Steve Irwin

The Australian larrikin, ecologist and television celebrity, Steve Irwin was a larger than life personality. His mission was to protect and save animals, especially the endangered species. He was committed to educate the public about wildlife and about the conservation of the natural world.

His interest in animals came from his parents who were running a small reptile park in Queensland. He learned to feed, love, handle and also defend himself against dangerous animals at a very young age.

Later on when he took over the management of the family business he turned it to one of the major tourist attractions in Australia. And Steve Irwin’s natural abilities as a showman made Australia Zoo famous internationally.

Together with Terri, his wife, Steve presented the " Crocodile Hunter" television documentary about dangerous reptiles. The show started in Australia in 1996, then captured audiences in the US and UK.

Building on this work, Steve Irwin continued with a new show about the " Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World".

He became a legend around the world for his stunts, passion, enthusiasm and agility to handle the lethal animals and to demonstrate to the public the importance of preserving their habitats.

As an advocate of wildlife protection, he endorsed Australia’s stringent customs requirements in media campaigns. His message focused on quarantine being essential to support the country’s unique environment.

Steve Irwin died in 2004, pierced in the heart by a stingray, while snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef.

Terri continues his work at the Australia Zoo together with their daughter Bindi, who hosted her own television show when she was only 9, in 2007.

Passion for wildlife just runs in the family.

1. Why do many people all over the world know Steve Irwin?

2. Did Steve love animals when hi was a child?

3. What made Australian Zoo famous internationally?

4. What did he do to support the country’s unique environment?

5. Who continues his work?