Steve Irwin, better known as "The Crocodile Hunter", was a great many things. He was a father, a husband, a conservationist, as well as one of the most magnetic TV personalities in the history of the small screen.
It's now been 15 years since Steve's untimely and tragic death. Now, as the world at large commemorates his memory on this 'Steve Irwin Day', his family and fans all over the world are sharing stories of his kindness.
Steve was a father, a conversationalist, as well as a TV sensation thanks to his wildly successful series, The Crocodile Hunter. Known for his signature khaki short-shorts, and "crikey" catchphrase — Steve made it his mission to protect Australian wildlife.
Audiences all over the world were captivated as Steve willingly climbed into cages with Great White sharks, and was regularly chomped at by his beloved crocodiles. He was a man without fear, determined to show the gentler side of earth's most misunderstood creatures.
Back in 2006, Steve and his film crew were on the lookout for Tiger Sharks when they came across an 8-foot-wide stingray. The animal, typically known for being quite docile, became inexplicably violent and began stabbing at Steve with its razor-sharp barb. Steve succumbed to his wounds as a result.
'Steve Irwin Day' is a time for remembering the man we've come to know as "The Crocodile Hunter" and to thank him for all that he gave to the world and the Australian wildlife population at large.
"It’s #SteveIrwinDay. I’m so lucky to have a lifetime captured on camera & countless stories from those who knew Dad best to help me remember the special times spent with him. I still look up to my dad every single day," Robert said.
"Your legacy will live on forever. I love you for even longer," she tweeted.
Steve's children aren't the only ones who appear ready to commemorate his life. All around the world the internet has become awash with posts of people sharing just how much Steve meant to them
There aren't many people on earth who delight in having giant snakes wrapped around their heads, but then again — Steve Irwin wasn't like most people. He was a kind soul who always sought to leave the world in a better state than which he found it.
First and foremost, you too can become a "Wildlife Warrior" and support The Australian Zoo. Today, the zoo is still run by Steve's widow Terri, as well as Steve's two children, Robert and Bindi Irwin.
Together, they look to continue Steve's legacy and help fund valuable conservation efforts at home and abroad.
Sharks, snakes, and crocodiles may look scary to us, but the rumors of their vicious bloodthirsty nature have been wildly exaggerated — mostly thanks to Hollywood. The best way to combat ignorance surrounding these misunderstood beasts is through education and an open mind.
For anyone who didn't grow up watching Steve on the Discovery Channel, Steve's antics are well worth the watch. For those with an Amazon Prime subscription, you can stream The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course on Prime Video!
At the end of the day, there's no wrong way to celebrate 'Steve Irwin Day'. What matters most is that his legacy lives on and is never forgotten. Thanks largely to the efforts of his surviving family, it appears readily apparent that the wildlife at The Australian Zoo is in good hands.
