Key chain:The Crocodile Hunter Talking Key Chain (1992-2006) by Fun 4 AllThe Strong National Museum of Play
Discover the legacy of zookeeper and conservationist Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, and TV personality. From humble beginnings to worldwide fame, Steve Irwin inspired countless individuals and continues to do so today. His family have ensured his legacy lives on but first, it’s time to understand where a life among animals first began for the zookeeper.
Irwin was born to Lyn and Bob Irwin in a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. His father was a wildlife expert and interested in herpetology (a branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles), and his mother was a wildlife rehabilitator. After moving to Queensland, Irwin was surrounded by animals, as not only did Lyn take in injured and orphaned animals, but his parents also started the Beerwah Reptile Park in 1970, which was full of crocodiles and other reptiles.
Irwin was involved with the park from an early age, taking part in daily animal feeding and other care and maintenance tasks. On his sixth birthday, Irwin was given a 12-foot scrub python. By the age of nine he began handling crocodiles with the help of his father, and it was at this age that he also first wrestled one – with supervision of course.
In 1980, the park was renamed the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and Steve continued to live there in between the months he spent living in the most remote areas of Far North Queensland catching problem crocodiles for the Queensland government. While he took on these challenges solo, he did have the company of his dog Sui at least.
The Crocodile Hunter key chain (From the collection of The Strong National Museum of Play)
Australian Freshwater Crocodile Australian Freshwater Crocodile by Natural Sciences CollectionMuseum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)
Australian Freshwater Crocodile (From the collection of Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory)
Irwin took over managing the park in October 1991 and two days later he met Terri Raines, a visiting tourist. In June 1992, they were married in Eugene, Oregon. Their marriage was the beginning of a new set of adventures for the pair, which started immediately after they tied the knot. Instead of a honeymoon, the couple embarked on filming a wildlife TV documentary, which saw them relocate a problem crocodile in Far North Queensland.
The show was a success, so much so that it turned into a series called The Crocodile Hunter, which is where Irwin picked up the nickname. The TV series, hosted by Irwin and Terri was internationally broadcast and was a big hit with wildlife lovers all over the world.
Alongside his TV work, which saw him appear on international chat shows, play cameo roles in films, and present other wildlife programs, Irwin continued making improvements and expansions to the wildlife park started by his parents. One big step was renaming it Australia Zoo in 1998. Irwin’s approach of “conservation through exciting education” was adopted in every avenue of his work and Irwin hoped that one day his park would become the world’s best zoo. Family was also a big part of Irwin’s life and with Terri he shared his love for wildlife with his two children, Bindi and Robert, who looked as though they were to follow in their father’s footsteps.
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Entrance to Australia Zoo
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In 2002, Australia Zoo's Wildlife Warriors were established by Irwin as a way to include and involve other caring people in the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife - from the individual animal to an entire species. They assembled a team of worthy Wildlife Warriors and together they hit the ground running.
Today, with nine global conservation projects, three vast conservation properties, and a loyal following of global donors and supporters, Wildlife Warriors continues to save the precious lives of our wildlife and carry on Irwin's dream to "save one, save the species".
In July 2006, Irwin and his wife set out a ten-year business plan for Australia Zoo. Tragically, two months later, aged 44, Irwin was pierced in the heart by a stingray barb and died while filming an underwater documentary film.
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Reactions to Irwin’s death could be seen and heard all around the world. Then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard was quoted as saying: “Australia has lost a wonderful and colorful son”. Since his death, Irwin has been the subject of numerous tributes and honors. In 2007, for instance, the government of Rwanda announced it would name a baby gorilla after Irwin as a tribute to his work in wildlife conservation. That same year, Glass House Mountains Road, the road that runs by Irwin’s Australia Zoo, was officially renamed Steve Irwin Way. And in 2009, a newly discovered species of air-breathing land snail was creatively named, Crikey steveirwini, as a tribute to Irwin.
In 2018, another honor was bestowed on Irwin via a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These international accolades are of course impressive, but it seems his legacy will live on away from the spotlight and closer to the passions he held as a child. Referred to as “a true Aussie bloke”, Irwin’s work will live on through Wildlife Warriors (formerly the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation); through his wife and children and the conservation work they’ve continued to do since his death; and the impact he had on wildlife, the environment, and conservation as a whole.
Steve Irwin (2005) by Robin SellickNational Portrait Gallery
Steve Irwin by Robin Sellick (From the collection of National Portrait Gallery)
