a too soon farewell to a lovely, lovely bloke

IN THE end Steve Irwin got too close. The wildlife champion and television personality, known around the world as the Crocodile Hunter, died just after 11am yesterday in front of the cameras when a stingray's barb pierced his heart as he swam over Batt Reef, off the coast of Port Douglas in far north Queensland. -smh

he had shows aired in 150+ countries and his name was known worldwide. adventurer, proud father, and conservationist extraordinaire, the world has lost a true gem indeed. check out the sydney morning herald for more extensive coverage of the tragedy from the land that irwin knew best.

"I never saw a side to him that was different to his public side. He lived in capital letters and he seemed to have a lot of exclamation marks with him as well."
-andrew denton, abc tv presenter- australia


"I have no fear of losing my life — if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it." -steve irwin