Steve Irwin

22 February 1962 – 4 September 2006

Add your own Tribute to Steve

Stephen Robert "Steve" Irwin was best known for the television program The Crocodile Hunter, an unconventional wildlife documentary series which he hosted with his wife Terri Irwin. Irwin's personality and outrageous antics in the series made him an international celebrity. He also owned the Australia Zooin Queensland.

Tributes to the Passing of an Aussie Icon

We were greatly saddened to learn that Steve Irwin has died. He has touched the lives of people around the world as evidenced by the world-wide coverage his death has had.

Locals laid flowers at Irwin's Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland as a mark of respect. Tributes to Steve Irwin poured in from all over the world. Here are a few . . .

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Irwin's death is a "huge loss" for the nation. "He was the genuine article, what you saw was what you got, he took risks, he enjoyed life, but he brought immense joy to millions of people, particularly to children, and it's just such a terrible loss and I feel very distressed and I'm quite upset," he said.

“The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest Dads on the planet. He died doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. Crocs Rule!” said John Stainton, Steve's producer and closest friend.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said Irwin was a fine ambassador for his country. "He was a great Australian, he was obviously a great Queenslander, but he put Queensland and Australia on the international map," he said. "I mean I can remember going to the United States where people would not know the Prime Minister of Australia but they knew Steve Irwin."

"It is said you don't know what you've got until it's gone, and I think we always had enormous affection and love for Steve but, now that he's gone, what an extraordinary contributor he was to critical environmental discussions in this country." Kim Beazley, former Federal Australian Labor leader.

Below are tributes we received to be posted here . . .

Steve, I'm sure looking down from above that you're surprised at all the fuss we made at your passing. Yes, Steve, we truly loved you. I'm still crying as I write this. Did you understand how very much we cared about you? I don't think we realized how much until we lost you. You don't belong to just Australia, you belong to the world. You touched that many people.

You were such an amazing and strong man. You lived your life your way ... generous, loving, caring, and honourable. It's a lesson to us all. You were the best of us and I truly miss you.

PDB - Queensland, Australia

He was a passionate man, an unyielding conservationist and a great lover of animals. His enthusiasm and zest for life will be greatly missed. We can only hope that Bindi and Bob will grow up to take over where their father left off. Rest in peace, Steve! Now you can take care of all the animals there!

Robin & Tommy - Tennessee, USA

I never experienced excitement and passion for animals like I did when I would watch Steve and Terri in action. I had no idea that in Australia girls were "sheilas" and just thought that Steve's passion and exuberance was absolutely priceless and undeniably irreplaceable. My now ex-husband broke the news of his death to me since during our marriage, we spent every evening together watching the crazy antics of this wonderful Aussie man. I cried and my seven year old son still cries at night because he misses this man so much that he never even met. I explained to him that we will still get to see Steve on the TV everyday and he is in heaven now.

To Terri, I can not even begin to fathom your pain. Soul mates only come around once in a life time and so many people never find that. You are so lucky to have found your soul mate Terri. Stay strong and don't be afraid to cry yourself to sleep at night. You will be surprised when he shows up in your dreams to tell you how proud he is of you. You were the light in his eye and he will live on in you and your wonderful children everyday of your life. I hope to meet you all someday. Steve, you inspired our world and changed us all. Peace be with you mate.

Shane Rogers - United States

He was a very brave Australian bloke. A lot of Americans enjoyed his show. I am sad that he is not here today. It didn't shock just Australians, it also shocked Americans that he died of a sting ray. I am so sorry for his family right now.

Shelby - North Carolina, USA

Miss ya mate, you were so one of a kind. Admire you in every way, your passion, enthusiasm, love for all animals, your kids, your very lucky wife, and your determination to do what was in your heart, and to do it your way. I wish I'd had the opportunity to meet you. If I had, I'm sure I would have fallen in love with you as fast as Terri did. She was obviously your soul mate tho. I was more deeply saddened to hear of your passing than I've ever been in my life for someone I didn't actually know.

When you said, "isn't she a beaut", my first thought was "no", but because you were so passionate about it, I looked again, and thought, "well maybe", and then as I continued to observe your love for all creatures, I thought "yes". You made me see that ALL creatures are beautiful. The thought that a crocodile or many of the animals you worked with was beautiful would never have crossed my mind without you. I am a great animal lover myself, but you made me even more so. And I think it was that way for lots of people. Not many humans have been able to make me see something differently or to change my mind about something as you did.

You were a phenomenal human being, and it is my hope that I DO get to meet you someday, when I too have passed on to the great beyond. I love you Steve, and I always will. God bless you, I have no doubt but that you have gone on to a better place, and that you are still YOU. You were a beautiful man, both inside and outside. I miss you.

Lee - Virginia, USA

Steve you have touched my heart and when I am old enough I hope to work with animals just like you. I would also like to say I think your daughter is sooo cute.

Jessica - Australia

Steve Irwin what can I say? except he was a beautiful caring man & its the most saddest heartbreaking news I have ever heard!! Australia has lost the best guy. He was a true blue Hero! & a very brave one as well. He did so much for the wildlife not only in Australia but the whole world. He was someone for Australians to be proud of. What will we do now? No one can replace him, he was so good a role model for the young! & old.

Pamela - Brisbane, QLD Australia

The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest Dads on the planet. He died doing what he loves best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. Crocs Rule!”

Martin - USA

Steve you are my hero, you have touched the whole world. You looked after animals that were sick and cared for them. Your daughter is wonderful I absolutely love her. She talks like she is an adult.

I would like be like your daughter when I am older. Bindi I think you are wonderful and you will grow up to be just like your DAD. Bindi I am a 14 year old girl and I want to be just like you.

Kailah - Victoria, Australia

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