Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It seems compleatly random. Like him or not, he has done wonders for reptiles world wide.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20349888-2,00.html
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- Mike Fourquet

CLOACA HERPS

Steve Irwin dead
The naturalist and television star Steve Irwin has died in a diving accident in far north Queensland. He was 44.

Police say he was stung through the heart by a stingray while diving off Port Douglas.

He was filming a documentary when the accident occurred around midday AEST near the Low Isles.

A helicopter arrived with paramedics on board to try to resuscitate him, but it was too late.

Irwin's body is being taken to the morgue in Cairns.

His family are believed to be flying from Brisbane to Cairns this afternoon.

Irwin, who was was born in Victoria in 1962, inherited his love of reptiles from his father.

His father Bob was a keen reptile enthusiast and moved the family to Queensland in 1970 to open a small reptile park on the Sunshine Coast.

Irwin took over the family business in 1991 and grew it into Australia Zoo.

In 1992 he ventured into television, making the first series of the Crocodile Hunter.

When the program aired in the United States, he shot to international fame.

Irwin is survived by his wife Terri and two children.

Nature lover

In 2003, he spoke to the ABC's Australian Story about how he was perceived in his country.

"When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke," he said.

"And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing.

"You know, there's this... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty'.

"Just say what you're gonna say, mate. You know, is it a cultural cringe? Is it, they actually see a little bit of themselves when they see me, and they find that a little embarrassing?

"I'm fair dinkum, like kangaroos and Land Cruisers, winged keels and bloody flies! I think we've lost all that. I think we've all become very, sort of, money people."

He also spoke of his love for surfing.

"You get out there, it's just you against the waves.

"There's no paparazzi, there's no fan base, and it gives me a chance to recuperate and regenerate.

"I think I've actually got animals so genetically inside me that there's no way I could actually be anything else.

"I think my path would have always gone back to or delivered me to wildlife. I think wildlife is just like a magnet, and it's something that I can't help."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200609/s1732439.htm
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- Mike Fourquet

CLOACA HERPS

i loved al he did.
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toine plompen,,,holland

WWW.PUREBOAS.COM

DAMN!! WHY!!?

R.I.P STEVE.

nm
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wife
snakes
lizards
kids
dogs
cats

n/p

hed for years and will truly miss him..our prayers will be with his family...
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wife
snakes
lizards
kids
dogs
cats

a

He'll be missed by reptiles enthusiasts around the world.

n/p

He loved what we all do.....I am really sad....he died too young and with too much family to leave behind. What a great conservationist and person for our hobby...not sure what else to say.....

It really sucks when you get these horrible reminders of how fragile life is.. This guy was soo full of life too...This kind of stuff gets me thinking,like when you see a 90 year old crack head walking down the street and then you get home and see on the news that a 20 year old pro athlete dropped dead on the field. This life can be very odd at times..Here today,gone tomorrow..My prayers are with his wife,kids,best mate Bryan,and the rest of his family and friends..Take care Rich

Obviously this is a sad day and a great loss for his family and the world. However, his death makes me think of both the fragility of life and the need to celebrate life. What made him great was his passion for life in everything he did from his career interest to his family. He certainly appeared to view life as an opportunity and he got the most out of it. His life ended prematurely doing what he loved. What a great example of a life well lived. If reflecting on his death makes us all inspired to live life with more passion it would be fitting as that is the enduring lesson of a life so well lived.
Bill Kirby

WELL SAID BILL!!

He was the man, I loved watching his show. Who would of thought he would go that way, and not by a croc.

R.I.P Steve you were the man
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Marcs Reptiles

The tears fall like rain this morning as me and my family hear about the death of; " One of the most beautiful people on Earth. " I hope in his death, that we will realize that; " Having love for this planet and the people in it, is not to just be carried by people like Steve, it is for all of us to care and carry. " GOD BLESS, Brother and Fly With The Angels..........John David Johnson....." Johnson Herp "

R.I.P. Steve !! You will trully be missed My son is in tears right now
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THERES NO BEAUTY LIKE THE BEAUTY OF A TRUE REDTAIL

np

Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter. He was a great man, with a lifetime passion for animals. He certainly made a huge impression in my life and I am sure in many others lives as well. God bless his family, and welcome him as comes up to join you in.

Luke

Steve was my inspiration for all things wildlife. He will be very missed and never forgotten. Rest in Peace Croc Hunter...