Steve Irwin, RIP
posted at 8:30 pm on September 4, 2006 by Allahpundit
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Awful. I only saw the show once or twice, but a more likeable croc-wrangler we’ll never meet.
The fatal stingray strike was caught on camera, thus completing the parallel to “Grizzly Man.”
Here’s the kind of guy he was. Read Jack M.’s tribute at Ace’s site, too. It’ll break your heart.
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A full and happy life just ended and the only consolation is that Steve died doing exactly what he loved doing the most.
A great loss for his family, a great loss for humanity, a great loss for the animal kingdom.
A very good man died!
Entelechy on September 4, 2006 at 8:46 PM
I wish YouTube had his classic appearance on Fox & Friends. One of the funniest moments on television. They rolled it a number of times this morning so you may have caught it.
RightWinged on September 4, 2006 at 8:53 PM
The F&F segment was hilarious.
GT on September 4, 2006 at 9:18 PM
So sad for his wife and kids and his fans all over the world.
I believe we choose how we die long before coming to earth. A perfectly targeted strike to the heart is no “lucky shot”, it was planned eons ago and now Heaven is blessed by Steve’s presence once again.
“Crikey! Look at the size of the wings on THAT angel!”
God bless you Steve, we’ll miss you.
Tony737 on September 4, 2006 at 9:32 PM
And by the way, please don’t compare Mr. Irwin to that “Grizzly Man” guy. Steve was a happy, intelligent man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. Grizzly Man was an angry, mad-at-the-world lunatic. Screamin’ and cursin’ at the camera, every other word bleeped out. Steve has class, charisma and a love of animals that educated anybody who’d listen. Griz Boy was an anti-capitalist environMENTAList wacko who watched too many Disney movies and thought bears were his friends. They probably picked up on his anger and hatred and thought he was a threat to them. Sorry to speak ill of the deceased but he also planned his exit from this world, as did we all.
Steve was a conservationalist known to support P.M. John Howard. Grizzly was an environmentalist, probably a Green Party douche bag commie pinko tree huggin’ hippie pothead.
Tony737 on September 4, 2006 at 9:43 PM
I always knew he wouldnt get old,but I thought his reactions would slow down over the years, and he’d get it from a fast moving snake or croc.
Well it was a ray,and he went under doing a job that he truly loved-
God keep you, croc-man
lizzee on September 4, 2006 at 9:46 PM
Screw around with prehistoric animals for long enough, and eventually the odds will catch up with you.
Lehuster on September 4, 2006 at 10:33 PM
How sensitive of you.
Anwyn on September 4, 2006 at 10:53 PM
Just to echo I am sorry for his family. We always enjoyed his shows and my kids enjoyed him as well. I always here that if you die doing what you love, then you die happy. Let’s hope so.
Catie96706 on September 4, 2006 at 11:06 PM
Lehuster
Anwyn
First a few semantics Lehuster… I don’t know that you can call a modern animal prehistoric, but maybe. Just seems kind of weird.
And Anwyn, I agree, Lehuster was a bit harsh there, but his point is quite valid. It’s an odd thing to not be able to be mad at a cause of his death. Like if he was murdered weather in war or as a civilian, you could be mad at the murderer. Or if it was a disease, you could be mad at the disease and mad that we don’t have a cure. But in all honesty, he was “asking for it” for lack of a better term. He tempted fate for a living, and he’s lucky to have survived as long as he did.
Again, I agree that Lehuster was a bit out of line with the harsh tone, but when you get down to the meat of what he’s saying the real point is there. I guess the better way to look at it would be to acknowledge that he died doing what he loved. Hopefully it was quick and painless.
RightWinged on September 4, 2006 at 11:11 PM
“He did dangerous stuff so I’m not surprised” is blase about the man’s death, to say the least, and is somewhat rude in a thread ostensibly for sympathy. Obviously the man took his risks knowingly and this one didn’t pan out for him. But the implication that “he was stupid” or “he was asking for it,” both of which are implicit in Lehuster’s statement, with no mitigating sympathy expressed, do not belong in the immediate aftermath of his death, imho.
Anwyn on September 4, 2006 at 11:36 PM
I remember seeing the show that clip was from. I never would have thought that a grown man crying over a crocodile named Mary would move me to tears, but it did. There was a show that chronicled the last week of his dog Souee’s life that just made me sob.
He was a man that truly loved all animals, regardless of whether they were fanged, barbed, aggressive or poisonous, and that is a very special trait. I learned a lot from his shows and documentaries. He will be missed.
He was so special, and my heart goes out to his wife Terri, his kids, his father and his friends. He was an amazing man.
violet on September 4, 2006 at 11:36 PM
In a weird way I feel like my kids have been robbed.
I have 3 all under 6 years old and every weekend instead of turning on the Cartoon Network (or some other such garbage) I was always glad we could turn on Animal Planet and at least they’d have something decent to watch. I was always especially happy when Irwin’s programs came on.
The man just beamed optimism.
I’ll admit I’m a big fan of all that “Nature” type stuff – stuff like the discovery channel, Space Lab, Jaques Cousteau etc. – but that’s not really why I liked Steve so much. Steve, as much as anything, was one of the best examples out there on how to approach life. You do it with optimism and enthusiasm. He was a great role model for everyone everywhere.
Now my kids (at best) will have to watch re-runs growing up. It kind of pisses me off. I’m still mostly sad though.
I would take aim at the naysayers here too – especially the overly sensitive environmentalists who attacked him for “Abusing” wildlife and the Social Nannies who attacked him for taking too many risks. He wouldn’t have led the amazing life he did and he wouldn’t have been the inspiration he was without doing what he did.
I’m reminded here of something General Patton once said about fallen soldiers…
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
Thank God for Steve Irwin. He shows us how to live; with great passion, with a willingness to take risks head on, and in having a bright hope for the future. Lord knows we can’t take on the vast array of challenges we face in this life without that sort of attitude, much less wrestle crocodiles.
God Bless you Steve, and God Bless your family. Thanks for everything.
venmax on September 5, 2006 at 12:14 AM
It broke my heart to hear about Steve Irwin’s death. I don’t watch much television but coming across his show was always a treat. I could never believe how happy and enthusiastic he could be while tangling with creatures that would freeze most people in terror. Even the most cold blooded creature maneater developed a personality when he gave it a silly name and gave it a chance to mug for the camera. I’ll miss him. Safe journey, Steve.
austinnelly on September 5, 2006 at 12:21 AM
Again Anwyn, you’re right and I don’t know what crawled up Lehuster’s ass. I may have been giving him to much credit for the “point” he kind of had, or assumed he partly meant the same thing I explained, mainly because I just didn’t think there were people around HotAir dickish enough to be like that. I don’t know Lehuster’s motivation.
RightWinged on September 5, 2006 at 12:34 AM
I have been trying to follow the “if you don’t have anything good to say” rules of my raisin’, but venmax post roused me to respond (imagine that)
No. I grew up on a farm, out in the country, and played in the woods of appalachia as a child. You do not approach wild animals with optimism and enthusiasm. They don’t care about you, they are incapable of liking you, and the only thing in the world that matters to them is propogation of their species. If they for a minute suspect you are attemptin to interfer with that they will do whatever they can to shut your ass down. In fact, it is not a good idea to approach large domestic animals with optimism and enthusiasm for basically the same reason, while they have reached a tentative agreement with man as far as caring for them, they will not hesitate to kick your ass if they think you are reneging.
No, but he would have seen his kids graduate elementary school.
Patton was talking about soldiers who fought an enemy, was Irwin fighting an enemy?
I kind of see your point, but Irwin was taking risks to what purpose? You can study and document wildlife from a distance, we have telephoto lens. It is actually better to stay outside their perception, you get a more honest look at their normal lives. Irwin was taking risks to draw viewers, to sell advertising. It was his perogative, and I am sorry for his family, but honestly this is the best lesson he could have taught his viewers:
Don’t fuck with dangerous shit unless you are ready to die.
B Moe on September 5, 2006 at 12:42 AM
B Moe, at least you have some elaboration to back up your position, which I still think is unsympathetic, to say the least. You’re entitled, but … geez.
I think your “don’t fuck with dangerous shit unless you are ready to die” is the same as my “obviously the man took his risks knowingly.” It’s the truth, but as so often pointed out here before, how you tell the truth matters.
If people want to eschew sympathy in favor of saying that the man brought it on himself, to each his own, but again … geez. We’re all smart enough here to understand that the man chose a risky, dangerous life. So you wouldn’t choose it yourself and think he was stupid to do so. Fine. We get it. Some of us would rather express sorrow first rather than charges of stupidity.
Anwyn on September 5, 2006 at 12:59 AM
I think he was ready to die, because he did not seem to be stupid and he articulated the risks vbery well. He was silling to spend his currency doing what he wanted. The guy seemed to be one of those big hearted, macho, leather skinned looney aussies. No Metro man he.
He loved those animals to death, and tried to transmit his love to others. How do you teach people to cherish creatures that want to eat you, are ugly, smelly, and don’t fit in at the mall?
He lured viewers in with his interactions, which I think were less harmful to the animals then bullfighting, or greyhound racing. He taught viewers awe of the powers of these creatures, big and small. He used phrases in his dialogue – “look at how beautiful she (a croc, smake, spider etc ) is..” and the lessons rubbed off on a generation, to the betterment of those species’ future.
It shows how one human can have a huge influence on the world. Though presentations like his, I cannot look at a spider the same. I used to see a sickening multi-legged vermin. Now. I think of science fiction masterpiece, coordinated engineering marvel of legs, a killing machine to be wary of, but not ugly. If I have the time, I toss spiders outside now, instead of smashing them.
But I don’t disagree that he did in a way ask for it, playing with fire. But I don’t think he was a fool, just a guy willing to die that way.
I will miss him
entagor on September 5, 2006 at 1:04 AM
B Moe
I grew up in a swamp. I know full well about dangerous critters.
Tell me something. Were you ever a’feard to go out and play in the woods as a child? Shit if I wasn’t. Hell, I’d just pick a direction and walk that way for 3 miles and back on a Saturday just for kicks.
What’s the point of going to work every day if you’re scared of the outcome?
What’s the point of finding love in another if you’re scared of rejection?
What’s the point of trying anything new at all in life if you’re worried about a setback?
Hell man, what’s the point of even getting out of bed in the fucking morning?
There is none.
Without faith, love, and hope in your heart, there is none.
Irwin was chock full to the brim with all of that, and God Bless him for it. God Bless him for showing us all that each and every time we switched on the tube to watch one of his TV shows.
Life ain’t nothin’ without Faith brother.
Remember that!
venmax on September 5, 2006 at 1:16 AM
He loved animals..any kind..earth or water.
He loved Life and people too..you could just tell that from the way he communicated.
I enjoyed watching him..I found his “joie de vie” enchanting. His wife was so supportive and they seemed to have a deep and sincere affection for one another.
I think we are going to miss him in many ways. He communicated love and enthusiasm for so many things. God Bless the Irwin family. The only good thing is that it seems he went doing something he loved…I hope we all get that grace.
labwrs on September 5, 2006 at 1:21 AM
I am not unsympathetic and I don’t think the man was stupid. He knew the risks he was taking, he weighed them against the rewards and made his decisions. My issue is with this notion:
He may have been entertaining, but I don’t think he was a great role model. The natural world needs to be approached with respect and caution. Optimism and enthusiam will get you killed. I am sad for him, I am even sadder for his family, but that doesn’t change the fact that the world is a dangerous place.
B Moe on September 5, 2006 at 1:24 AM
All righty B Moe, point taken.
Anwyn on September 5, 2006 at 1:26 AM
I have faith in my ability to make sound decisions. The first (and only) time I jumped over a fence to play with some piglets, and faced a 800 lb. sow breaking out of the shed like Secretariat and charging my scrawny little ass like a rhino on steroids, I realized that blind faith in critters was not a real good idea.
B Moe on September 5, 2006 at 1:31 AM
Well B Moe…
Umm…
DUH!
Which is why my Patton quote is so appropriate.
But maybe the British SAS can put it more plainly for you.
Who dares wins.
I’d argue that old Steve-O won. I’d gather that we don’t all have to be haning on, peeing into a colostomy bag at the age of 107 to be considered successful.
venmax on September 5, 2006 at 1:33 AM
B Moe, you are quite entitled to your opinion. Having said that, there IS a TIME and a PLACE for such comments and frankly this is NOT that time nor place. Perhaps you didnt like him, that is again your perogative BUT to bring up such sentiments that basically boil down to “he was asking for it” instead of respectfully commenting on his passing IS IN VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY POOR TASTE! TACKY, RUDE AND MEAN-SPIRITED…
labwrs on September 5, 2006 at 1:39 AM
Those who are critical of others, especially of good people during the time of their death, usually have issues with themselves. There are so many among us who don’t even remotely come close to living the adventurous, interesting, exuberant and full of joie-de-vivre life that Steve led.
He didn’t do it for the money. He simply did what he loved and if money came in, the better. How many in the world are this fortunate? He also didn’t do it to be an inspiration or an example. His family will miss him and will honor his memory by not moaping, but rather by reinforcing his love for ‘his’ animals and for life. Period.
This was a happy bloke, if there ever was one. One can imagine him waking up in the morning with “What a graait daay it is todaay!” He obviously loved his profession, a lifestyle he grew up in and inherited from both his parents. Then he was fortunate to find a wife with similar interests.
This was a unique man, a creature who obviously loved life, with all that surrounded and challenged him, who loved his wife and children, his dog, his snakes, crocodiles and all he had encountered and was yet to discover; a man who could laugh and cry, both for joy and sorrow. One had the impression that one could be very safe around him. Obviously, he was vulnerable and exposed, by his free volition, and it is a miracle that he survived the odds for as long as he did.
We shouldn’t be critical of him but instead thankful that our, otherwise full of wussitude, world presented us with such a gifted and strong man, and that now we have the wonderful memories, and thankfully the kids of today and tomorrow, including his own, have the myriad of videos.
Steve, you were a great Aussie, you were a great man and we’re glad you shared your love of animals and your joie-de-vivre with us. You reminded us how wonderful life can be, when lived to its fullest. You died the way you lived, you died doing what you loved the most and we don’t even remotely come close to your courage.
No more pain for you mate and no more suffering. All the criticism, from whatever quarters, and for whatever reason or rationalization, you will thankfully not hear any more.
Thanks for the many memories. The animals are crying today…
Oh, and before you reply, I grew up on a small farm, roamed the woods as a child and had nightmares about them at night, had a (single) engine quit on me during a student pilot solo flight, over a range of rocky mountains, with no flat spot inside my gliding range, was terminally ill for several years, and still get up every morning and take many risks…Life is more intersting and full this way and who am I to question the style/preferences of others’ lifestyles?
Entelechy on September 5, 2006 at 1:42 AM
Not only the animals..I think all we feeling humans are a bit sad as well.
MUCH better said than my post Entelechy..Thanks. I agree with your entire post and appreciate your eloquence in the tribute! “Good on ya Mate!”
labwrs on September 5, 2006 at 1:53 AM
What can I say, I do listen to Rush Limbaugh.
Look, go for the gusto. Live life to the fullest, grab that brass ring, shout every mindless platitude you can think of at the top of your damn lungs. But don’t teach your kids that man can fuck with animals at his leisure, that is all I am saying. I am sorry I am saying it at what you deem an inopportune time, but I have never noticed Irwin as a topic here before, and seriously doubt he ever will be again.
One more time, I am sorry he died. I am sorry for his wife and kids. That changes nothing. The stingray that killed him is totally oblivious to all this, and will kill your ass tomorrow if your swim too close and it gets lucky. If the risk is worth it to you, fine. Just as long as you are aware of it.
B Moe on September 5, 2006 at 2:00 AM
I hope you don’t mean the almost always naked guy from Jackass?
RightWinged on September 5, 2006 at 2:11 AM
Well, no I guess you don’t B Moe. Either that you totally misinterperet him. Rush is sort of the opposite of everything you’re throwing down here, I’m not really sure how you’re equating Rushbo with “mean spiritedness” and/or why you even think he applies here.
Rush would argue that Irwin was “Fearless” (if you’ve listened to any of his more recent shows). Maybe that helps. At any rate stop using talk radio to cover up for bashing the Croc Hunter at a really inappropriate time and place for no readily apparent reason.
venmax on September 5, 2006 at 5:51 AM
The irony is that swimming with stingrays really isn’t much of a risk, and the strike that killed Irwin was a freak occurrance. I’ll take a bigger risk in just a little while when I get in my car and pull onto the freeway.
Pablo on September 5, 2006 at 6:37 AM
True – the Cruise lines in Florida offer shore excursions to swim with stingrays all the time. Big jokers too.
venmax on September 5, 2006 at 7:08 AM
Great post Venmax (the first one).
Steve is now immortal. Not just that his soul is immortal, but the man himself. He will be remembered by history long after the rest of us are forgotten. He won’t be remembered for fighting nazis like Audie Murphy or fighting Trojans like Achilles, he will be remembered for educating millions of children (of all ages) on animals that we’d never dare approach. Yes we can take pictures from afar, but so can we take pictures of the moon. Neil Armstrong will be remembered for walking on the moon, not taking pictures of it. Mankind is further advanced by those dare, not by those who ridicule the adventurers. Does anybody remember the name of the guy who told Columbus he was a fool? Me neither.
I hope and pray Animal Planet is showing reruns of Steve when Baby737 is old enough to understand what she is seeing. If not, I’ll buy them on DVD.
Pablo, great point, as always!
Tony737 on September 5, 2006 at 7:46 AM
The closest I come in contact with wildlife is with birds. Seagulls, cormorants, Mute swans, egrets. There are 2 Mute swans who come when I whistle. I realize these are very territorial birds & can be dangerous, yet I’ve hand-fed them. Wild animals are the most fun because they’re unpredictable. Creating predictable circumstances with them is a joy.
Coronagold on September 5, 2006 at 8:08 AM
Knowing “what you are dealing with” is where you start. Not more than 5 minutes from my house is a beach where you can “ride” the stingrays as they feed. Big stingrays.
I have been here for 20+ years and NEVER heard of ANYTHING bad happening. You are more likely to be bitten by a shark anywhere in Florida than “stung” by a stingray. They are very curious and I could tell NSTIW stories for awhile. This is not the time or place.
As for Steve, he seemed like a crazy aussie who loved what he did. It was very dangerous but he could have stopped if he wanted. I hope he gets to do something he likes in his next life.
tormod on September 5, 2006 at 8:43 AM
His Sports Center ad, it is on a simliar note as the F&F video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqnVZwXQbQk
harmonica on September 5, 2006 at 9:56 AM
Requiescat In Pace Steve. Watch after the animals for us until we get there.
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on September 5, 2006 at 10:08 AM
The point has been made by many and I would like to remind those that make that kind of comment about it. Man is the most dangerous. Are you now going to call us pre-historic? You can know everything about a part of town and still manage to be shot there by another human.
He knew a great deal about wildlife and that gave him the edge to be safer doing what to most of us seemed “insane.” But he was more likely to die in a car crash, airplane, or boat ride trying to go film than by WHAT he was going to film.
mdconservative on September 5, 2006 at 10:36 AM
I know–i.e. while it was a risk, it really should have been a much smaller risk than others he’s taken for years. Which just makes it the worse that this particular one went so bad.
Anwyn on September 5, 2006 at 10:47 AM
I met Steve doing the Leno Show several years ago. He had a buzzard of some sort that puked EVERYWHERE backstage. I liked him for a lot of reasons, most of all, my daughters loved him, and that’s enough for me. And besides, he wasn’t a fucktard, like
a shitload ofsome people. Just sayin’.james hooker on September 5, 2006 at 10:57 AM
My entire family was shocked and saddened by Steves death. We loved watching him on Animal Planet. His euphemisims (Gorgeous! Crikey! Ain’t she a beaut??) had made their way into our vocabulary here at home. We used to laugh when one of us would say one of these. Now, it’s just going to remind us of the terrible loss we all have. I feel so bad for his family.
StephC on September 5, 2006 at 11:08 AM
StephC, a buddy of mine at work does a near perfect Croc Hunter impersonation. He’d grab another coworker by the head, lift the guy’s lips up and say “Crikey! Look at the teeth on THIS bugga! Oiy! He troiyed to boit me! You’re a naughty one, ain’tcha?” Haha! The really funny thing is that he studdered so bad ya couldn’t understand him EXCEPT when doing his impersonations (or when he’s been drinkin’!)
Tony737 on September 5, 2006 at 12:02 PM
Grizzly Man?
No way – no comparison, no parallel.
Steve didn’t want to become an Aligator or Croc while Treadwell wanted to become a grizzly.
ar_basin on September 5, 2006 at 12:03 PM
That was awesome… Hilarious!
Brian and The Croc Hunter fighting two stuff Aligators on the set.
The Steve Ducey, the weather man, throws a Wild Horse into the mix… Priceless.
If you haven’t seen that “You Tube video” up top, then you might want to return.
May he RIP, may his family find some comfort.
ar_basin on September 5, 2006 at 12:12 PM
Tony737, that’s funny. I’ve seen quite a few try to talk like him, but were never that good. My 13 yo son would do it when I would find a spider I wanted killed. Even Steve couldn’t convert me on the beauty of a spider. LOL. He will be missed.
StephC on September 5, 2006 at 12:23 PM
We lost a good educator. His final lesson though is to NOT underestimate nature. It was a waste of a good person for sure. He really showed us a lot on animal behavior before this unfortunate incident.
I read now that he lived long enough to pull the barb out and how do we know THAT isn’t what killed him, or knowing how he was, he probably figured he had a few seconds of consciousness left to try and undo the damage before the venom or whatever kick in. If his heart did get pierced though, nothing could have saved him. I’m sure we’ll learn more and I hope they respect his family enough to not exploit this guys final video.
johnnyU on September 5, 2006 at 12:53 PM
Some of you guys prove why others prefer to work with wild animals. Wild animals might be dangerous at times, but some people just suck.
One lesson I will carry, hopefully, is that I didn’t think about this wonderful man as much over the past few years. Now that he’s gone, I can’t get him and his enthusiasm or smile out of my mind.
Who else in my world should I embrace before they go unexpectedly?
For example: We hear of this movie that depicts the assasination of Dubya. I know; I know…..many of us have our issues with his spending/education/immigration stances, but what if such a tragedy were to occur? Hmm??
I do believe I would cry like Steve cried over his Mary.
And I would not be alone.
Jimmyboy1 on September 5, 2006 at 1:18 PM
Everyone who mentioned Steve Irwin’s love of life has my hearty “amen!” From childhood, Steve was always doing what he loved and all of the blessings he received (money, fame, love–he met his kindred-spirit wife while doing one of his croc shows before he became world-famous) flowed from that.
As I said somewhere else, I’d be envious of the guy, if I didn’t realize–like Steve apparently did–what a simple thing it is to be happy. The only reason that I might still be envious was that it took me forty years to understand what he understood from childhood, almost instinctively. And if one lives for forty-four or eighty-four years without that understanding, the length of lifespan won’t make a bit of difference.
There are only four things to be sad about regarding the short, happy life of Steve Irwin: that his father outlived him, that his wife will have to live on without her love, that his children will have to grow up the best way they can without their father and that the rest of us will have to find another example of how to live (and die) well.
Notice that all of these things involve those who are left here and don’t involve the man himself. And that’s the point. Don’t be sad for Steve. Be sad for yourself, especially if you’re not doing your best to have it like he did. (And, yes, I’ll take my own advice.)
baldilocks on September 5, 2006 at 1:33 PM
BREAKING!! Irwin death was secret plot by Bush administration to set up invasion of stingray habitat
Democratic leaders are demanding a congressional hearing this morning after allegations have come forward that the death of Steve Irwin was a secret government plot, designed to gather public support in advance of a U.S. invasion of Australia’s northeast coast. Irwin was killed on Monday by a stingray’s serrated barb to the chest.
At least two witnesses have now come forward to say that Vice-President Dick Cheney had been seen entering the same dive area wearing scuba gear, and video surveillance at the Bango Singia Dive shop shows Cheney purchasing what appears to be a stingray barb and then placing it into his backpack.
Congressman John Murtha calls this
and stated this morning that
Nancy Pelosi would not comment, other than to say
General Wesley Clark also spoke at the press conference, saying that it’s his belief that invasion is the wrong answer and it would be much more effective to offer a package of incentives to the stingray community.
Clark said.
Originally published at: http://www.worldsreality.com
Gregor on September 5, 2006 at 2:07 PM
I don’t know that you can call a modern animal prehistoric, but maybe. Just seems kind of weird.
Crocodiles, as a species, date from the late Triassic to early Jurassic. Stingrays, as a species, go back to the Devonian.
Anyway, my remark was a reference to Romancing the Stone (”Someone’s about to get killed here and you’re farting around with prehistoric animals”) which I see fell flat here amongst the thin-lipped and disapproving.
My view is that the risks he took had no valid scientific or investigatory purpose. He took risks purely for sensationalism – it was all about the show business – and he treated dangerous animals in an excessively cavalier fashion. I liked him just fine as a TV personality, and I enjoyed his show, but overall my sympathy for his demise is limited.
Lehuster on September 5, 2006 at 2:12 PM
I grew up in Montana, travelled a big piece of the world in the service, now settled in South Florida. I have been chased by a bear, watched wolves and elk up close (for those that have not seen an elk, imagine a deer on steroids with the attitude to match)seen rattlesnakes in their habitats, watched tarantualas crawling on trees in Central America, and fed,stepped on (and been stung) by a stingray. None of this has ever taken away from my joy and love of wildlife. Steve was my feelings multiplied by a thousand. His love of animals and desire to show them to people to take away their mystery truly set him above all others. I feel he acted the same when he was running a small zoo in Queensland as he did on TV. I wish he could have been around long enough to watch his children grow, and while no substitute, I am sure they will know the fine man their father was. No doubt he is watching them, and whispering in their ears “Crikey, careful with that beauty” He will be missed.
jcon96 on September 5, 2006 at 3:10 PM
Thank God for Steve and his work here on earth. He leaves behind an awesome zoo, a wonderful family, and great memories for all.
His wife, Terri, also deseves special recognition. She was brave to open her heart, life, and future to a man she knew lived a dangerous life. At least his legacy will live on through his children, zoo, and fans.
The Grizzly-Man comparision is a sham and a shame. Steve’s conservation work left many marks that will stay for future generations to enjoy. Grizzly-Man was a mentally ill joke. They don’t belong mentioned on the same thread.
NTWR on September 5, 2006 at 4:17 PM
Because all Republican women are thin-lipped bitches, let’s not forget.
If it were all about the show business he could have quit taking the risks long ago and lived easy. It was more about his love for the animals and spreading the idea of knowing about them and appreciating them.
It certainly wasn’t an animal he was being “cavalier” with who turned on him and killed him. It was a freak accident that could have happened to any diver.
Imagine my surprise to find you unsympathetic. Lack of sympathy for a tragic death, along with “he was asking for it” and an obscure reference to an old movie that’s supposed to be a joke, will always find me “thin-lipped and disapproving,” I assure you.
Anwyn on September 5, 2006 at 4:19 PM
What an utterly vulgar display. What in the world compels people to make such gratuitously nasty statements? The anonimous nature of the internet, where the expression “talk is cheap” is constantly demonstrated.
honora on September 5, 2006 at 4:32 PM
Ditto.
StephC on September 5, 2006 at 5:40 PM
I’m watching his show right now, he just said “Ya neva know when matha natchya moit spin aroun’ an’ kill ya.” They were flying down to Antartica and had to go back ’cause of the weather. Prophetic.
Tony737 on September 5, 2006 at 6:09 PM
If it were all about the show business he could have quit taking the risks long ago and lived easy.
He was down there making a show for fame, money, and to create entertainment, period.
If he died defending his family or his country, or for the advancement of knowledge, that is heroic. Entertainment is not the least bit heroic.
It certainly wasn’t an animal he was being “cavalier” with who turned on him and killed him. It was a freak accident that could have happened to any diver.
I have seen his show often enough to know that he frequently behaves cavalierly with dangerous animals. He even cavalierly put his own baby near dangerous animals! The way he behaved, a fatal accident was only a matter of time.
What in the world compels people to make such gratuitously nasty statements? The anonimous nature of the internet, where the expression “talk is cheap” is constantly demonstrated.
You know what? I would say those exact same comments to your faces.
As for my lack of sympathy, I don’t even know this guy. I am not related to him. I don’t even know anyone who knows him. I don’t see why I should feel any differently about his death as compared to the many thousands of other strangers who die every day – which is to say, I don’t waste any time thinking or feeling anything about them at all. My emotions are precious to me, and I reserve them for friends and family. If you are so foolish as to lavish extravagant feelings on a celebrity who does not care a whit for you, that is your business.
Lehuster on September 5, 2006 at 6:35 PM
Did I say “fucktard?” The shoe seems to fit in certain instances.
james hooker on September 5, 2006 at 8:12 PM
I disagree.
A) I never called him heroic, B) again, we disagree. I think he was serving the advancement of knowledge. A kid could learn more about whatever animal he handled in five minutes than he probably did in school.
Precious? I think the word you’re looking for is scarce. I for one am not “lavishing extravagant feelings” on a stranger–because common human sympathy for the wife and kids he left behind, on learning that their husband and father has suffered a fatal accident, is not extravagant. Here’s an extravagant emotion just for you, though: disgust.
Anwyn on September 5, 2006 at 8:17 PM
baldilocks, your post was the greatest; it encourages one to reflect. You said it so nicely – thank you,
Entelechy on September 6, 2006 at 1:16 AM
baldilocks – yes
I wish I had been as smart as Steve Irwin a lot younger. I wasted a lot of years, not with what I was doing, but what I thought about life.
I have some agreement with B Moe’s pragmatic view of nature. What the sad story was told I had a twinge of sadness for the stingray. I always feel for the bear or mountain lion that chomps a hiker because they are simple following plan A not understanding man has a plan B.
However, Irwin has created a safety brigade of future generations educated to cherish the predator, so the cost-benefit ratio makes Irwin a plus-plus.
Contrast this great guy with Michael Jackson – Joy versus Misery, Connection versus Isolation, World-Changing versus Self-serving, Selfless versus Appetite-driven, Save Animals versus Private Zoo, Good for Kids versus Ick.
entagor on September 6, 2006 at 11:36 AM
Family reflects and looks ahead – children might follow in father’s footsteps…
Entelechy on September 6, 2006 at 8:43 PM
Good-bye, Steve … OMG, this made me finally lose it. Then I laughed through my tears at the F&F video.
======
Lehuster, you are the sort of person that inspires me to mumble on occasion, “The more I learn about people, the more I like my cats” … and I mumble this more and more often these days.
To say that Steve took such risks for little or no benefit to the world is ignorant at best. He brought awareness of the plight of endangered species to the general public in an entertaining way that got the point across without the guilt-inducing, blame-storming, politically charged manner that so many other “conservationist” and animal rights groups spout. His love and respect for the animals, ALL animals, was evident in his every action. He risked his life on many occasions to rescue animals and their habitats.
What have YOU ever done for an animal? Hmm? At most, risk a cut to the thumb opening a can of dog food for Rover? What have you ever done for anyone, person or animal?
Steve had the blessing of having a free inner-child. He did not hold with any social conventions that proscribed how he behaved when and where. Watching the Fox and Friends video shows this, as does the look of absolute amazement, joy and wonder on his face as he observed his beloved animals out in the wild. We would all be so much better off, happier and less stressed out if we could cut loose with our inner children more often. We certainly would be much less hateful.
Bless the beasts and the children …
LissaKay on September 6, 2006 at 10:31 PM
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