Childhood and Education Journey of Steve Irwin in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Steve Irwin, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Steve Irwin, the exuberant "Crocodile Hunter," was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, and television personality. He achieved global fame through his wildlife documentaries, showcasing his passion for animals, especially reptiles. Irwin dedicated his life to wildlife preservation, operating the Australia Zoo and actively promoting conservation efforts worldwide. His enthusiastic approach and hands-on interactions with dangerous animals made him a unique and influential figure, raising awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. Irwin's legacy continues through his family and the ongoing conservation work at Australia Zoo.

Sections (4)

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

1942: Mother's Birth

In 1942, Lynette "Lyn" Hakainsson, Steve Irwin's mother, was born. She later married Bob Irwin and had Steve on her 20th birthday.

February 1962: Birth of Steve Irwin

Stephen Robert Irwin was born in February 1962. This marked the beginning of the life of the man who would later be known as "The Crocodile Hunter".

1970: Move to Queensland

In 1970, Steve Irwin and his family moved to Queensland. There, his parents started the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, where Steve grew up around crocodiles and other reptiles.

June 1992: Marriage to Terri Raines

On 4 June 1992, Steve Irwin married Terri Raines in Eugene, Oregon. Their meeting was described as love at first sight, and they were engaged four months later.

1997: Discovery of Irwin's Turtle

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

July 1998: Birth of Daughter Bindi Sue Irwin

On 24 July 1998, Steve and Terri Irwin's daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin, was born. She was named after two of Steve Irwin's favorite animals: Bindi, a saltwater crocodile, and Sui, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

1999: Watching Rugby World Cup Final

During the 1999 Rugby World Cup Final, Steve Irwin and his crew watched the Wallabies defeat France while in a remote part of Namibia. The event was captured in a behind-the-scenes episode of The Crocodile Hunter, showcasing his support for rugby union.

February 2000: Death of Lyn Irwin

In February 2000, Steve Irwin's mother, Lyn Irwin, died in a car accident. He honored her with an online tribute, calling her 'the most beautiful, loving, nurturing, and caring person to have ever blessed this world'.

2000: Mother's Death

In 2000, Lynette "Lyn" Hakainsson, Steve Irwin's mother, passed away. This profoundly affected Steve, who deeply valued his mother.

2000: Death of Mother, Lyn Irwin

In 2000, Steve Irwin's mother, Lyn Irwin, passed away in an automobile crash. Following her death, Irwin helped found the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund to honor her memory.

November 2003: Search for Missing Scuba Divers

In November 2003, while filming a documentary off Baja California, Steve Irwin suspended operations to aid in the search for two missing scuba divers. His team contributed to the rescue efforts, and one diver was found alive thanks to kayakers.

December 2003: Birth of Son Robert Clarence Irwin

On 1 December 2003, Steve and Terri Irwin's son, Robert Clarence Irwin, was born. He was named after Irwin's father Bob and Terri's father Clarence.

2003: Praise for John Howard

In 2003, Steve Irwin described Liberal Prime Minister John Howard as "the greatest leader Australia has ever had" and "the greatest leader in the entire world" during Howard's visit to Australia Zoo.

January 2004: Crocodile Feeding Incident

On 2 January 2004, Steve Irwin faced controversy after carrying his one-month-old son, Robert, while hand-feeding a crocodile. This led to criticism and changes in Queensland's crocodile-handling laws.

2006: Australian Rules Football Promotion in Los Angeles

In early 2006, Steve Irwin participated in an Australian Rules football promotion in Los Angeles as part of 'Australia Week'. He was a fan of the Essendon Bombers and was honored after his death with a tribute by ESPN.com.