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 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

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.

September 2006: Funeral and Memorial Service

In September 2006, Steve Irwin had a private funeral service on 9 September and was buried at Australia Zoo. A public memorial service was held on 30 September at the Crocoseum and was broadcast live.

September 2006: Steve Irwin's death

On 4 September 2006, Steve Irwin died from an injury caused by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary in the Great Barrier Reef. The event led to widespread grief and numerous dedications in his honor.

October 2006: Terri Irwin presents Lifetime Achievement Award to David Attenborough

In October 2006, after Steve Irwin's death, Terri Irwin presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Sir David Attenborough at the British National Television Awards, acknowledging Attenborough's influence on Steve's conservation efforts.

November 2006: Posthumous release of Happy Feet

In November 2006, the animated film "Happy Feet," featuring Steve Irwin's voice as Trev the elephant seal, was released posthumously. Irwin passed away during the film's post-production, and the movie was dedicated to his memory. Additionally, a previously uncompleted scene, showcasing Irwin voicing an albatross and essentially portraying himself, was restored for the DVD release.

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May 2007: Baby gorilla named after Irwin

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

2007: Tribute episode and documentaries released

In 2007, a tribute episode of "The Crocodile Hunter" was created in Steve Irwin's honor, titled "Crikey! What an Adventure: An Intimate Look at the Life of Steve Irwin," featuring archive footage. Later that year, Bindi Irwin released the documentary "My Daddy, the Crocodile Hunter" in memory of her father.

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2007: Renaming of Sea Shepherd vessel

In 2007, after Steve Irwin's death, the environmental action group Sea Shepherd Conservation Society renamed its vessel MV Robert Hunter to MY Steve Irwin in his honor. Irwin had considered joining their Antarctic voyage to disrupt Japanese whaling before his death, and Terri Irwin endorsed the renaming.

2008: Steve Irwin's name on Sea Shepherd's vessel

In 2008, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society continued to operate with its vessel named MY Steve Irwin, honoring Steve Irwin's legacy.

2009: Controversy over Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary naming

In 2009, Terri Irwin requested the government of Kerala in India to stop using Steve Irwin's name and images for the Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, as it had been done without her permission; the state government complied in mid-2009.

2009: Newly discovered land snail named after Steve Irwin

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

2018: Archive footage used in "Crikey! It's the Irwins"

In 2018, archive footage of Steve Irwin began to be used in the television series "Crikey! It's the Irwins".

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February 2019: Google Doodle Commemorating Steve Irwin

On February 22, 2019, the 57th anniversary of Steve Irwin's birth, Google released a Google Doodle in the form of a slideshow commemorating him.

2020: Robert Irwin becomes tourism spokesperson

In 2020, Steve Irwin's son, Robert, became a spokesperson for Queensland's tourism board.

2022: Calls to feature Irwin on Australian currency

In 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, some Australians voiced support for featuring Steve Irwin on the nation's currency instead of King Charles III, with citizens initiating petitions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment, citing the timing as inappropriate.