Tribute to Steve Irwin - The Crocodile Hunter
Steve Irwin was known as many things - being way over the
top with his actions, someone who took far too many risks, to someone who was
hyperactive with his antics - he almost became one with the animals he fought so
hard to protect.
Many thought he was just putting on a show for the camera,
but as most of the world has found out, Steve Irwin was real – what you saw,
was what you got.
His passion for all living things could only be described as infectious. He lived to promote the wonders of nature and everything that lived within.
Very few people come along in this world that have the passion, drive and determination to achieve so much. Two people really shine above many others in my eyes and they are David Attenborough (my mentor) and Steve Irwin.
Steve became a living legend, someone that our youngsters could relate to and believe in.
Terry Irwin made a very valid comment on one of the numerous interviews the family did. She said, “I have three kids in our family to look after”. That was certainly right, but who else could move into living rooms all over the world and stimulate so many people to the greater good of our wildlife.
It took me a while to come to terms of how genuine Steve was. For some time I saw him as a showman, but as time went on I realised that he ate, drank and slept wildlife, something I can relate to.
His entire being was a living, moving part of the environment, something very few in this world will ever duplicate.
I only hope his legacy lives within his two children, supported by his wonderful partner Terry. I hope that they live in their father’s footsteps, moving the Steve Irwin legend into a new dimension.
The Steve Irwin’s of the world come along very rarely, and their spirits and dedication must live on.
The world has lost one of the greatest conservationists ever seen, a tragedy that will take the believers many years to get over.
We must never blame the Stingray that took his life; Steve would not want that. No doubt the Stingray felt threatened for some reason and retaliated in its own defence.
All living things will defend themselves if they feel in any way threatened. That’s nature. It is more dangerous driving a car on the road or walking across the street than swimming with one of nature’s creatures.
Steve certainly was up close and personal with every thing he worked with, and that’s why so many took an interest in every living thing. The small amount of interference that was induced upon the creatures he worked with, was far out weighed by the good and conservation values that followed.
It amazed me that a well-known feminist of the world could possibly consider making an outrageous statement on television in the wake of Steve’s death, without giving any thought to the Irwin family.
Any credibility that particular person had is gone in my eyes and no doubt in millions of others. Fortunately she is a minority, because I personally am honoured that there are people in the world that will stand up and be counted for our environment and everything that lives within like Steve Irwin.
Finally, Steve I know you're not with us now, but rest assured I am only one of many who will stand up and be counted for the cause.
I don’t want to live in a world without wildlife; it would be a sterile place.
Like you my life is dedicated to spreading the word through television and by any other means at my disposal. I am very driven towards good sensible conservation and will support any individual or organisation that feels the same way.
Actions speak louder than words, lets not let Steve’s work die, it’s too valuable.
John Young
johnyoungwildlife.com
5th September 2006