Lasting Legacy of Steve Irwin: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Steve Irwin continue to shape the world today.

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

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.