CRIKEY! The word made famous by one man, Australian Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Leading up to the anniversary of his tragic death, Laura Rumbel recounts Steve’s inspiring life. 

Steve Irwin, a man known for his khakis and crocodile catching techniques who spent most of his time with animals and educating the world about wildlife. To this day, Steve remains a true icon of Australia.

Next Monday, 15th November, Australian’s and people across the world we will remember Steve, his joy, his passion and his love of wildlife, which he shared with us during his short time in this world.

Who was Steve Irwin and why was he such a well-known Australian? 

In 1962, Steve Irwin was born into a family of wildlife enthusiasts, catching his first venomous snake at the young age of six. Growing up in a home housed with dangerous snakes, injured birds and orphaned kangaroos, there was no surprise when the boy from Victoria grew up to live and breathe wildlife.

Steve Irwin would spend months on end in remote areas of far north Queensland capturing crocodiles which he would then relocate. His love continuing to grow for reptiles, especially crocodiles.

In 1991, Steve met visiting tourist Terri Raines and the couple married a year later. Instead of a traditional honeymoon, the couple embarked on filming a wildlife documentary. The documentary was such a hit that it soon turned into a series, and The Crocodile Hunter was born.

In 1992, Steve Irwin took over his retired parents wildlife park in Beerwah Queensland, later re-naming the park Australia Zoo in 1996. Australia Zoo would later go on to be one of Australia’s most-visited attractions.

As a lifelong environmentalist and animal rights advocate, Steve went on to establish the Wildlife Warriors Worldwide in 2002. A foundation which protects habitat and wildlife, creates breeding and rescue programs for endangered species and leads scientific research to aid conservation.

In 1998, the Irwin family went from a family of two to three when Steve and Terri welcomed their first child, a daughter named Bindi into their world of wildlife. 4 years later, Steve’s mini me, Robert Irwin, was born in 2003.

Steve Irwin tragically lost his life on the 4th of September in 2006 while filming a wildlife documentary at the Great Barrier Reef where he was pierced in the chest by a stingray barb. Since the loss of the crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, 334,000 acres of national reserve at Cape York was named Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in 2007 and Steve Irwin was a recipient of Queensland Greats Award in 2015.

When and what is Steve Irwin Day? 

Every November 15^th, the Australia Zoo holds an annual Steve Irwin Day, honouring the life and legacy of Australia’s favourite Crocodile Hunter and family man. The Irwin family will be following closely in Steve’s footsteps and feeding the crocs at their Wildlife Warrior Show on Steve Irwin Day.

All Australian’s can watch the Steve Irwin Day celebrations live from 12:25pm AEST.

Here’s how our Yaks remember legendary Steve Irwin

“I remember him being full of life and I was always so in awe of the amazing things he would do. He was such a cool guy.”

“I remember him being such a bright spark! His passion for animals was really inspiring.”

“I remember him rocking his khaki outfits and throwing himself on to the backs of huge crocs as he yelled out Crikey. He relocated and rescued so many crocs that otherwise would have probably ended up as boots or handbags. Mostly he taught me about Australian wildlife and played a huge part in raising awareness about caring for our wildlife.”

“I remember coming home after school, grabbing a cold Milo, plopping on the couch and watching his daredevil antics on TV.”

“I remember visiting Australia Zoo when I was younger and thinking what a hero Steve Irwin was for rescuing and caring for all of the animals at the zoo.”

Tag Yak on socials this Monday to celebrate and share your memories of Steve.

Feature Image by Eva Davies, Yak Designer