There has never been anyone on earth quite like Steve Irwin. The man known to the world simply as The Crocodile Hunter dedicated his life to the conservation and protection of giant reptiles .
He is constantly being remembered by his children, family, and friends for all the good work he did.
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Honor Steve by checking out these 10+ facts about the late Steve Irwin fans didn’t know.
1. Steve was raised in a zoo.
No, I mean Steve was literally raised in a zoo! When he was only 8-years-old, his parents founded the Beerwah Reptile Park on 4-acres of land.
This would later become The Australia Zoo!
2. He wrestled his first crocodile when he was only 9-years-old!
While trying to relocate a croc with his father, Steve jumped on the giant reptile’s back in order to subdue it.
Which sounds like the most insane thing any human being could ever do, but hey — maybe I’m the crazy one?
3. Steve’s first goal was always aimed at conservationism.
Steve told Scientific American that he has an unlikely hero:
“See, I’ve always seen Jacques Cousteau as a hero, mate. He’s a legend like [sic] my dad, just a legend. And so what he did for conservation in the ’60s through the ’70s was just phenomenal. And I want to be just like him, you know?”
4. Steve once fed a crocodile while holding his infant son in his hands.
As I’m sure you can imagine, this caused quite the media stir. Robert couldn’t have been more than a few months old at the time this video was taken.
It seems insane! But keep in mind, we’re talking about a man who wrestled his first crocodile when he was nine.
5. The first episode of *The Crocodile Hunter* was filmed during Steve and Terri’s honeymoon!
As Terri recalled to Scientific American,
“We got a phone call in Oregon that there was a crocodile that needed help. We dropped our honeymoon , we went to north Queensland, and we helped this crocodile and filmed a documentary on the premise that the cameraman just chases Steve around.”
6. The entire world tuned in to watch Steve hunt crocodiles!
At the peak of Steve’s popularity, he was estimated to be earning upwards of $16 million a year.
The Crocodile Hunter was seen by more than 500,000 viewers in over 130 countries across the globe.
7. Steve discovered his own species of turtle!
It’s appropriately named Irwin’s Turtle. Steve made the discovery with his father in the early ’90s.
The reptile is indigenous to Australia, so you aren’t likely to see it unless you’re planning a trip down under!
8. There was only one animal that truly frightened Steve.
Steve admitted to Scientific American that of all the animals he’s come into contact with, parrots give him the most trouble.
“Yeah, for some reason parrots have to bite me. That’s their job. I don’t know why that is. They’ve nearly torn my nose off. I’ve had some really bad parrot bites.”
9. His parents gave him an incredibly age-inappropriate birthday gift.
When Steve turned six, his parents gifted him an 11-foot-long python . In case you were wondering, Steve decided to name the giant serpent, Fred.
The thought of which sends shivers up my spine.
10. Steve truly believed that his popularity all boiled down to one thing:
“You know what I reckon it is? My belief is that what comes across on the television is a capture of my enthusiasm and my passion for wildlife,” Steve said to Scientific American.
Robert, on the other hand, seems to prefer the limelight — just like his dad.
Robert has been a regular on the Late Night TV circuit for years! He makes regular appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon .
Take a look at this video of Robert absolutely terrifying Kevin Hart with his animal guests.
11. His children have followed in his footsteps.
Steve is survived by his two children: Robert and Bindi. They carry on his legacy at The Australia Zoo .
Bindi is a full-time conversationalist and even has her own clothing brand.
12. Steve understood that being bitten made for great TV.
Steve told ABC Television that being bitten came with the territory.
“Now and again I do get bitten . But I haven’t been killed. And it’s that, you know, that sense of morbidity that people do have.”
“There’s no use sticking your head in the sand and going, ‘Oh, no, they’re only here because, you know, I talk well.’ Nah, man, they wanna see me come unglued.”
I think Steve was selling himself short. His Australian accent I’m sure also played a part as to why people tuned in!
13. Steve met his wife Terri at The Australia Zoo!
Terri was there visiting and she saw Steve perform one of his crocodile shows.
During an interview with ABC News, Terri told Barbara Walters that she “fell then and there, love at first sight , not a problem. I said to my friend, ‘I got to meet this guy.'”
