Steve Irwin killed by Stingray

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060904/ap_on_en_tv/obit_irwin

I only just found this out. Quite a shock to me.

I used to work for Steve Irwin. As a volunteer with the Croc Team at Australia Zoo. I wouldn't say we were good mates or anything. I hardly knew the guy. Only spoke to him a couple of times when the park was closing down and he'd come out to check on the progress of builders.

This was back when the old Reptile Park that had been renamed 'Australia Zoo' was rapidly expanding. A new front Gate entrance and a two story restaurant was going up. This was before the Crocoseum was finished. I enjoyed myself there enormously. Watering the Palm trees in the Alligator enclosures, talking to visitors and learning about all kinds of animals.

I'll always remember the way he swore at the slow pace of the builders. With all manner of colourful metaphors. But never
"Crikey".

It's hard to believe a bloke with so much life in him has died so young but atleast he was doing what he loved. Steve was a great guy and my heart goes out to his wonderful wife Terri and their two children.

I'm simply overwhelmed at this news. Even if I hadn't known the guy it would be a shock. Like when Elvis passed away. Steve was a living national treasure like Paul Hogan. I just hope the Zoo doesn't suffer now that it's patron has passed on. He was certainly the major attraction and people travelled from all over the world to see one of his shows.

That's all I have to say on this

Steve Irwin, We'll miss you.

I still remember your daring adventures with crocodiles, snakes ..

You've been an inspiration for teens like me and many others worldwide.

He did more for environmental awareness than any Green peace protest ever did.

I though he was a right twit for quite a while.

But it became apparent how genuine he was regarding the protection of wildlife and related environmental issues.

A true hero.

And a huge loss.

Elvis isn't dead.

My family met Steve and his wife Terry some 13 years ago at his wildlife park before he became famous world wide. My son then 3 was an avid Crocodile Hunteraholic. We watched the Crocodile Hunter morning, noon and night - he loved it that much.

The courtesy and genuine interest both Steve and Terry showed to my kids was absolutely fantastic and memorable. What you saw was what you got ... a family dedicated to wildlife, the environment and the preservation for the future.

My families Deepest sympathies go to Terry, their two children, family, friends and work colleagues of Steve.

The world has lost an amazing, inspirational human being and his family has lost a treasured Dad .... This man was a bright light in an often darkened world ... Let's make his legacy an action, and stop wrecking our planet. Afterall we humans only share it we don't own it!

May those who have the power take note at this man's passing and his inspirational environmental leadership and protect the world's flora, fauna and ourselves from those who who would put the dollar ahead of the planet's ongoing health.

May Steve Irwin rest in peace as his memory will live on.