Steve Irwin - In Memoriam

I am sure we are all shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, who was killed in a rare and tragic incident today during a filming expedition on the Great Barrier Reef. It was a rare and very unfortunate accident in which Steve swam over a stingray and was stung by its barb in his chest. A doctor on board Croc One, Steve's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Steve and by the time he was reached by the rescue helicopter he had passed away…

Steve was beloved by millions of people and animal lovers around the world and was not only one of the most passionate conservationists and naturalists, but an embodiment of passion for living and love for life in all of its shares and forms.

For me, Steve was a rare human being with a huge heart, irresistible enthusiasm and passionate love for everything he touched. He brought so much joy and appreciation for all types of animals and wild life. He had enormous courage, the most adventurous life, a soul mate and wonderful children to share it, a gentle and loving soul and charisma and authenticity like rare few. He made me see the living world with new eyes and live in a better way and for that I will never forget him.

"It's unbelievable, really," Jack Hanna, the host of "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventure" and director emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo, told CNN. "You think about Steve Irwin and you think of people who are invincible."

Hanna, a friend of Irwin's, noted that Irwin's persona of the Crocodile Hunter was no act. Irwin grew up around crocodiles, snakes and other animals at his parents' Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and had been handling such creatures since he was a child.

"Steve really knew what he was doing. He was one of the finest reptile people in the world. He knew more about reptiles than anybody did. He was raised that way," said Hanna.

Steve in his own words: “When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke. And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing. You know, there's this ... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty.' "

"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," Stainton told reporters in Cairns, according to The Associated Press. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!' "

He has left a legacy," Stainton told CNN. "That people do love some of the unloved animals like crocodiles and reptiles that people wanted to kill. He's actually put a position in their hearts for them. I want that to continue. ... I want people to really go out there and remember Steve Irwin for what he really was, which was a great conservationist, saving wildlife and actually promoting wildlife that people didn't love."

DCI Founder and Chairman, John Hendricks said, "Steve was a larger than life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind."

Discovery Communications is considering the creation of the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, to be affectionately caled "The Crikey Fund", to honor Steve's passion and exuberance for conservation and the animal kingdom. This fund will allow people from across the globe to make contributions in Steve's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation. The fund in addition to contributions by DCI will also aid Steve's Australia Zoo in Breewah, Australia as well as educational support for Bindi and Bob Irwin.

And here’s a small selection of quotes from Steve giving a glipmse of his charming style and unmatched exuberance for animals and life:
 
"Crikey!" — his catch phrase, exclaimed repeatedly during his television show whenever something interesting happens.
 
"I get called an adrenaline junkie every other minute, and I'm just fine with that."

"I've worked with more dangerous snakes than anyone in the world and I've never been bitten. It's a gift."
 
"I bled a lot. I got hit across the face. We couldn't film for seven days. I got hit, whacked, underwater, across the face. I finished the shot, got into the boat and blood started coming out." — on one particularly close shave.
 
"Crikey, mate. You're far safer dealing with crocodiles and western diamondback rattlesnakes than the executives and the producers and all those sharks in the big MGM building." - comparing dealing with deadly animals with show business.
 
"Fear helps me from making mistakes, but I make lot of mistakes."

"I have no fear of losing my life — if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it."

One of the most memorable and touching moments for me was when Steve and Terry were watching newly hatched little sea turtles struggling for their life in their dangerous journey across the dunes and sands to reach the life saving waters. During one of those episodes, one such brave little turtle after an enormous struggle and show of courage has finally reached the ocean, while Steve encouraging her all along, finally exclaimed in tears – “Go Little Fella! You can make it! You can do it no matter what! Brave little fella!...”



How will YOU remember Steve and his unforgettable spirit and life?

You can post your condolences to the Irwin family at the Discovery web site or post a tribute at CNN’s web site for Steve’s Web site CrocodileHunter.com is currently inaccessible due to the enormous traffic of the millions of us who want to pay tribute to his amazing spirit and life.

Compilation from various sources including CNN, BBC, Animal Planet, Discovery, Associated Press, CrocodileHunter.com and more.

And 2 additions:
This short video tribute contributed by J.K, - thank you!
http://azedia.com/zaadz/video/tribute-to-steve-irwin.htm 
and my visual haiku...