04/09/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14wSyXeArj9/
It’s hard to believe that today marks 20 years since the death of Steve Irwin.
For millions of people around the world, Steve made wildlife television feel completely different. His enthusiasm was infectious, whether he was handling crocodiles, snakes or just talking excitedly about an animal he clearly adored. The Crocodile Hunter, which he presented with his wife Terri, became a huge international success and was seen in more than 130 countries.
One of the best stories from Steve and Terri’s life together is that they actually spent their honeymoon trapping crocodiles. Footage from that trip went on to become the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter.
And despite being fearless around huge reptiles, Steve had his own unexpected fears too — including parrots, something that always seemed wonderfully at odds with the man who would happily get within inches of a crocodile.
His work went far beyond television. Steve was deeply committed to conservation, founded what became Wildlife Warriors and spent years promoting the protection of endangered species and habitats.
Steve died on 4 September 2006 at just 44 years old after being struck by a stingray while filming on the Great Barrier Reef.
Twenty years on, his family continues much of the work he started, and his influence on wildlife television and conservation is still very easy to see.
