Career Timeline of Steve Irwin: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Steve Irwin built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Steve Irwin, "the Crocodile Hunter," was an influential Australian zookeeper, conservationist, and television personality. He gained worldwide fame through his enthusiastic wildlife documentaries, particularly 'The Crocodile Hunter', educating the public about animals and conservation. Irwin owned and operated Australia Zoo, which became a leading center for wildlife conservation and research. His energetic and passionate approach to wildlife resonated with audiences globally, contributing significantly to raising awareness about environmental issues. Irwin died in 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a documentary, leaving behind a lasting legacy in wildlife conservation and education.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1991: Irwin takes over park management

In 1991, Steve Irwin took over the management of the family park.

1996: Debut of The Crocodile Hunter

In 1996, The Crocodile Hunter series, filmed during Steve Irwin's honeymoon, debuted on Australian TV.

1997: Discovery of Irwin's Turtle

In 1997, Steve Irwin, while on a fishing trip along the coast of Queensland with his father, discovered a new species of turtle. Herpetologist John Cann later named it Irwin's turtle (Elseya irwini) to honor Steve Irwin's discovery.

1998: Presentation of The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World

In 1998, Steve Irwin presented The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World, working with director Mark Strickson.

1998: Australia Zoo name change

In 1998, Steve Irwin renamed the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park to Australia Zoo.

2000: Croc Week Marathon Begins

In 2000, Animal Planet created the annual Croc Week marathon which lasted every year in the middle of June until 2007.

2000: FedEx Commercial

In 2000, Steve Irwin appeared in a FedEx commercial.

2000: Creation of the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund

In 2000, Steve Irwin helped found the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, named in memory of his mother.

2001: Cameo role in Dr. Dolittle 2

In 2001, Steve Irwin had a cameo role in the movie Dr. Dolittle 2.

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2002: Appearance in Wiggly Safari

In 2002, Steve Irwin and his family appeared in The Wiggles' video/DVD release, Wiggly Safari, filmed at Australia Zoo.

2002: Starring role in The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course

In 2002, Steve Irwin starred in The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, which he also performed stunts in. The film won the Best Family Feature Film award for a comedy film at the Young Artist Awards.

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November 2003: Search for missing scuba divers

In November 2003, while filming off the coast of Baja California, Steve Irwin and his crew suspended operations to aid in the search for two missing scuba divers. Irwin's team helped locate one of the divers, Scott Jones, alive. The other diver, Katie Vrooman, was found dead.

2003: Advertising Campaign for The Ghan

In 2003, Steve Irwin fronted an advertising campaign for The Ghan, a passenger train. A locomotive was named Steve Irwin as part of the campaign.

2004: Appointed ambassador for The Ghan

In 2004, Steve Irwin was appointed ambassador for The Ghan passenger train when the line was extended to Darwin.

January 2006: Appearance at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion

In January 2006, as part of the United States' 'Australia Week' celebrations, Steve Irwin appeared at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California.

January 2006: Announcement of Bindi the Jungle Girl

In January 2006, during an interview on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Steve Irwin announced that Discovery Kids would be developing a show for his daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin, which later became the series Bindi the Jungle Girl.

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