I’ll never forget where we were when we found out.
Lisa’s guesthouse in Yangshuo China.
We had just gotten back after glorious day cycling through the Yangshuo countryside and decided to check our emails before heading out for dinner.
AS soon as I opened the Yahoo browser, a picture of a stingray and the latest news headline flashed up at me.
I blinked several times and read the words over and over again.
This must be a joke. How could this be real?
Craig was busy chatting with Lisa about our day and so did not see the news that would devastate our entire nation and put the world’s animal species, human and non, into mourning.
“Oh My God Craig! Steve Irwin is dead.”
Can you believe of all the animals he danced death with, it was a sting ray that finally took his life?
We thought that if it happened it would be from the snapping jaws of a croc, not these graceful ballerinas of the sea.
An Amazing Australian and Friend to the Animals
Steve was one of Australia’s most well known and likeable characters. Larger than life, always with a joke, a story to share, affectionate and loving words for his family, and an unbelievable passion for his life’s mission.
To make this world a place where animals and humans could co-exist in harmony, and we, their greatest threat, would work to protect them and conserve their homes. Which is really our home too.
Steve wanted to educate the world and teach them that crocodiles, although fierce and dangerous, were not to be feared but loved for their ferocious spirits.
His father bravely spoke at his farewell and I’ll never forget his words.
“Today I feel so sad for the animals, as they have lost their best friend.”
Today is Australia Day and I felt it was a good day to remember Steve Irwin,the work he did an his family continue to do at Australia Zoo and their conservation efforts around the world.
Steve represented our country in such a great light around the world and made me proud to be an Aussie. He was definitely one of our best.
Travel Bloggers Give Back
I also wanted to let our readers around the world know the good work that continues to be carried on his name. There are several Travel Bloggers participating in an initiative created by Bret Love called Travel Bloggers Give Back, where we highlight a charity that we really love.
There is no better day than today to highlight and remember a real Widllife Warrior.
Steve created his own Australia Zoo, and Craig once worked there building rhino and other animal enclosures. We also visited frequently as a family; it was the first place Kalyra patted a kangaroo and displaying fearless Steve Irwin characteristics petted a crocodile.
Fearless
Australia Zoo is a great place to see his works in action, spend time with the crocodiles that he loves so well, and possibly see his wife Terri who now does the feeding. Bindi, his daughter, could possibly perform with you showing just how much she is like her father with her fierce determination to continue on his good works, and their son, is a miniature version of Steve and beyond cute.
There is not only the zoo that operates in order to continue to preserve and conserve wildlife. The also have other foundations and programs set up such as…..
Be a Wildlife Warrior
There are various of ways you can support Steve’s conservation efforts and make a difference You can sign petitions, make donations, sponsor animals, visit the zoo, participate in conservation projects or just spread the word and act like Steve and be kind to the animals.
He often spoke of his mission and how all he wanted to do was to show people the hearts of every living species so they could get into our hearts and we would protect them.
Steve was a very passionate person, and I’m sure anyone who saw him in action felt a burst of their own energy from within them, he was that infectious, he could move you miles away just through the TV screen.
He was a very proud Australian and a true Wildlife warrior.
Not only did he teach us so much about animals and how we are all interconnected and must help one another, he also taught us a few things about what we need to do to become winners in our own lives.
“I have a message for my fans. Whatever you want to do in this world, it is achievable. The most important thing that I’ve found, that perhaps you could use, is be passionate and enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life, and you’ll be a winner.”
—Crikey! What an Adventure on Animal Planet, 2007
All animal species miss you Steve.
I’ll be donating in Steve’s memory today to his conservation efforts. I’d love it if you could do the same. Make Australia Zoo a place to visit on your Australian journey. You’ll see lot of Aussie animals, you’ll get to see more of Steve’s work in action and you will contribute to that by visiting.
Australia Zoo
Website: http://australiazoo.com/get-involved/
Location: 1638 Steve Irwin Way Beerwah QLD 4519
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm
Cost: Adult: $59 Child $35 Student: $47
I’m a huge Steve Irwin fan, and was delighted to get a chance to interview him and Terri in person right before their Crocodile Hunter movie came out. His passion for the protection of wildlife undoubtedly fueled my own, and to me he ranks up there with Jacques Cousteau among history’s greatest wildlife conservation advocates. One memory haunts me: I looked Steve square in the eyes and asked him, “Now that you’ve got little Bindi, are you ever concerned about the risks inherent in what you do?” You could see his eyes welling up with emotion as he responded that the thought crossed his mind, and that he tried to be as careful as he could, but that he couldn’t let it stop doing what he did. I’ve always admired and respected that passion and commitment. He was a great man, and this is a great tribute.
I think in not stopping what he did he has taught his children that when you have a passion and you believe in it with all your heart, you cannot let anything get in the way. He had a specific purpose and mission, and that was why he was alive. He couldn’t stop doing it and now his children understand that there are risks with everything you do, but its better to do what you love, risk it and make a difference, then to live your life off your path of purpose and be miserable because of it.
I would have so loved to have met him, you are so lucky!! What an awesome life you have had
He was such a big kid with so much passion for animals and life. I really wish he was still with us… I almost forgot how much I liked that guy! Thanks for reminding me…!
IT is good to look back and remember what a difference some people have made to our lives and the planet. He was one of a kind, I think everyone felt like they knew him and wished they could live life with half his passion
Steve was, and still is a favourite in our house. I too remember the day he died
I called Matt at work and he just couldn’t believe it, neither could any of us.
We visit the Zoo each time we are up there, and last time Matt went into the Komodo Dragon enclosure, we’ve also done a behind the scenes tour to see the tiger cages etc, as well as the animal hospital.
It’s an amazing place, and we’re wildlife warriors here, have been for a long time!
Wonderful choice of charity to highlight x
Ree @ Little Aussie Travellers recently posted..Australia’s Shameful Secret & Why Australia Day is Important
I would so love to do the behind the scenes tiger experience. It is my favourite charity. I want the animals to know that they still have friends in us.
What a cool project he started! I think for many of us outside of Australia, particularly those of who grew up watching his shows on TV, Steve really represented Australia as a whole, at least in my childhood mind. He was certainly a real national treasure! And his death came, far, far too soon.
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I so wish he was still with us. We really miss him Down Under, but his family are carrying his flame still and they are doing wonderful things for the animals
I have not yet been to Australia Zoo, but it has been on my list for some time. Glad Terri is so supportive of Sea Shepherds. And I have to admit I get teary-eyed every time I think about Steve. Miss him very much.
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Australia Zoo is a really great place to visit. They do so much conservation wise and you get to hang out with some Aussie animals and feed some kangaroos.
Crickey I still miss that man! I was incredulous when I first heard the news too. In fact, I still have a hard time believing it. He entertained us and taught us to respect the animals. You could tell he loved his “job”.
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I miss him too Debbie. I generally don’t feel that way about any famous people who have passed, but he was something special. An inspiration to all of us to care about animals and to LOVE what you do
You get right to the point and the heart of both what Australia Day should be about, and also what Steve Irwin was about in this post Caz. Enjoyed reading it
We were living in Cape Town when we heard the news. I think it’s one of those days you’ll always remember where you were (like when Princess Diana died). He was such a passionate and entertaining man and did so much not only for wildlife but Australia too. Long live his memory and the good work that continues at the Zoo.
Thanks Johanna. I think it is something every one will always remember. And his leaving ceremony at the Zoo was so precious. I get goosebumps now just thinking about it. I so wish he was still with us.