More than nineteen years after his untimely passing, Steve Irwin, fondly remembered as The Crocodile Hunter, continues to inspire millions around the globe. His boundless enthusiasm, fearless approach to wildlife, and heartfelt dedication to conservation made him one of the most influential environmental educators in modern history. Though his life was cut tragically short in 2006, Steve’s vision — a world where people live in harmony with nature — remains very much alive through his family, his foundation, and the countless people he inspired.
A Boy Who Grew Up Wild
Steve Irwin’s love for animals began at a young age. Born on February 22, 1962, in Essendon, Victoria, Australia, he was raised in an environment where wildlife was not just studied but deeply respected. His parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin, were both passionate about animals and founded the Beerwah Reptile Park — a modest wildlife park on the Sunshine Coast that would one day grow into the world-renowned Australia Zoo.
As a child, Steve spent much of his time surrounded by creatures of every kind — from kangaroos to crocodiles. His father, a skilled herpetologist, introduced him to the fascinating and often misunderstood world of reptiles. By the age of nine, Steve was already helping his dad capture and relocate problem crocodiles, always with care and respect for the animals’ well-being.
His upbringing shaped his character — adventurous yet compassionate, daring yet deeply empathetic. Unlike many who saw dangerous animals as threats, Steve saw them as misunderstood wonders deserving of protection and understanding.
The Birth of a Wildlife Icon
Steve’s television debut came in the early 1990s when he and his wife, Terri Irwin, began filming their adventures with wildlife. Their show, The Crocodile Hunter, premiered in 1996 and quickly became an international phenomenon. With his trademark khaki outfit, enthusiastic exclamations of “Crikey!”, and fearless encounters with everything from crocodiles to snakes, Steve brought wildlife education into millions of living rooms across the world.
But what truly set Steve apart wasn’t just his bravery — it was his heart. He treated every animal, no matter how fearsome, with genuine love and reverence. His excitement was contagious. Viewers didn’t just watch him handle animals; they felt his passion. For many, Steve made wildlife approachable and fascinating, transforming fear into respect and curiosity.
His mission was simple yet profound: to make people fall in love with wildlife, because, as he often said, “If we save our wildlife, we save ourselves.”
