News confirmed: Steve Irwin (the Croc Hunter) Dead at 44

[plah831]

I agree with iktomiwicasa. His behavior with dangerous animals was foolhardy and somewhat irresponsible. I stopped watching his show after the novelty wore off. I couldn't stand how he would harass wild animals. However, that does not mean that I think he was a bad person. His antics exposed the plight of wildlife to millions of people, which was obviously the reason why he did those crazy things. It was the performer in him.

He also had a deep compassion for living things that couldn't be faked. I was constantly touched at how he would shed tears whenever one of his zoo animals passed away. I've cried along with him, more than once, while watching the Croc Diaries show. I was much more interested in that show, than the Croc Hunter, because it showed more of the private day-to-day aspects of his life and his zoo. His staff was really an extended family for him, and we could all stand to work in a supportive environment like that.

 

[cheeseluva]

alls this guy does is say Crikey! and then he jumps on a freekin Crocodile and starts wrestling with it. It's like o..k... you do that Steve

 

[Emg]

This guy was raised around these animals all his life....he knew them and their habits intimately. Unlike that other spin off and Steve Wannabe...Jeff Corwin....Steve was genuin and real.

I always watched him when he was interacting with these awsome critters....he always had them in the corner of his eye as he was talking to the camera. He knew what to expect from them and I believe he had a great deal of respect and admiration for the animals he dealt with.

He was a showman at heart, that's obvious, but his showmanship and crazy behavior is what brought all the attention to the plight of these critters and he was a great advocate for them and thier needs. The world was the better for having him around and he'll be sorely missed by many of us.

 

[Corax]

2 Things...

1 - R.I.P., you were and will always be, loved by millions.

2 - I think he'd find joy in knowing his death has inspired people to learn more about the Bull Ray. I'd never heard of, nor seen, a Bull Ray until today. I googled it endlessly for about a hour today learning everything I could about it. That, ultimately, was his intent. Education and conservation of these amazing animals he interacted with.. Sure, he acted like a goof most of the time, but that was his gimmick to make you pay attention. How many fans would were a Cousteau t-shirt? Probably not many. Steve died doing what his passion lead him to. Anyone that don't "get that", needs to just STFU and find another thread to annoy people in..

 

[TrevDizzle]

Couldint agree anymore Emg. This guy was great and deserves the respect.
R.I.P. STeve

 

[debaric]

alls this guy does is say Crikey! and then he jumps on a freekin Crocodile and starts wrestling with it. It's like o..k... you do that Steve

Tell me, what do you do that is so exciting? What gets your adrenaline flowing? Maybe the rush he got from jumping on Crocs made his life a lot more fruitful. I'll tell you one thing, I've seen crocs up close in Central America and just being a few feet away gives you an amazing feeling of excitement.

 

[Cheech]

I used to make fun of the guy all the time with friends, always in good fun though.. but, when I would change the channels on the tube and he came on, I wouldn't be able to change the channel.

I was very surprised to read that he died... I felt realy bad for the guy and his family... So passionate about what he did....


rest in peace Steve

 

[webcricket]

I'll confess to having mocked him a few times - his personality and enthusiasm really lent itself to mocking - that was just part of the gimmick.

Ultimately though, he was very serious about wildlife conservation and education. You see a lot of that on his Croc Diaries show. He died doing what he loved - how many of us will be able to claim that when the moment comes? RIP

Even if you didn't like Steve Irwin, please think about the two young children (Bindi, 8 and Bob, 2) who lost their daddy today and have a little respect.

 

[BombCat]

Not only did he died for what he loves most, he also died for all of us. He conserves wildlife so our children, grand children can one day see these amazing animal, imagine with out him or other conservationist our children will not be able to see these live animals. They probably will need to search pictures on the web trying to find out how a crocodile looks like.

RIP Steve Irwin, you will always missed and be my hero.

 

[sly2kusa]

I just read this morning that Steve apparently pulled the barb out of his chest himself prior to passing away. I wonder if had not done that if perhaps he would still be with us.