What a shame. I thought Steve Irwin was great. Yeah, he put himself in a lot of dangerous situations, but that's what he loved doing and he always was so stoked to be doing it. RIP Steve!
Strange to hear that he felt that Australians resented him a bit for his over-the-top stereotype yet some of us (at least me...) found one more reason to admire them and desire to visit. Can't say Dundee had the same effect - maybe it was Steve's "wonder of it all" approach that made him accessible.
DV
Former Member
I just feel bad for his family. I think he was only 44 years old. How sad.
Originally posted by scyfreestyler
The guy gave little respect to mother nature's other creatures and something was bound to happen eventually.
Totally disagree. I think he respected nature more than just about anyone. Something like this wasn't "bound" to happen any more than a policeman is "bound" to get shot.
I'm 100% with scyfreestyler on this one. Dancing around in front of a crocodile to provoke an attack just to make money as an actor is completely different than being a policeman.
Former Member
Very sad indeed, although I can't say that I am really surprised. The guy gave little respect to mother nature's other creatures and something was bound to happen eventually. I can't help but recall the time when he was playing games with a croc while holding his infant son. Reminds me of a certain musician who dangled his child over the balcony of a hotel room.
I'm sure Mr. Irwin would have said he was putting himself in harm's way for the benefit of the animals he loved and wanted to protect. CNN reran an interview yesterday of Irwin on the Larry King Show from a couple years back and Irwin was pretty adamant about getting people excited about animals being the best way to get them involved in conservation. There's no question Steve Irwin got people interested in animals. Now, whether you believe helping animals is just as noble as helping people is another thing. I think it is but I know others will disagree.
In response to geek. Yes, Irwin made a lot of money I'm sure. I just don't get the feeling he was in it just for the money.
Former Member
Originally posted by knelson
Totally disagree. I think he respected nature more than just about anyone. Something like this wasn't "bound" to happen any more than a policeman is "bound" to get shot.
Policemen typically wear protective clothing, aka. flak jackets, and they don't usually go around provoking gang members to shoot them. Dancing around a crocodile as it attempts to bite you is neither being respectful of it nor is it wise. The comparison to a public servant is not appropriate in my opinion. If Steve Irwin respected nature he would probably be alive right now. It is my understanding that Steve's cameraman irritated the ray causing it to lash out at them. Respecting nature means not backing animals into corners. Steve tempted fate for a living and it finally caught up with him. Too bad...I will miss his programs for sure.
