Sep 13, 2006 01:22 PM
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(Updated Sep 13, 2006 02:15 PM)
Steve Irwin is truly a man who lived life to the fullest!
As a regular Animal Planet and Discovery Channel watcher, I have always enjoyed watching Steve Irwin’s shows. Animal Planet has several other well known naturalist like Jeff Corwin, Attenborough etc…doing regular shows. But, Steve was easily the most loved in the pack.
The difference lied in the fact that Steve was childish, unassuming and endearing. An inimitable combination of Steve’s childlike demeanor, daredevil antics and undying spirit for adventure made his shows a dearly loved part of Animal Planet’s list of programs. He was the ever enthusiastic ‘Crocodile Hunter’. He shall always be…
Shot with Fame
Though Steve was a profound naturalist, he was famous for rescuing stranded Crocodiles that unknowingly entered human habitat like swimming pools and tanks. To me, Crocodiles and Steve were almost analogous to each other. Otherwise, Steve showed interest in almost every living creature on earth. From Penguins to Snakes, he cared about each animal that crossed his path.
Steve was as an entrepreneur is his own way. He had starred in a few films which included a special appearance in ‘Dr. Dolittle’. He had participated in various shows where he had been vocal about Wild Life Conservation. Most importantly, he was also integral part of Australian Tourism. His trademark Khaki shorts and heavy Australian accent epitomized the rustic Australian lifestyle in a way which was only second to Australian cricket.
He was nicknamed as ‘The Crocodile Hunter’, ‘The Modern day Noah’, ‘The Wild Life Warrior’, and ‘The environmental Tarzan’ and he truly deserved each of these titles.
Family life
Born to Bob and Lyn Irwin, who operated the ‘Australian Zoo’, Steve should have got the passion for the wild, in his genes. He grew up watching and feeding animals. Such early contacts with the wild life made him a natural naturalist and an essential environmentalist. He married Terri, who equally shared his passion for animals and his thirst for adventure. Together, they were ‘The picture perfect couple’. Daughter Bindi and little son Bob soon became a part of this most loved Australian family.
He had been very vocal about proclaiming his love for his family, especially his kids. People criticized him, when footage that showed him feeding a croc with one hand while he was holding his little son with the other hand, was aired. But I, like many others believe that Steve wouldn’t have intentionally put his kid on danger. On the contrary, I put the blame on his typical daredevil nature.
Steve the Person
Anybody who had watched his shows would have known how simple it is to understand him and how hard it is to put the understanding in to words.
Steve the person had this larger than life thirst for adventure. He possessed untiring energy. He loved the Action around him and was always in to things proactively. He spoke like a layperson. His views were simple (though his actions were big). He was uncomplicated and real. He was always the same. He showed no signs of complacence, or arrogance of any kind.
Yet, it was obvious that he took too many risks. He went too far. The fact is that he was too much an adventurer to care about his personal safety, which led to his tragic death. It’s ironic that a ‘Stingray barb’ which is comparatively a harmless creature, should have caused the death of this man who had constantly played with danger and yet, had defied death till then.
Remembering Steve
The news of his death saddened me to a great extent. Only consolation could be that, Steve died while doing what he loved doing the most. As always, he had been enjoying the miracle of life around him by proclaiming his love for the natural world till that very moment the Stingray barb had crossed his path.
Steve was a remarkable Naturalist, a good husband and a great father. Moreover, he symbolized the true spirit of adventure and the joy of Life. He utilized his every reserve of energy and passion to enjoy the thrill of the moment. And, by being true to the moment, Steve made the best of the time given to him. For that, he shall always be remembered, fondly!
