Celebrating The Life of Steve Irwin

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Today is Steve Irwin Day, a special day celebrated every year on November 15 to honor one of the world’s most famous wildlife heroes. Steve Irwin, also known as the Crocodile Hunter, was an Australian wildlife expert, TV star, and conservationist who dedicated his life to protecting animals and teaching people about nature.

Steve was born on February 22, 1962, in Essendon, Victoria, Australia. His love for animals started very early. When he was six, he caught his first venomous snake. By the age of nine, he was already helping his father, Bob Irwin, capture “problem crocodiles” in Queensland. His parents had started the Beerwah Reptile Park in 1970, which eventually became Australia Zoo, one of the best zoos in the world. Growing up at the park, Steve learned to care for injured kangaroos, wallabies, birds, and reptiles while exploring the Australian Outback with his father.

By the 1980s, Steve was working for the East Coast Crocodile Management Program, traveling alone in remote areas to safely capture the largest and most dangerous crocodiles. He became so skilled that he earned the nickname Australia’s top “croc catcher.” He even developed techniques for handling crocodiles that are still used by wildlife experts today.

Steve’s adventurous spirit and love for animals led him to television. In 1992, he started The Crocodile Hunter, which became a worldwide hit. Alongside his wife, Terri Irwin, whom he met at the park and married in 1992, Steve traveled the world teaching people about wildlife. Together, they expanded Australia Zoo to more than 80 acres with over 1,000 animals.

Steve believed in “Conservation through exciting education.” He wanted everyone, especially kids, to understand why it’s important to protect animals and their habitats. His daring and fun style helped people appreciate wildlife and inspired many to care about endangered species.

Tragically, Steve passed away on September 4, 2006, at age 44. While filming a documentary called Ocean’s Deadliest, a stingray accidentally pierced his heart. Though stingray injuries are common, deaths are extremely rare. Even though Steve died, his love for animals and his message live on through his family and everyone inspired by his work.

Steve’s children, Bindi and Robert Irwin, continue his legacy. Bindi, now 27, is a wildlife conservationist who travels the world to teach about animals. She is married to Chandler Powell, and they have a daughter named Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, whose middle name honors Steve’s role as a wildlife warrior. Grace calls Steve “Grandpa Crocodile” when watching his shows. Bindi has shared that Steve’s heart and spirit live on through their family and his work.

Robert Irwin, 21, also works at Australia Zoo as a wildlife conservationist, nature photographer, and TV personality. He runs Wildlife Warriors, a nonprofit Steve and Terri started to protect animals and wild places around the world. Robert often says his father is like a superhero to him and inspires him to live with passion, love wildlife, and make the world a better place.

Steve Irwin Day was established by Australia Zoo in 2007, the year after Steve passed away. The day is not his birthday but celebrates the birth of Harriet, a Galapagos land tortoise who lived to 175 years old and was one of Steve’s favorite animals. It’s a day to remember Steve, his love for wildlife, and his dedication to conservation.

There are lots of ways to celebrate Steve Irwin Day! You can:

• Watch The Crocodile Hunter Shows: From 1997 to 2004, Steve and Terri starred in 64 episodes of The Crocodile Hunter. There were also spin-offs like Croc Files and The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, plus a feature film, Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course. Bindi has her own show too, called Bindi, the Jungle Girl.

• Make a Donation: Support the Wildlife Warriors program. Your donation helps protect animals, care for injured wildlife, and conserve wild places around the world.

• Visit a Zoo or Wildlife Park: See crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and many other animals up close. Learn about them and think about how we can protect them.

Steve Irwin Day reminds us to be curious about the world, respect animals, and care for nature. Whether you watch his shows, donate, or visit a zoo, you can be a Wildlife Warrior just like Steve.

So today, let’s celebrate Steve Irwin Day! Remember his energy, his courage, and his love for animals. Crikey, it’s a perfect day to start your own wildlife adventure!