In Memory of Steve Irwin

1962-2006
- by Corina Roberts

Steve Irwin came into our lives in a big way only ten years ago.  Although he'd spent his whole life absorbed in an all-out mission to save the planet's wildlife, he became a world-wide television icon around 1996.

The Crocodile Hunter died doing what he loved.  Irwin was known for pushing the envelope to the extreme in his wildlife documentaries.  On September 3, his enthusiasm and exuberance lead him into the path of a sting ray.  In an instant, Steve met his end.  He was struck with the large ray's poisonous barb.  It pierced through his rib cage and into his heart.  In mere moments, he was gone.

Certainly no one who had watched this man risk life and limb on a daily basis could have been surprised if he was injured, even seriously, in filming a documentary or in presenting some giant, dangerous wild animal to the public.  His comfort level with truly deadly creatures was far greater than most people's.  His grasp of an animal's temperament and mood were uncanny.

Even armed with this innate awareness, however, Irwin must have had more than his fair share of close calls and near misses; probably more than any of us will ever witness.

Irwin never advised the rest of us to take the chances he did. What he did thrilling audiences world-wide on a weekly basis he did for two reasons.  First and foremost, he risked his own life to save the lives of animals.  Second, and just as important, he did it in a very important, public way, bringing the rest of us into the animal world in a fashion we would never, thankfully, experience without him.

Steve's theory was simple.  He wanted to spread his infectious love for wildlife and his understanding of the natural world to the rest of us, so that we, in turn, would value and protect it.  It was his singular mission in life.  It is, ultimately, the mission he died for.

Irwin's enthusiasm was incredible, and contagious.  He was more than a television personality, more than a fang wrangler.  He was personable, passionate, engaging.  You didn't have to be from Australia to identify with him.  In time you would come to love his peculiar way with words, his genuine accent, his bobbing eyebrows, his infectious smile.  He was incapable of speaking in a monotone, even when he tried to whisper.  His eyes were forever alive with the possibility of a new adventure.

I never met Steve Irwin.  When his passing was announced Monday morning, I felt as though I had lost a close and personal friend. I am probably not alone in this sentiment. 

Steve didn't leave any of us out of his myriad journeys.  He brought us into the heart and home of his family and his life's work.  He looked directly into the camera as though he was speaking one to one with each and every one of us.

Steve was not reserved or polite about requesting our attention.  He was on a mission, and he wanted us all to understand how urgent it was, and how vital our own participation in preserving the natural world really is.  He spoke in plain language, and he spoke to all of us.

The world has lost one of its best known and most passionate conservationists.  But even as I mourn his loss, I can almost feel his presence. What can we possibly do to offer this man a fitting memorial?

We have to stand up, and take the place he left so suddenly.  If Steve could speak to us now, I don't think his message would be any different than it has been throughout his brief lifetime. 

He would ask us to stand up for animals; to protect their habitats, to petition our governments to create and maintain sanctuaries for wildlife.  He would urge us to push for tougher laws against animal cruelty and the sale of wild animals.  He would passionately encourage us to do all that we can to protect and preserve this precious planet and all of its inhabitants.  And I think he would tell us to love and cherish our families, and share our love for nature with them.

Steve Irwin was one of the most important conservationists of our era. He gave everything he had to bring the natural world to our attention.  Let us honor his legacy with more than words.  Let us honor his lifelong contribution with effort and attention of our own.  Not one among us may possess his charisma, but we are all capable of dedicating time and effort toward preserving and protecting the natural world; our world, the only world we have.


Corina Roberts
Founder
Redbird
P.O. Box 702, Simi Valley, CA 93062
(805) 217-0364
Email: redbirds_vision@hotmail.com
URL:  www.RedbirdsVision.org

Photo; sea lions off the coast of Santa Barbara, by Corina Roberts