab wound to the heart by a stingray. The autopsy showed that the ventricles had been completely transfixed by the barb. An Australian soldier died in 1945 after a stab wound to the left heart, sustained while swimming in seawater baths near Melbourne, Victoria.

The current patient was fortunate to have a sustained an injury to the coronary artery rather than the heart muscle. The bleeding artery immediately washed the venom away, whereas injury to the heart muscle is difficult to debride and carries the risk of delayed necrosis and perforation (seen in a 12 year old boy in Queensland in 1989).

source (http://www.nswseakayaker.asn.au/mag/47/stingrays.html)

[zayt]

I am very sad, he really poured his heart and soul into educating people about wildlife and promoting conservation here in Australia. By all accounts he was just the same offscreen as he was onscreen; passionate, larger than life and an overwhelmingly proud family man.
I feel for his wife - they just seem so suited to each other, I wonder how she will ever move on.

[QueenDillyDally]

Very sad. I was in shock this morning when I heard the news. :(

[gayle]

Wow, hard to imagine that after all the dangerous positiions he has put himself in, he dies in what the Australians are calling a freak accident..

So sad.

[BlackMagicRose]

OH NO! I LOVED Steve Irwin and his family. He was such a great man. It is rare that someone finds something they are truly passionate about. He was a passionate man and will never be forgotten. I was just talking to my FH the other day about him because he is from Austria and has never heard of him. I am sure they will be running a lot of specials about him on Animal Planet.

My heart goes out to Terri and their children. He will be missed.

[chefker]

So sad. :( I was shocked to see this on the news this morning. His poor family.

[Kristy]

I just read about this on another board I visit. So sad :(

[MLA]

Am I the only one who's not surprised at all? I always figured he'd die doing some sort of risky thing with wild life. Of course it's sad, but it's not unexpected. I agree with everyone else, though -- at least he died doing something he loved.

[sue-bert]

I never heard of this guy (*) until I sat down at my computer this morning to check out the CNN website and found the story of his death as the main headline. I feel sorry for the poor fellow -- and I certainly do not mean to diminish the significance of his family's loss and suffering -- but I found myself thinking, "Is this really the most significant thing happening in the world right now???"

(*)Disclaimer: I do not live in the US or Australia

[imagirliegirl]

OH NO! I LOVED Steve Irwin and his family. He was such a great man. It is rare that someone finds something they are truly passionate about. He was a passionate man and will never be forgotten.

Well said. I loved that guy.

"Is this really the most significant thing happening in the world right now???"

Well, no. But I'd say he's definitely an icon.

[imagirliegirl]

This is in the News forum, too. Not that it matters to me, but I figured someone would come tell you and post a link.

I don't have the link though. :)

[eli1126]

I was sad to hear the news this morning and I'll admit that I was surprised that it was a sting ray and not a crocodile.

Beth

[jnettie]

Am I the only one who's not surprised at all? I always figured he'd die doing some sort of risky thing with wild life. Of course it's sad, but it's not unexpected. I agree with everyone else, though -- at least he died doing something he loved.

I'm not suprised at all, either, except that I'm suprised it was a sting ray. You have to admit, you knew he was going to die while working with wildlife in some way...he always put himself at risk to save some very dangerous animals.

I DO feel sad for his wife and especially his children. His wife may have been sort of prepared to loose her husband (at least logically, since she knew the type of risk he put himself in regularly), but the kids will have to grow up without a dad. :( It's never easy.

[GeekGirl]

"

It's believed his American-born wife Terri is trekking on Cradle Mountain in Tasmania and authorities are trying to reach her with news of her husband's death."

source:http://www.smh.com.au


Wait, this is all over the news before they got ahold of his wife???

[BridalLace]

very sorry to hear it...poor guy. i feel bad for his wife & kids.

[tlew12778]

Yeah I am not surprised how he died either. Although, I am surprised bc a stingray doesn't attack unless you step on it or otherwise disturb it. Then again, maybe he was disturbing it on purpose. I remember watching some show he did on a dragon and he said they don't attack unless you invade their territory, and there he goes crawling into it's nest trying to get the little ones to come out.

[flygirl]

I heard it on the radio this morning and was surprised by how sad I felt, like it just wasn't supposed to happen. Logically, of course you expect it, but emotionally you think he's already beat the odds, which is part of what makes him an icon. And then I started mulling over this sentiment:but I found myself thinking, "Is this really the most significant thing happening in the world right now???"I've only seen his show a few times & I've read/heard about some of his escapades, and yet I felt very, very sad. It doesn't seem logical when so much else is going on in the world.

*Not to dimish the sadness of those who followed him more closely. I was just surprised by my own response.

[alisong]

Wait, this is all over the news before they got ahold of his wife???Yup, the rest of the world knew before his wife did. News reports are now saying that his wife knows and has told thier children.

[littlemia]

From CNN.com on how it happened:

Irwin was in the area to film pieces for a show called "Ocean's Deadliest" with Phillippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques, Irwin's manager and friend John Stainton told CNN's "American Morning." But weather had prevented the crew from doing work for that program, said Stainton, so Irwin decided to do some softer features for a new children's TV show he was doing with his daughter, Bindi.

"He came over the top of a stingray that was buried in the sand, and the barb came up and hit him in the chest," said Stainton.

Wildlife documentary maker Ben Cropp, citing a colleague who saw footage of the attack, told TIME that Irwin had accidently boxed the animal in, causing it to attack. "It stopped and twisted and threw up its tail with the spike, and it caught him in the chest," said Cropp. "It's a defensive thing. It's like being stabbed with a dirty dagger."


I don't think many people are too surprised that he was killed by an animal but I think most expected it would be a snake bite or a crocodile or something like that. Not a freak stingray strike to the chest while filming a children's program.

[GeekGirl]

Yup, the rest of the world knew before his wife did. News reports are now saying that his wife knows and has told thier children.

I don't know, I think that's more than a little insensitive. You'd think the media would have allowed his wife to learn of his death first.

[pixiecat]

Also just had to post to say how sad I am about this. I watched his show all of the time, heard him on the radio when he came to our town to promote his movie & feel like I know the guy. He was so passionate and funny, and you could tell how much he loved his wife & family.

I'm grateful that he didn't suffer (so they say), & that he died doing something that he loved, but it just seemed way way too soon.

[beevo12]

oh no!!:(

[screetch]

but I found myself thinking, "Is this really the most significant thing happening in the world right now???"

You'd have to see his shows to understand. Steve Irwin had an incredibly likeable, affable personality. You watched his shows b/c they were fun and exciting, but it was his personality that people ultmately loved. Plus, this was a guy who did so many daring things... he seemed infallible.

[cocopops]

I just read it on yahoo.com! I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT!! WOW I could only imagine how his children and wife took the news. This is so so so sad! So very sad!!

[MLA]

I DO feel sad for his wife and especially his children. His wife may have been sort of prepared to loose her husband (at least logically, since she knew the type of risk he put himself in regularly), but the kids will have to grow up without a dad. :( It's never easy.

ITA

[Katy]

I don't know, I think that's more than a little insensitive. You'd think the media would have allowed his wife to learn of his death first.My only guess is that he's considered "family" to all of Australia (and around the world) so I think they were just reeling over the loss of their own. Like others have said, it's just so sad. You expect that he'd more than likely die in a gator, croc or snake accident, but yeah, this was just so freak. I feel for his wife and kids.

[AndreaMMS]

I'm really saddened by this. The man was such a passionate wildlife advocate, and a really unique individual.:(

[AndreaMMS]

I'm really saddened about this. The guy set a wonderful example of how to be passionate about something positive- in his case animals and ecology.

[Footyprints]

when I saw it earlier today I thought it must be some kind of joke

so shocking - and so sad for his family

[JamBray]

Wow, that is so sad. Like others have said, I wouldn't have been surprised if it had been a croc, but to have it be a stingray and on top of that have it be such a weird, freak accident just makes it all the more disturbing.

[MichelleRenee]

I am so, so disturbed by this. It just gives me the willies thinking about it.

Re: his wife.... I was almost relieved to hear she hadn't been there when it happened. Can you imagine if she had been onsite watching when this happened? So tragic....

No, probably not the most important news in the world, but still very, very sad.

[rene']

Wow, I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news this morning. My whole family watched his shows and were drawn in to his passionate views and he had such an infectious personality. It's such a shock to hear that his life was taken by such a freak accident.

My heart goes out to his wife and children. What a sad, sad day.:(

[nicole]

I just heard about this... I think it's crazy that it was a sting ray and not some 14 foot crocodile or something.

[KK812]

DH & I thought we were weird for taking this so hard, but looks like we're not the only ones. He just seemed to be such a nice, genuine guy who really got people excited about wildlife. So sad. :(

Like others said, I guess we never thought it would really happen to him, especially at such a young age!

[KristyK]

When I first read about his death this morning I sat here with my mouth gaping open. Shock is what came to mind first. Then to sadness. Yeah, it's not a huge loss in the scheme of the whole world, but he was a funny, interesting, intelligent (yep he actually had the knowledge about all the crazy animals he studied), loving, caring individual. Anyone that saw him with his wife and his children could tell he was so in love with her, and she with him. And the way he carried on when his daughter was born, it was infectious. He was a good kind person, and those that watched his shows will miss him.

I will agree, I too thought if he ever did go, he'd go from a huge croc or snake! I never would have thought a stingray either.

Such a sad loss. I feel horrible for his wife and children.

[Ericka_Jarett]

Hard to believe when I read it early this morning on yahoo. To suffer a cardiac arrest from a hole in your heart from a stingray barb, so tragic and horrible way to go.

Death

Shortly after 11:00 am local time on 4 September 2006, Irwin was fatally pierced in the chest by a short-tail stingray barb while diving in Batt Reef (part of the Great Barrier Reef), off the coast of Port Douglas in Queensland. Irwin was in the area filming his own documentary, to be called The Ocean's Deadliest, but weather had stalled filming. Irwin decided to take the opportunity to film some shallow water shots for a segment in the television program his daughter Bindi was hosting,[25] when, according to his friend and colleague John Stainton, he swam too close to one of the animals. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat at the time.

The events were caught on camera and the footage was handed to the Queensland Police.[26] After reviewing the footage of the incident and speaking to the cameraman who recorded it, marine documentary filmmaker and fisherman Ben Cropp speculated that the stingray "felt threatened because Steve was alongside and there was the cameraman ahead..."[26] In such a case, the stingray responds by automatically flexing the serrated barb on its tail up to a maximum of 25 cm (10 in) of length.

"He came over the top of a stingray that was buried in the sand, and the barb came up and hit him in the chest," Stainton said. Cropp said Irwin had accidentally boxed the animal in. "It stopped and twisted and threw up its tail with the spike, and it caught him in the chest. It's a defensive thing. It's like being stabbed with a dirty dagger." The stinging of Irwin by the Bull Ray was "a one-in-a-million thing," Cropp told Time magazine. "I have swum with many rays, and I have only had one do that to me."[27] In this case, the motion struck Irwin's chest and pierced his heart.[26] Crewmembers aboard his boat called emergency services in the nearest city of Cairns and administered CPR as they rushed the boat to nearby Lowe Isle to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead when they arrived a short time later.[28] The barb lodged in his chest and the toxins of the barb caused Irwin to die of cardiac arrest.[29]

This was only the third known fatality in Australian history from a stingray attack, only 17 worldwide fatalities have taken place since 1996, and it is believed to be the only fatal attack ever captured on film.[30]

[Sophia]

From CNN.com on how it happened:



I don't think many people are too surprised that he was killed by an animal but I think most expected it would be a snake bite or a crocodile or something like that. Not a freak stingray strike to the chest while filming a children's program.

Exactly. I'm not surprised at all that he died from an animal attack; he was always idiotically reckless (like he had no gene for self-preservation), and the only thing I'm surprised about is that this seems to have been a legitimate accident that could have happened to anyone.

[kimbyj]

I never cared too much for his show - however it is quite sad to hear of such a young person dying - especially from something as random as this.

I do find it weird though that the news seemed to cover the story of him MUCH MORE when he was holding his son while feeding a croc/gator (don't recall) about three years ago - when his son was just weeks old.

[BTB]

Many of the systemic effects have been documented only in patients with viscus penetration (gut), and not in those with peripheral stingray injuries.

"Gut" is not a synonym for "viscus". "Viscus" actually refers to any one of a number of internal organs. Per Stedman's medical dictionary, a viscus is "an organ of the digestive, respiratory, urogenital, and endocrine systems as well as the spleen, heart, and great vessels". That incorrect definition given above bugged me. :)

Aside from my own peculiarities, though, mostly when reading this story I feel sad for his children. Steve and Terri chose their enviably energetic, unorthodox lifestyle, and they both seemed to truly love it. The kids were born into it; I've wondered when they grow up if they'll take office jobs. :)

I agree with whomever said, you've just got to have seen a Steve Irwin show to "get" why this is huge news. He was one-of-a-kind.

[sea74]

Like others have said, I wouldn't have been surprised if it had been a croc, but to have it be a stingray and on top of that have it be such a weird, freak accident just makes it all the more disturbing

This is exactly what DH and I were saying.

I feel so sad for his kids and wife :(

[jnettie]

You know what, I do think this is important. The loss of a life, no matter how significant the person was, should always be recognized. This man touched many people's lives. He worked hard to educated the world about nature and to help animals who's habbitats are shrinking. While unorthodox, he did what he did because of his love of animals. His loss should be recognized, and his life celebrated. KWIM?

[rene']

You know what, I do think this is important. The loss of a life, no matter how significant the person was, should always be recognized. This man touched many people's lives. He worked hard to educated the world about nature and to help animals who's habbitats are shrinking. While unorthodox, he did what he did because of his love of animals. His loss should be recognized, and his life celebrated. KWIM?


Well said!

[EJH]

I was so shocked to read this news last night -- talk about a double take. We love his show, and always assumed something would happen to him with one of his crocs. To have such a freak accident...it is certainly devastating.

I can't imagine how difficult this is for his wife and kids.

DP and I are just so sad about this. It's a big loss, to the animal world, to the world in general.

[cocopops]

Beautiful Tribute I found on YouTube.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GnjwmowWCc

[cocopops]

Well said!

DITTO!

Beautiful Tribute I found on YouTube.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GnjwmowWCc

[crazycaro]

I'm so heartbroken over this. My country is in shock.

I wasn't a watcher of his shows really, but everyone knows Steve Irwin! He was so larger than life, it is hard to believe he is gone.

His body has arrived home now, we still haven't heard of funeral arrangements. A state funeral has been offered, it is up to the family to accept it, I imagine they would, especially seeing the outpouring of emotion from everyone.

I've not long finished watching a tribute to him on TV. It is just so sad. They showed footage from the birth of Bindi and he was just so in love from the moment she was here, his eyes were bugging out of his head from sheer joy. I'm just so heartbroken to know that Bindi and Bob have lost their father. Bob is only 2.5, he won't remember him. :(

Australia Zoo is seeing a constant flood of visitors leaving tributes.

http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200609/r104974_323104.jpg

[rene']

I remember one time Animal Planet was having a contest to win a trip to the Australia Zoo. I didn't win the trip, but I won a little Steve doll that is like the stretch armstrong doll's. It's still in the package.

I think I feel worse this morning after hearing that his friend watched the video footage and was talking about it today. I guess Steve pulled the barb from his chest before he died.

Animal Planet was running some of his shows last night and it showed an interview with little Bindi. She is such an amazing child and she talked about how much she loved her dad. So, so, sad.....:(

[diam124]

I was so sad to hear this. DH used to watch his shows all the time when they first were aired in the US. It always amused me that he named his first child after his favorite croc and his dog. :) I feel so badly for his family.

[msnicolea]

Absolutely awful. Even though he had a risky job, I mourn a life lost far too soon and for a man who had genuine passion for what he did and was truly committed to wildlife preservation.

[MLA]

I was disgusted to see on CNN that they've released video of the last few minutes of his life, showing him pulling the sting ray's barb from his own chest before he died.

Why, oh why would any news organization think it's okay to release something like that? Especially so soon after his death. His poor family. I wouldn't want the moment of my husband or father's death shared with the entire world. It's just so wrong.

:mad:

[karlatta]

I was disgusted to see on CNN that they've released video of the last few minutes of his life, showing him pulling the sting ray's barb from his own chest before he died.

Why, oh why would any news organization think it's okay to release something like that? Especially so soon after his death. His poor family. I wouldn't want the moment of my husband or father's death shared with the entire world. It's just so wrong.

:mad:

From what I understand, CNN didn't release a video. They are simply reporting that a video exists - which makes sense, as he was killed while filming. All I see on CNN is a friend (who has seen the video) talking about how horrible it is.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

From what I understand, CNN didn't release a video. They are simply reporting that a video exists - which makes sense, as he was killed while filming. All I see on CNN is a friend (who has seen the video) talking about how horrible it is.And from what I understand, this tape won't be released to the public.

[MLA]

From what I understand, CNN didn't release a video. They are simply reporting that a video exists - which makes sense, as he was killed while filming. All I see on CNN is a friend (who has seen the video) talking about how horrible it is.

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't want to click on the link they gave because I thought it was the video itself, and I didn't want to see it. I jumped to the wrong conclusion -- I expect more of CNN, and I should have realized that they wouldn't release something like that.

[jesvet]

Absolutely awful. Even though he had a risky job, I mourn a life lost far too soon and for a man who had genuine passion for what he did and was truly committed to wildlife preservation.

I agree, he may have been perceived as goofy but he had such joy in his life and love for animals- how can you not respond to that?

The irony of it to me is that stingrays are so placid normally, and by all accounts he wasn't trying to provoke it, wrestle it or anything. What are the odds of him getting hit RIGHT in the heart?

[tlew12778]

Actually, his family is supposedly considering releasing it to the public. They don't have custody of the video yet though:

LATEST: The footage of late Australian naturalist STEVE IRWIN being killed by a stingray could be shown on TV. Charismatic Irwin, dubbed the Crocodile Hunter after his internationally acclaimed TV show, died yesterday (04SEP06) while diving on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Irwin was filming for a new documentary when he lost his life, and his cameraman shot the moment when the stingray's barbed tail stabbed the legendary conservationist through the heart. The tapes are currently being held by Queensland police - but Irwin's family are determined to respect his last wishes and allow the harrowing footage to be broadcast. Irwin once insisted, "My number one rule is to keep that camera rolling. Even if it's shaky or slightly out of focus, I don't give a rip. "Even if a big old alligator is chewing me up I want to go down and go, 'Crikey!' just before I die. That would be the ultimate for me." An insider tells British newspaper the Daily Star, "This is exactly what Steve would have wanted. He knew the dangers and was totally up for the cameras to get everything."
05/09/2006 12:52

source (http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/crocodile%20hunter%20death%20to%20be%20broadcast_1 007314)

Oh and I think that the reason it got his heart was bc he couldn't move out of the way bc the cameraman was next to him. This (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20355112-601,00.html)article kind of explains how they were positioned and how the stingray got his chest.

[sarahh]

Thought I would share this...The Irwin family's last photoshoot together
http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/in_the_media/irwinsinc.html

[diam124]

It doesn't surprise me that they would release the footage. When Terri gave birth to Bindi it was part of a Croc Hunter episode!

[Sophia]

I saw his friend/manager on GMA this morning, and he seemed shaken up and said he wouldn't want to view the footage again.

[CindyLouWho]

It's so unspeakably sad.. for the family and for the wildlife he worked so hard to protect. And the kids- there isnt' a good age to lose a parent but they could hardly be at worse ages for it!

I would watch the show all the time and often say that we would one day hear of his death. I said I always hoped we hear he died of old age but given some of the risks he took, I didn't count on it. But this- this is too soon! And so, I don't know, unnecessary comes to mind. The odds are so slim!

I guess in his line of work he spoke about the possibility of death. Not that it's any easier but perhaps there's some element of peace if you come to terms with it's eventuality.

I did read about his dad was shocked that he wasn't killed when he stepped on a brown snake at age 4, and also how Steve said he was " a man in a hurry". It's like he was on borrowed time and knew it.... maybe not really but I want to find some sense in all this!

A real loss. And heartbreaking.

[kris97]

Okay, formerly I respected Germaine Greer, but this is so terrible and unnecessary, not to mention random. :(

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20362022-661,00.html



A STORM of fury has erupted over Germaine Greer's criticism of Steve Irwin barely hours after his death.
The expat Aussie, known more these days for her regular bashing of her homeland, fired pot shots at Irwin within hours of news spreading across the globe that he'd been fatally stabbed by a stingray.

Australian leaders, experienced animal handlers and Irwin's friends were outraged, saying Greer was looking to boost her flagging literary career.

In a scathing attack in a British newspaper, Greer said nature had taken its revenge on Irwin for his robust handling of Australia's native animals.

Mocking Irwin's multi-million-dollar empire and his "Crikey!" catch-cry, Greer accused the world-famous TV star of placing the welfare of animals after his own interests.

"There was not an animal he was not prepared to manhandle," she wrote in The Guardian.

"Every creature he brandished at the camera was in distress.

"Every snake badgered by Irwin was at a huge disadvantage, with only a single possible reaction to its terrifying situation -- which was to strike.

"Easy enough to avoid if you know what's coming."

The author of The Female Eunuch hit below the belt as she accused Irwin of sending the wrong message to kids.

"The animal world has finally taken its revenge on Irwin, but probably not before a whole generation of kids in shorts seven sizes too small has learned to shout in the ears of animals with hearing 10 times more acute than theirs, determined to become millionaire animal-loving zoo-owners in their turn," Greer wrote.

Greg Parker, of Ballarat Wildlife Park, said his colleague would never deliberately harm an animal.
"That's harsh . . . he was never cruel to animals, he promoted animal care and animal welfare," Mr Parker said.

"I think his contribution was different to others but he would never jeopardise the welfare of animals."

Mr Parker said Greer should leave animal welfare issues to the experts.

Craig Adams, of the Australian Reptile Park in northern NSW, said Greer should stay clear of issues she knew nothing about.

"I think she should stick to women's issues," Mr Adams said.

Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey was scathing in her assessment.

"This article, as well as being so offensive, very firmly plants her as a cultural elitist who is completely out of touch with the average Australian," Ms Bailey said.

"This article is an absolute disgrace.

"I think Australians would be absolutely offended by such a vicious and ill-informed attack on such a genuine Australian who, in all of his work, constantly stressed care of the environment and care of the species."

Ms Bailey said Greer was little more than a bitter woman who said only negative things about Australia, while Irwin educated children on the need to respect animals and environments.

Victorian Principals Association President Fred Ackerman said anyone calling Irwin a bad influence on children had little idea of how they learn.

"For someone to say that, they have an insufficient understanding of the sophisticated way in which even little kids can view the world around them," Mr Ackerman said.

He said there was no doubt children learned by example but they understood Irwin was such a rarity, and his behaviour so extraordinary, that they linked him more to inimitable figures such as Santa Claus than a real person.

"It's different and special and unique, and they live in awe of it, but they don't attempt to model their behaviour on it," Mr Ackerman said.

[Tanya]

What an awful article:(, but this made me smile: but probably not before a whole generation of kids in shorts seven sizes too small

This hit DH and I harder than I expected, too. We've seen him live at the Aussie Zoo, and I just can't believe he's gone. He was an amazing man.

he was always idiotically reckless (like he had no gene for self-preservation)
Damn. I'm pretty sure he knew the risks involved with his work as well as his wife, and he chose to take them, but he wasn't an "idiot" about them; he knew an incredible amount about the animals he worked with. Seems like you could say the same the same thing about fighter pilots or skydivers or firefighters or any number of dangerous jobs.

[greenbunny]

Sound like an Aussie Ann Coultier.

I didn't watch the guy's shows, so I can't say I'll personally mourn him, but it seems obvious from the media coverage that he and Terri were made for each other. I can't imagine losing someone so perfectly matched to me, and I can't imagine having to be publicly gracious while doing it. What a terrible time she is going to have.

[yby1]

I liked Steve Irwin. May he RIP.

My prayers go out to his family.

[paulinaaa]

Good article from USA TODAY:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-09-04-obit-irwin_x.htm

RAYS' TAILS RARELY DEADLY

[dollface]

Supposedly, Teri will be on Larry King Live (in a few minutes) and will have the videotape.

[alisong]

Okay, formerly I respected Germaine Greer, but this is so terrible and unnecessary, not to mention random.Yeah, Germaine Greer has said several random anti-Australian things lately. Something about how Mel Gibson's arrest and anti-Semitic rant reflected badly on all Australians (??). It's too bad, she used to have something worthwhile to say.

This comment on the tributes page of my hometown newspaper definitely summed up how I feel:
I don't think there's an Aussie out there who didn't initially cringe at him and his persona, but I also don't think there's an Aussie out there who is not saddened and shocked at his death.

[rene']

Supposedly, Teri will be on Larry King Live (in a few minutes) and will have the videotape.


I don't think Terri will be making any appearances for a while and I don't think that tape will either. John Stainton wants it to be destroyed. I hope it doesn't leak out somehow.

That poor guy just breaks my heart. He broke down several times during Larry King Live.

[maplekitty]

You know...I've always been taught, that when you get stabbed with something, you never ever pull it out. You leave it in you until you can get to a hospital. I wonder if that played a role in his death?

[1_mommy]

You know...I've always been taught, that when you get stabbed with something, you never ever pull it out. You leave it in you until you can get to a hospital. I wonder if that played a role in his death?


my dh said the same thing!

[honeygirl]

Since the barb was covered in a poisionus toxin (part of the animal) I think he probably wanted to get the toxin out of his stream ASAP. It wasn't fast enough though. That's a little different than a regular knife/dagger.

[crazycaro]

I did read an article today that said him pulling it out might indeed have caused more damage, causing his death. But then a doctor also said that with it being in the heart constant damage would be caused with the heart pumping, so I think any way you luck at it he was a goner. :(

The toxins themselves would not have caused his death, I believe the toxins are not bad enough to kill anyone, just cause a lot of pain.

His father spoke today. Steve will be buried in a private service, he said he would have wanted that versus a state funeral.

[CindyLouWho]

Based on the info that sting rays can be fatal if they hit an organ, and have been fatal, it sounds like it would have been hard to survive it hitting his heart whether he pulled it out or left it in.

I caught the Larry King interview part way thru and just caught the tail end of an interview from the past with Steve discussing his own mortality. Did anyone see it in its entirety?

I found this in the New York Times obituary:
Dr. Smith said there were approximately 120 known ray species and four families of venomous stinging rays. At the base of the tail is a spine or barb connected to a venom gland; in an attack, the spike and the gland may be broken off and can remain in the wound. The stingray venom contains toxic proteins, and most stingray attacks pose risk from shock, infection and the venom’s toxicity, he said.

Most deaths are caused by heart injuries or blood loss. “The puncture alone could have done it,” Dr. Smith said of the attack on Mr. Irwin, “but the venoms do have major cardiac effects.”

[cocopops]

As an avid Croc Hunter show fan. I've seen a show before where he was pierced by something and it was either in the chest or in the stomach area (forgot exactly what it was that pierced him). I remember seeing him do the exact same thing (pull it out ASAP) I think it was just instinct for him to pull it out as I am sure we all would.

[Sabrina]

I caught the Larry King interview part way thru and just caught the tail end of an interview from the past with Steve discussing his own mortality. Did anyone see it in its entirety?[/I]

I saw the entire LKL episode. That clip was from back in 2001, he was discussing the dangers of his job, and how careful he is, because he would hate for his daughter to have to grow up without her father :(

I didn't really care for the mix of guests Larry King had on the show. It was painfully obvious that Jack Hanna was not a fan of Steve's, and that Jeff Corwin had never really interacted with him.

[CindyLouWho]

Thanks, I actually found the show transcript on the CNN website.
I'm glad the outpouring is continuing. He was so entertaining, informative and did so much good. Shame his life was cut short.

[diam124]

I'm really amazed at how many people are saddened by his death. I didn't realize the number of people who had seen his show and I never knew that so many kids were big fans of his since DH is the only person that I knew who watched. It seems like everywhere I go his death had been mentioned. We even talked about it in yoga class.

[CindyLouWho]

Diam124-
I just read something where some media analysts were saying they were amazed too because typically an "entertainers" death is only in the news for 24 hours. They said with Katie Couric, Suri Cruise, Rosie ODonnell, they were surprised that Steve Irwin is still a major story. Not that I think the media really has the pulse of the people, but I also think it speaks to the transcendent nature of what Steve Irwin was. And how someone who advocates for animals and the environment, and who is so passionate and inspired by their work, is going to have mass appeal. Not to mention, people just feel shocked by the circumstances, and saddened by the fact that they feel they "know" him and his family.

[lainey]

Steve Irwin did not pull the stinger/barb out of his chest. Larry King asked John Staiton if that was true and John said it was 'rubbish' - that Steve was unconscious immediately.

I think Steve Irwin was one of the greatest men - I respected and admired his life's work. He was an inspiration. I'm glad that he wasn't killed by one of his precious crocs. My prayers go out to his poor family and friends.

[rene']

Steve Irwin did not pull the stinger/barb out of his chest. Larry King asked John Staiton if that was true and John said it was 'rubbish' - that Steve was unconscious immediately.


However, John Stainton also said that he did pull the barb out of his chest after he watched the video. I have seen the recordings (of John Stainton saying this) quite a few times. I think he is really deeply affected by this, it was traumatic and it's causing his story to vary a little bit.

I, myself, can't believe how hard I am taking it. We have lost a wonderful, wonderful person and I feel so badly for his family and friends. On Animal Planet last night, they talked to his mate Wes and they were really, really close. He broke down when he was talking about when Steve's mom was killed in a car accident. He had a phone message from Steve when it happened and he said he deleted it right away because he could never bear to listen to it again and he went to Steve as soon as he could. I just know that he is devestated by this as well as Steve's family. :-(

[diam124]

I, myself, can't believe how hard I am taking it.

Me too - especially when I see clips of little Bindi. She is such a mini version of her Dad! What a difficult thing to deal with when you're so young. I don't know what's worse - to be old enough to remember your Dad and his death or to be as young as Bob and not really remember it later. Terri always struck me as a very rational and supportive wife so I think those kids could not be in better hands as they go through this.

[rene']

Me too - especially when I see clips of little Bindi. She is such a mini version of her Dad! What a difficult thing to deal with when you're so young. I don't know what's worse - to be old enough to remember your Dad and his death or to be as young as Bob and not really remember it later. Terri always struck me as a very rational and supportive wife so I think those kids could not be in better hands as they go through this.

Isn't Bindi the cutest little thing! She just seems just like a chip off the old block and they just seem so close.

I agree about Terri, she seems like such a strong person.

[Sabrina]

It's International Khaki day. Are you wearing khaki today?

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20369122-2,00.html

Call for world Irwin tribute in khaki
By Holly Byrnes and Kerri-Ann Stout
September 07, 2006 01:40pm

FANS of Steve Irwin have been asked to wear the Crocodile Hunter's trademark khaki colour tomorrow in a stylish tribute to the fallen wildlife warrior.

International Khaki Day this Friday began as a chain email calling on all recipients to pay homage to the Australian conservationist, who was killed by a stingray while filming a documentary on Monday.

Since his death, websites have been inundated by thousands of messages of condolences from the animal activist's huge fan base around the world.

Now the cyber campaign to honour him by wearing khaki has continued to circulate around Sydney and the world, with thousands of workers expected to turn up to their offices tomorrow wearing khaki clothing or accessories.

Like Jeans For Genes day, the fashionable campaign is also expected to raise awareness for the conservation work Irwin championed and his family have vowed to continue in his name.

While Robert Irwin, Steve's father, rejected the offer of a State funeral for his late son because he was "just an ordinary bloke,'' the plan to wear the Crocodile Hunter's signature safari colour seems more fitting....

[chefker]

How odd...I didn't even know about this, but I happened to wear my Old Navy khakis today to work.

It's a nice little tribute to him, I guess--even though my own part in it was quite by accident!

[greenbunny]

I saw this on LJ, had to share.

Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken up and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking it with a stick.

An artist drew the scene, too, it's so cute:

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39463333/

[lorbo]

as i watched Germaine Greer talk about Steve Irwin on the news this morning...it saddens me that there are people who are more upset for an actress getting her purse stolen, then for a family that lost an essential family member...as well as the animal kingdom losing an important advocate. sorry had to say that!

[diam124]

Oh my goodness...how cute is this picture. I think the doll is a Terri doll. The article said she's taken over 400 flights.

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,5239809,00.jpg

[rene']

She is adorable. Here is an article talking about a little girl with big boots to fill.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/little-girl-with-big-boots-to-fill/2006/09/08/1157222334149.html

[paulinaaa]

This has been an interesting thread to read to say the least.

While I don't know the first thing about how Austraila deals with animal conservation or how Aussies felt about Steve and his approach to getting his message across, I do find some of the comments made about him interesting.

If this were a PETA member, in some peoples eyes the person would be considered a hero even with PETAs reputation for being a shady organization...

Then there is the simple issue that most people don't get how important animal conservation really is. If a species that the media has hyped out as being evil, people will go out of their way to kill it. Sharks are a perfect example.

Sharks over the past 10-15+ years have been presented as beasts that have no other agenda than to chew on humans. The media fails to talk about all the food processing plants that dump 100's of pounds of scraps into ocean waters that brings the "man eating" beasts close to shores. Since Steve died due to taking sting ray barb to the heart, I'm just waiting for media to label sting rays in the same way.

I could take is a step further and mention how people cannot wrap their brains around how to properly take care of their pets, nevermind mind the lessons that need to be known of how to deal with a nest of rattlesnakes that may be hidden under a persons front porch and stumbled upon by accident.

I didn't know Steve personally, so I'm not going to speculate on what his intentions were or why he used such extreme methods to make his point that all animals of all kinds need to be protected, but unlike some people, I give the man alot of credit. Police officers, fire fighters, EMT's, ect...put their necks on the line every day. You never hear people stating that they deserved to die because of their occupation choice, but since Steve was all about animals, somehow it's different and it is in more ways to count, but he seemed to understand that people wouldn't listen if he just simply talked about what he was doing. I'm a big Jack Hanna fan, but people tend not to take him seriously ( even though they should) because he doesn't wrestle with 400 pound gaters or taunt cobras to the point where he/she reveals his/her impressive hood.

So was Steve so far off base? I don't think so. Will I continue to learn animal trivia from Jack Hanna? Of course.

Education goes alot further than having somebody write a cover page story of some newspaper that is filled with bogus facts and fiction just so they can make their boss happy.

RIP Steve!

[BrownEyedGirl]

I was going to say that I completely agree with the article paulinaaa just posted, then I realized that it wasn't an article...just an extremely well written post......which I still whole heartedly agree with.

Very well written, and I completely agree.

It's a sad day when someone says a good man deserves to die.

[paulinaaa]

I was going to say that I completely agree with the article paulinaaa just posted, then I realized that it wasn't an article...just an extremely well written post......which I still whole heartedly agree with.

Very well written, and I completely agree.

It's a sad day when someone says a good man deserves to die.

Thank you. :)

I read this morning that PETA was saying he got what he deserved, (f'n whackjobs). Article here. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14626178/). Its short.

God...I have less than no respect for that organization.

[Tanya]

Thank you. :)

I read this morning that PETA was saying he got what he deserved, (f'n whackjobs). Article here. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14626178/). Its short.

God...I have less than no respect for that organization.

Jeez. Yeah, that seals the deal for me on my opinion of PETA. And I agree, great post.

[rene']

Reading articles like that really break my heart. No matter what he has done in the past, in his final moments, he was not provoking a wildlife animal. He was doing what millions of people do every year. It was a freak accident and that's it.

I feel for his family.:(

[lorbo]

i was at work and we discussed this for a tiny bit and one of my coworkers said she laughed when she heard the news and there i was with my big mouth...saying it was an accident-he didn't provoke it...nobody expected him to die from a sting ray. i also said it was very sad that now there are two children who will grow up without a father-his daughter will remember him, but she'll live under the limelight for continuing his work...meanwhile his son won't remember him at all-people are just so mean and thoughtless!

[Sophia]

I heard on CNN today that at least 10 dead stingrays have been found in the Queensland area. Their tails had been cut off. The report said the government and others are asking that people not do that, as it's the last thing he would have wanted.

[jesvet]

I saw this on LJ, had to share.

Somewhere in heaven, a very groggy, very confused angel has just woken up and is trying to figure out why a boisterous Australian man is poking it with a stick.

An artist drew the scene, too, it's so cute:

http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/39463333/

That made me smile. Thank you for sharing.

i was at work and we discussed this for a tiny bit and one of my coworkers said she laughed when she heard the news and there i was with my big mouth...saying it was an accident-he didn't provoke it...nobody expected him to die from a sting ray. i also said it was very sad that now there are two children who will grow up without a father-his daughter will remember him, but she'll live under the limelight for continuing his work...meanwhile his son won't remember him at all-people are just so mean and thoughtless!

I was at the store the day he died and two clerks were debating whether it was tragic, or funny. I don't get it. How could the death of a young father EVER be funny, regardless of circumstances?

I heard on CNN today that at least 10 dead stingrays have been found in the Queensland area. Their tails had been cut off. The report said the government and others are asking that people not do that, as it's the last thing he would have wanted.

Oh no, he would be SO upset. So very upset.

[Sophia]

I finally found an article.

Revenge theory in stingray attacks
POSTED: 5:50 a.m. EDT, September 12, 2006

BRISBANE, Australia (AP) -- At least 10 stingrays have been found dead and mutilated on Australia's eastern coast since "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin was killed by one of the animals last week, an official said Tuesday, prompting concerns of revenge attacks on the normally docile fish.

The popular television star was killed last week when a stingray barb pierced his chest as he filmed a TV show off Australia's Great Barrier Reef, prompting an outpouring of grief in Australia and among his fans worldwide.

The dead stingrays have been discovered on two beaches in Queensland state, including two that were found Tuesday with their tails lopped off, state fisheries department official Wayne Sumpton said.

Sumpton said fishermen who inadvertently catch the diamond-shaped rays sometimes cut off their tails to avoid being stung, but the practice is uncommon.

Michael Hornby, the executive director of Irwin's conservation group Wildlife Warriors, said he was concerned the rays were being hunted and killed in retaliation for the TV star's death.

"It may be some sort of retribution, or it may be fear from certain individuals, or it just may be yet another callous act toward wildlife," he said.

He said killing stingrays was "not what Steve was about."

"We are disgusted and disappointed that people would take this sort of action to hurt wildlife," he said.

Stingrays are usually shy, unobtrusive fish that rummage along the sea bottom for food or burrow into the sand. When stepped on or otherwise frightened, a serrated spine up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) long in the animal's tail flares up.

The spines emit toxins that can kill small creatures and cause excruciating pain in humans. Few people die from the poison, but the spines can badly tear flesh and the wounds are prone to infections, including tetanus.

Hornby said people should treat stingrays with caution, but "there is still no need to ... kill or mutilate these important animals."


source (http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/09/12/irwin.stingrays.ap/index.html)

What a shame. Aside from that being something Steve Irwin would never approve of, his death was a freak accident and the stingrays aren't likely to hurt anyone else, so that's not a justification either. I wasn't a fan like so many of you are, but I can appreciate how upset his family must be to hear of this.

[wendalah]

I support PETA and I do understand what their intent was in criticizing Steve Irwin. They always take the side of animals first, which in my mind is something that's needed badly in this society.

That said, I am not anti-Steve at all and I was really sad to hear of his death. There's nothing funny about it at all. I am really upset to hear that people are taking it out on the stingrays!

[diam124]

I support PETA and I do understand what their intent was in criticizing Steve Irwin. They always take the side of animals first, which in my mind is something that's needed badly in this society.

IMO, PETA just doesn't get it, which is sad I think because I think they do more harm than good when they turn people against themselves. If there was anyone who put animals first, it was Steve. I read an article last week about how everyone assumes he was very wealthy from the tv show and movie, but he used the majority of his money to purchase land in Australia - both to expand the zoo and also to use as refuges.

Just take a look at the organization he started - Wildlife Warriors (http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au/index.html) and the extensive conservation and research programs they run.

If you (general you) ever watched his show you would know how passionate he was about animals. It's such a cliche, but the man wouldn't hurt a fly. I've seen him in tears over animals that he found that were injured.

[wendalah]

PETA is against using animals for entertainment purposes.

[diam124]

PETA is against using animals for entertainment purposes.

What about for educational purposes? Yes, Steve's show was most definitely entertainment, but the whole thing started as part of a documentary on crocodiles that a friend was shooting. I think Steve was a pretty genuine person and from interviews and I don't think he even realized how most people perceived him.

Again, this is just MO, but I feel like PETA just doesn't know where to draw the line. Would they prefer that not a single animal be filmed for TV ever, or in books or videos? Because it seems like all of that is entertainment to some extent.

[wendalah]

I don't claim to speak for PETA but I think what they were speaking out against specifcally were his stunts in which he'd draw wild animals out of their habitats. As I said, I liked Steve. I just don't think PETA is being inconsistent with their stance.

[diam124]

Sorry Wendalah - I should have added that my questions weren't directed at you (unless of course you wanted to answer them). I understand what you're saying, I just get really annoyed with PETA.

[rene']

What about for educational purposes? Yes, Steve's show was most definitely entertainment, but the whole thing started as part of a documentary on crocodiles that a friend was shooting. I think Steve was a pretty genuine person and from interviews and I don't think he even realized how most people perceived him.

Again, this is just MO, but I feel like PETA just doesn't know where to draw the line. Would they prefer that not a single animal be filmed for TV ever, or in books or videos? Because it seems like all of that is entertainment to some extent.


I agree with this. Steve Irwin was all about education. I think PETA is taking it to the extreme.

[Sabrina]

I can't imagine what Terri is going through:(

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Steve-was-my-soul-mate-says-Terri-Irwin/2006/09/13/1157826992463.html

Steve was my soul mate, says Terri Irwin
September 13, 2006 - 11:49AM

Steve Irwin's heartbroken widow has told of losing her soul mate, as plans were announced for a public memorial service at the Crocodile Hunter's wildlife park.

Terri Irwin was due to hold a news conference outside Australia Zoo on Wednesday to announce details of the service for her husband, but was too upset and released a statement instead.

At the news conference, Steve Irwin's father, Bob Irwin, read the statement from Terri in which she thanked the public for their "overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers for my family".

She referred to husband as her "soul mate" and "wildlife warrior".

Mrs Irwin has remained in seclusion with her children Bindi, eight, and two-year-old Bob, since Irwin's death from a stingray barb to the chest in an incident on the Great Barrier Reef on September 4.

Steve Irwin's business manager, John Stainton, said Mrs Irwin had wanted to address the public but was still struggling too much with her grief to speak.

But he said she and Bindi would address the memorial service to be held at the 5,500-seat Crocoseum at Australia Zoo, north of Brisbane, at 9am next Wednesday.

Australia Zoo and Ticketek at Brisbane and Maroochydore, on the Sunshine Coast, will distribute 3,000 free tickets to the memorial from 9am on Friday.

Mrs Irwin said in the statement she knew larger Brisbane venues, such as Suncorp Stadium and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, had been earmarked for the service.

"However, it is my wish that the memorial service be held here in the Crocoseum at Australia Zoo which is where Steve would have wanted it," she said.

"I cannot see how a memorial service for Steve would work in any other place other than the Crocoseum which he built here at the zoo and of which he was so proud....

[rene']

Man, every time something new comes out, I start crying! I feel so bad for her and her kids.:(

[msnicolea]

I KNEW this was going to happen:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14795639/?GT1=8506

Disgusting.

[Smittenk]

I KNEW this was going to happen:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14795639/?GT1=8506

Disgusting.

So sick. This just makes me really sad...I hate this.

[greenbunny]

How disrespectful to his work. Why can't people see that?

[Sabrina]

So very sad about the sting rays being killed in revenge. That is against everything Steve stood for.

Is Bindi 8 or 28? I am so impressed:

http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowbizNews.asp?Code=ZT154440M&headline=steve_irwins_daughter_to_finish_ray_film
Steve Irwin's daughter to finish ray film


Friday, 15th September 2006, 12:12

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIFE STYLE EXTRA (UK) - 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin's eight-year-old daughter last night (14.09.06) vowed to copy her father and swim with stingrays.

Brave Bindi even said she will film the same giant fish who killed her father when she presents her own wildlife TV show 'Jungle Girl', scheduled to air in January.

Steve, 44, died tragically last week when a stingray's poisoned barb pierced his heart while he was filming a documentary at Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

It was thought Bindi's show would be axed following his death but she wants to carry on her father's conservation and TV work.

Steve's manager John Stainton revealed the naturalist only decided to film the stingray that killed him on the spur of the moment, so his daughter could see it.

He had been shooting scenes for his own new show 'Ocean's Deadliest' but suddenly decided to look for stingrays, which are known as the 'pussycats of the sea'.

John said: "It should have been an innocent encounter for a TV show aimed at children. Bindi's new series is going to premiere next January throughout the world.

"Steve was an integral part of that programme. We will do him proud and continue that effort."

Meanwhile, Steve's mother-in-law, Julie Raines, has revealed that Bindi, her two-year-old brother Robert, referred to by the wildlife expert as Bob, and his widow Terri have been left devastated by his untimely death.

Julie said: "Robert says, 'Where's daddy?' But Bindi's been a rock. It's just a very hard time."

[rene']

I've heard that Animal Planet will be showing his memorial service. It's being held in Australia at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the 20th. So, I think that would be at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday the 19th here in Kansas.

I am going to cry my eyes out.

[Sabrina]

Here's the info on the Memorial Service:

http://animal.discovery.com/fansites/crochunter/steve/memorialservice.html

Steve Irwin's Memorial Service to Air on Animal Planet

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, FROM 9-10 P.M. ET/PT.

(Silver Spring , MD) — Animal Planet is airing Steve Irwin's memorial service exclusively in the U.S., commercial-free, on Tuesday, September 19, from 9-10 p.m. ET/PT, with an encore broadcast airing 12-1 a.m. ET/PT. The memorial service, entitled Steve Irwin: He Changed Our World, will be a same-day broadcast (with a two-hour delay) of the event Wednesday morning in Australia....

[rene']

I will be watching with a huge box of kleenex. I watched a lot of the tribute they had yesterday. There was one that had quite a bit of Bindi in it. She is just so adorable and just absolutely adored her dad. There was a part in it where she was comforting him when his dog, Sui, was dying. I feel so bad for her..... For all of them......:(

[paulinaaa]

I don't know if anyone else watched the memorial, but I'd just like to say it was very sweet and well done....I cried through the whole thing, but Bindi made me smile...her message poignant.

I love this picture....her daddy, her hero....larger than life.

http://celticdesade.com/dreamfortwo/uploads/post-1-1158701243.jpg

Here is a video link to her speech:

http://g6publish.videodome.com/newsinteractive/videopage/videoplayer/?channel=National+News&clipid=1094_51604&bitrate=300&format=wmp

"My Daddy was my hero - he was always there for me when I needed him.

"He listened to me and taught me so many things but most of all he was fun.

"I know that daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did.

"He built a hospital to help animals and he bought lots of land to give animals a safe place to live.

"He took me and my brother and my mum with him all the time. We filmed together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in the bush together.

"I don't want daddy's passion to ever end.

"I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did.

"I have the best daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day.
"When I see a crocodile I will always think of him and I know that daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals.

"Daddy made this place his whole life and now it's our turn to help daddy."

[Smittenk]

Thanks for posting that link..I'm sitting here in tears watching the videos. Bindi spoke so well...what an amazing little girl.

[cr8zyforaf]

I watched it and was so impressed with that little girl..what an amazing little child!

[MichelleRenee]

I definitely think Bindi will pick up where her dad left off. The whole family really has done so much for wildlife and I don't think it will end with Steve Irwin's death.

Very sad memorial.

[diam124]

Wow - I was also impressed by her. I would not be able to do anywhere near as good a job as she did - especially considering the circumstances. She's a pretty good reader too!

I didn't see the whole ceremony, but I thought the photo montage at the end was very touching. It was nice to see private family photos that weren't part of their public appearances.

[rene']

My eyes were practically swollen shut this morning. I watched the memorial at 11:00 and cried through the whole thing. Especially the end where they packed up his truck and drove it out for the last time. Terri looks so sad...:( Bindi was awesome, she's her daddy's girl.

It was good to see Wes, he did a great job. His dad looks like he's aged since this all happened.

I liked watching the outtakes, those were funny.

P.S. I read that Barbara Walters will be interviewing Terri and Bindi this week and it will air sometime next week.

[Sabrina]

I had to TiVo the memorial and watched it last night. I am so impressed by Bindi, she really seems ready to pick up her dad's torch. Terri just looked so sad, my heart breaks for her :(

[maplekitty]

*sniffs*
awwww, that Bindi is mature beyond her years!

[Sabrina]

I read that the Barbara Walters interview with Terri and Bindi will air this Wednesday (9/27). I glanced at the TV Guide listings and I *think* it will be a "Special edition of 20/20" to air at 10pm Eastern.

[jen]

Does anyone know if the memorial service will be re-broadcast on Animal Planet?

[GeekGirl]

I read that the Barbara Walters interview with Terri and Bindi will air this Wednesday (9/27). I glanced at the TV Guide listings and I *think* it will be a "Special edition of 20/20" to air at 10pm Eastern.

Terri looked like she was trying to hold it together, and barely succeeding. I feel so terrible for her. As she said, she's lost her prince. :(

[lorbo]

it was heartbreaking to watch her pain.

[maplekitty]

This was so heartbreaking to watch last night :(

[eli1126]

I cried for the whole hour :(

Beth

[rene']

Me too!:(

You can just tell that she is devestated. He seemed like such a great family man.:(