History of Steve Irwin in Timeline

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.

1991: Taking over park management

In 1991, Steve Irwin took over the management of the family's wildlife park. This marked a significant step in his career, allowing him to further develop the park according to his vision.

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.

1996: The Crocodile Hunter Series Debut

In 1996, Steve Irwin's television series, The Crocodile Hunter, debuted on Australian TV. This marked the beginning of his international fame, bringing his conservation message to a global audience.

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.

1998: The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World

In 1998, Steve Irwin presented The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World, working with director Mark Strickson. This added to his burgeoning television career.

1998: Renaming to Australia Zoo

In 1998, Steve Irwin renamed the family's wildlife park to Australia Zoo. This new name reflected his vision for the park as a major attraction focused on Australian wildlife.

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: Croc Week Marathon

In 2000, Animal Planet created the annual Croc Week marathon which lasted a full week in the middle of June.

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: FedEx Commercial

In 2000, Steve Irwin appeared in a FedEx commercial, which humorously addressed the possibility of occupational death from snakebite and the hypothetical scenario of FedEx saving him. The commercial lightheartedly promoted the brand.

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.

2001: Cameo in Dr. Dolittle 2

In 2001, Steve Irwin made a cameo appearance in the Eddie Murphy film Dr. Dolittle 2. His role involved a humorous interaction with an alligator.

2001: Awarded Centenary Medal

In 2001, Steve Irwin was awarded the Centenary Medal by the Australian government for his 'service to global conservation and to Australian tourism'.

2002: Australia Zoo Voted Top Tourist Attraction

In 2002, Australia Zoo was voted Queensland's top tourist attraction. Steve Irwin's efforts significantly contributed to this recognition.

2002: Appearance in Wiggly Safari

In 2002, Steve Irwin and his family appeared in The Wiggles' video/DVD release, Wiggly Safari. The video, set in Australia Zoo, featured songs and dances inspired by Australian wildlife.

2002: Starring Role in The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course

In 2002, Steve Irwin starred in The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, portraying himself and performing stunts. The film, produced on a budget of about US$12 million, grossed $33 million and won the Best Family Feature Film award for a comedy film at the Young Artist Awards.

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.

2003: Advertising Campaign for The Ghan

In 2003, Steve Irwin fronted an advertising campaign for The Ghan, a passenger train operating between Adelaide, Alice Springs, and Darwin. A Pacific National NR class locomotive was named Steve Irwin as part of the campaign.

2003: Controversy Over Government Payment and Political Ties

In 2003, questions arose about Steve Irwin receiving $175,000 in taxpayer money for a television advertisement and his potential political connections. Irwin defended himself by stating he was a conservationist, not a politician, but his praise of Australian Prime Minister John Howard led to media criticism.

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.

June 2004: Wildlife Disturbance Allegations

In June 2004, Steve Irwin faced allegations of disturbing wildlife, including whales, seals, and penguins, while filming an episode of "The Crocodile Hunter" titled "Ice Breaker" in Antarctica. The case was later closed without any charges being filed.

2004: Ambassador for The Ghan

In 2004, Steve Irwin became an ambassador for The Ghan, the passenger train running from Adelaide to Alice Springs, when the line extended to Darwin. This role highlighted his promotion of Australian tourism.

2004: Tourism Export of the Year and Queensland Australian of the Year

In 2004, Steve Irwin was recognized as Tourism Export of the Year. He was also named the 2004 Queensland Australian of the Year. He was nominated for Australian of the Year but lost to Steve Waugh.

January 2006: Announcement of Bindi the Jungle Girl

In January 2006, Steve Irwin announced on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that Discovery Kids would develop a show for his daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin. This show was later realized as the series Bindi the Jungle Girl.

January 2006: Appearance at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion

In January 2006, Steve Irwin appeared at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, as part of the United States' 'Australia Week' celebrations. This highlighted his role in promoting Australia as a tourist destination.

September 2006: Funeral and Memorial Service

In September 2006, Steve Irwin was buried in a private ceremony at Australia Zoo after a private funeral service on September 9th. A public memorial service was held on September 30th at Australia Zoo's Crocoseum, broadcast live to an estimated 300 million viewers.

September 2006: Death of Steve Irwin

In September 2006, Steve Irwin, known as "The Crocodile Hunter," tragically passed away. He left behind a legacy as an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, television personality, wildlife educator, and environmentalist.

October 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation to David Attenborough

In October 2006, Terri Irwin presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Sir David Attenborough at the British National Television Awards after Steve Irwin's death. She spoke of Attenborough's profound influence on Steve's love for conservation.

November 2006: Posthumous Release of Happy Feet

In November 2006, the animated film "Happy Feet," featuring Steve Irwin as the voice of Trev the elephant seal, was posthumously released and dedicated to him. Irwin passed away during the film's post-production. A restored scene with Irwin voicing an albatross was included in the DVD release.

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2006: Death by Stingray Injury

In 2006, Steve Irwin passed away after being injured by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary in the Great Barrier Reef. His death resulted in widespread mourning and numerous tributes, including naming parks, zoos, streets, a vessel (MY Steve Irwin), a snail species (Crikey steveirwini), and an asteroid (57567 Crikey) in his honor.

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.

May 2007: Baby Gorilla Named After Irwin in Rwanda

In May 2007, the government of Rwanda announced its plan to name a baby gorilla after Steve Irwin as a tribute to his conservation work.

November 2007: Posthumous Adjunct Professorship at the University of Queensland

On 14 November 2007, Steve Irwin was posthumously awarded the adjunct professorship at the University of Queensland's School of Integrative Biology. He was to be named an adjunct professor shortly before his death.

2007: Croc Week Marathon

In 2007, Animal Planet held the annual Croc Week marathon which lasted a full week in the middle of June.

2007: Tribute Episode and Documentaries Released

In 2007, a special episode of "The Crocodile Hunter" titled "Crikey! What an Adventure: An Intimate Look at the Life of Steve Irwin" was created as a tribute. Also in 2007, his daughter Bindi Irwin released the documentary "My Daddy, the Crocodile Hunter" in his memory.

2007: Sea Shepherd Vessel Renamed MY Steve Irwin

In 2007, following Steve Irwin's death, the vessel MV Robert Hunter, owned by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was renamed MY Steve Irwin in his honor. He had considered joining their Antarctic voyage before his death.

2008: Sea Shepherd's Voyage to Antarctica

In 2008, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's vessel MY Steve Irwin disrupted Japanese whaling activity during its voyage to Antarctica.

2009: Inducted into Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame

In 2009, Steve Irwin was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame for his international entrepreneurship and conservation efforts.

2009: Terri Irwin Requests Removal of Steve Irwin's Name from Indian Research Center

In 2009, Terri Irwin requested that the government of Kerala, India, stop using Steve Irwin's name and images for the Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, as it was done without her consent. The request was complied in mid-2009.

2009: Air-breathing Land Snail Named After Irwin

In 2009, a newly discovered Australian air-breathing land snail species was named Crikey steveirwini in honor of Steve Irwin.

2015: Posthumous Recipient of Queensland Greats Awards

In 2015, Steve Irwin was a posthumous recipient of the Queensland Greats Awards.

2017: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Announced

In 2017, it was announced that Steve Irwin would be posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

April 2018: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Unveiled

On April 26, 2018, Steve Irwin's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled.

2018: Crikey! It's the Irwins Airs

In 2018, the television series "Crikey! It's the Irwins" began airing, featuring archive footage of Steve Irwin.

February 2019: Google Doodle Commemorating Steve Irwin Released

On February 22, 2019, Google released a Google Doodle commemorating Steve Irwin on what would have been his 57th birthday.

2020: Robert Irwin Becomes Tourism Spokesperson

In 2020, Steve Irwin's son Robert Irwin became a spokesperson for Queensland's tourism board, with Australia Zoo being considered one of the state's most iconic tourist destinations.

2022: Calls to Feature Irwin on Australian Currency

In 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, some Australians advocated for Steve Irwin to be featured on the nation's currency instead of King Charles III, with petitions being filed to support the cause. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment.