Steve Irwin By Dante Feliciano

Early life Stephen Robert “Steve” Irwin was born on February 22, 1962 on a suburb of Essendon, Victoria (Australia). Both his father and mother had careers in wildlife. His father was a Wildlife expert interested in herpetology. His Mother was a wildlife rehabilitator. Steve’s father taught him about reptiles from a young age. He began handling crocodiles at the age of 9, also at age 9, he wrestled his first crocodile. He worked at his family park until age 21 when he took ownership of the park and renamed it the “Australia Zoo”.

Other Information  Steve grew up to become a Naturalist, Zoologist, Conservationist, Television personality, and a herpetologist.  A.K.A. “The Crocodile Hunter”  Steve loved all nature but was especially interested in Crocodiles. He wrestled 100 by age 21.  Steve spent most of his adult life doing what he loved, working at the Australia Zoo.  He married Terri Irwin on June 4,1992.  They had two children, a daughter Bindi Sue Irwin (born July 24, 1998), and a son Robert Clarence “Bob” (born December 1, 2003).  A Well known Quote: “Crikey!”( Steve used this whenever he got excited or when he was in danger.)

Environments explored  Steve traveled all over the world exploring and learning about all the creatures and cultures they had to offer. But the main areas Steve explored were in Australia.

The Fame  After owning a zoo for almost 5 years, Steve was given his own T.V. Show Called the Crocodile Hunter, which first broadcasted in Australia in 1996 which made it’s way to North America the following year. It became very successful in the U.S. and the U.K. and in over 130 other countries. It was viewed by almost 500 million people.  Irwin was also known for work in conservation in Australia and in other countries.

His Death  Steve Irwin died September 4 th Irwin was fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray spine while snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, at Batt Reef, located of the coast of north Queensland. This occurred during the filming of his own documentary. He was age 44 when he died.

His influence  Steve left a tremendous impact on the world.  His television show helped many understand things about nature that many considered boring before he explained them with more enthusiasm then most before him.  His work in the conservation of endangered species had a big impact on society today.  He has also discovered a species of turtle that he named “Irwin’s turtle” for his family. A species of air breathing land snail was named after Irwin in 2009, It was called “Crikey steveirwini”.

Something I learned… And the learning styles.  I learned that Steve had two species named after him.  I learned about Steve’s learning style through watching his T.V. show and reading multiple articles about him. I feel our learning styles are very close because from an early age I was inspired to love and explore nature as a child by watching his T.V. show. Steve was a big inspiration in my life as a child and still today.

Final thoughts  I feel Steve was a great inspiration to many and changed the way society looks at nature.