Crocodile Hunter...An Australian Tragedy

[Bob S.]

I can't believe it. Or maybe I should just say Crikey! Well at elast Steve Irwin died doing what he loved to do most. Trying to show the world about wildlife.

Article from MSNBC

Bob S.

[Bob S.]

I can't believe it. Or maybe I should just say Crikey! Well at elast Steve Irwin died doing what he loved to do most. Trying to show the world about wildlife.

Article from MSNBC

Bob S.

[Tampanude]

You push that envelope???
You make wild things entertaining??????
I really am amazed it took this long actually.

"HEYAHS A SPITTING COBRA, CRIKEY, HE'S ANGRY AT ME. LOOK HOW BEEYOOTIFUL HE IS WHEN HE'S PROTECTING HIS HABEETAT"

I hate to sound cold but he had a wife and two young children, yet thrilled with "dainjuh"

[hm0504]

Well, I'll miss him and I certainly feel sorry for his wife and young kids.

[Bob S.]

Tampa, he was seen by environmentalists and conservationists as a huge figure. He loved animals and knew how to handle them. Yes he may have pushed things a bit, but he also had a deep and reverent respect for all the animals.

And realize that this documetnary he was working on was a project he was working on with his eight-year-old daughter. Was he too close or was it just a freak accident? We may find out in the days to come or we may never know.

Bob S.

[OZJames]

BobS -

quote:

Was he too close or was it just a freak accident?

The world is full of wimps which is the result of being over protected by laws and guard rails put there because if anything happenned we would sue.

We should do nothing but admire a brave man like Steve Irwin who took chances to advance the cause of wildlife protection and of course entertain millions of people.

JAMES

[shãybare]

Life itself is dangerous. We all live and we all will die. How we die, I think, is important.

There are many "useless" deaths everyday on the roadways. Drunk drivers killing innocent people for one.

Steve Irwin died doing what he loved to do. Many adventurers do. But Steve was serving mankind in what he was doing. I feel he should be honored for that.

[Nude_not_rude]

Got to admit I had a hard time believing the news. He was a top bloke and a great ambassador for Australia and wildlife. He was a rare type of bloke who put his money where his mouth was by developing Australia Zoo and buying properties in the bush to use for wildlife conservation and spent his life trying to educate us to the beauty and wonder of nature.

His wife Terri was one of the last people in the country to find out it seems as she was trekking in the Tasmanian mountains before being informed and flying to Cairns.

I feel the same about this news as I did hearing about the death of Lady Diana and the World Trade Centre tragedy. 'Crikey!' What a waste.

It was a strange day with everyone running around saying "have you heard the news? Steve Erwin is dead" always followed by a shocked "No way! Are you serious?" and everyone retelling the senario. Bit twilight zone feeling really....

I know it shouldn't be surprising that he eventually did get killed by a wild animal, considering his "playing with fire" exploits with Crocodiles, deadly snakes etc. For some it may have seemed inevitable.

I think the main reason it has been such a shock for me is that Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin was the lastest in a line of Aussie characters who were famous for making the wildlife and natural environment exciting and educational for all Australians. In the past there has been characters such as Harry Butler, Ben Cropp, Ron & Valerie Taylor, The Leyland Brothers, Les "The Bush Tucker Man" Hiddins, Alby Mangle and Malcom Douglas. Steve is the only one to have been killed whilst doing what he loved.

A great Aussie character. He will be missed.

[garbo]

Steve Irwin will indeed be missed. He was a great ambassador for wildlife conservation and a wonderful television personality. He seemed somehow bigger than life. God rest his soul. He died doing what he loved.

[Jason Lee]

quote:

Originally posted by Bob S.:
Was he too close or was it just a freak accident?

Bob S.

Stingray felt threatened because Steve Irwin was swimming above it and got too close.

[Rabid_Clam]

Steve was entertaining and most certaily pushed the envelope on safety allot. When you do that, like Evel Knevil, you will pay.

Is sad he is now gone. He did show us the dangers of some animals but also how to skirt danger for those unfortunate rare times one gets in such a position unintentionally.

May God rest his soul and keep him in His kindom forever. Amen.

[hm0504]

quote:

Originally posted by Bob S.:
... Was he too close or was it just a freak accident? We may find out in the days to come or we may never know.

Bob S.

For most of us, I would say if you are close enough to get killed by something, you are too close. (Course, in my book, being within half a mile of an animal that could potentially kill you is too close.)

In this case, it was also a freak accident as there have only been 17 prior deaths from mantas. This time the animal simply lashed its tail and the point at the end just happened to go right into Steve's heart. The large majority of people survive direct physical encounters with mantas -- Steve's luck just happened to run out this time.

The other cameraman was filming at the time of the accident

Anyway, the world needs someone like Steve Irwin, though maybe someone who keeps a bit more distance from the animals.

[tarsus]

a warrior has fallen. the battle continues for endangered wildlife. i can only hope someone will rise up.
very sad day for planet earth.

[Naturist Mark]

My sympathy goes out to Mr. Irwin's family and many fans.

I think this topic has been mis-named - 'crocodile tears' means an insincere or hypocritical display of remorse. I hope that doesn't describe anyone on these boards.

-Mark

[Bob S.]

Mark:"I think this topic has been mis-named - 'crocodile tears' means an insincere or hypocritical display of remorse. I hope that doesn't describe anyone on these boards."

It was not meant as any disrespect.

Bob S.