Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin
Irwin in 2005
Born
Stephen Robert Irwin

(1962-02-22)22 February 1962
Died4 September 2006(2006-09-04) (aged 44)
Batt Reef, Queensland, Australia
Cause of deathStingray injury to the heart
Resting placeAustralia Zoo, Beerwah, Queensland
Occupations
Years active1991–2006
Spouse
(m. 1992)
Children
Parents
Websitewww.australiazoo.com.au
Signature

Stephen Robert Irwin (22 February 1962 – 4 September 2006), known as "The Crocodile Hunter", was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, television personality, wildlife educator, and environmentalist.

Irwin grew up around crocodiles and other types of reptiles and was educated regarding them by his father, Bob. He achieved international fame in the late 1990s from the television series The Crocodile Hunter, an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary series that he co-hosted with his wife, Terri. The couple also hosted the series Croc Files, The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, and New Breed Vets. They also co-owned and operated Australia Zoo, founded by Steve's parents in Beerwah, Queensland. They had two children, Bindi and Robert.

In late 2006, Irwin died from an injury caused by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary in the Great Barrier Reef. His death became international news and was met with expressions of shock and grief by fans, the media, governments, and non-profit organizations. Numerous parks, zoos, streets, the vessel MY Steve Irwin, the snail species Crikey steveirwini, and the asteroid 57567 Crikey have been named in his honour. The Irwin family continues to operate Australia Zoo.