Yesterday (September 4th, 2006) an unimaginable tragedy occured that ended the life of one of my personal heroes, Steve (The Crocodile Hunter) Irwin. He was snorkeling off the coast of Australia and filming a relatively harmless array of sea creatures for his daughter Bindi's new TV show when a Sting Ray lashed out it's tail in self defense at him, piercing him directly in the heart and killing him.
The likelihood of a Sting Ray related death is so small that this may be the 2nd or 3rd recorded incident in (Australian) history. Had he been struck in any other area of his body, he probably would have lived.
Steve Irwin began capturing and relocating crocodiles from the age of 9. He grew up caring for wild animals and it remained his number 1 passion for the entirety of his life. While known mainly for his interaction with crocodiles, Steve worked to preserve and educate about all living creatures. His uniquely exuberant personality, his bravery in the face of danger and his passionate love for all animals mark him as one of the greatest wildlife conservationists in history.
Steve is survived by his beloved American-born wife Terri, and his two young children, Bindi and Bob, who he has been raising in the presence of wildlife and educating on their importance in the world.
He will be greatly missed by all who recognize the impact he has had in the world. We love you, Steve Irwin!
I drew these little pixel crocodiles in Photoshop, and made a little Gaia version of Angel Steve using TekTek.org Dream Avatar Creator. You can let the world know you loved Steve by putting one of these little guys in your signature, journal or profile.
[URL=http://tinyurl.com/ls5ar][IMG]http://tinyurl.com/pabve[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://tinyurl.com/ls5ar][IMG]http://tinyurl.com/prrcw[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://tinyurl.com/ls5ar][IMG]http://tinyurl.com/rcte9[/IMG][/URL]
Also visit The Steve Irwin Memorial Thread on Gaia and share your heartfelt words with other people who are mourning his death.
On a personal note:
I have a great love and respect for animals, both domesticated and wild. I have grown up with cats by my side and they have been my closest friends in the world. I spent one year volunteering at a Wolf Sanctuary that I will remember fondly forever as one of the most special times in my life. There is a feeling like no other in the whole that a person gets from being around and helping wild animals. It is scary, wonderful and satisfying at the same time. To anyone who thinks that someone who spends a lot of time with 'dangerous' animals is crazy, you will never know just how important it is until you do it. Any fear you may have of danger is far outweighed by knowing that you are helping these animals and doing something to better the world. That's what Steve Irwin had. It was his life. And that's why he meant so much to me and deserved to be considered a hero.
heart Riven Le Fay
p.s. - Here's some other Steve memorials I've come across. Click on them for info on how to get your own.
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