#2 Steve Irwin

Hey folks! Over the last few days, I've been sharing some stories about the top 10 people who've lit a fire under me when it comes to ranching and loving the great outdoors. I can't wait to hear who's inspired you, too!

Steve Irwin was a legend! When I was in my late 20s, I was glued to the TV watching "The Croc Hunter." I wanted to be just like him, although the thought of snakes terrified me—so that dream died pretty quickly! But my fascination with the animal kingdom didn't stop there. As far back as 8th grade, I had this odd obsession with Australia. Maybe it was the influence of Crocodile Dundee? Yeah, I know, it sounds dorky, but hey, if the shoe fits.

I've always been captivated by wildlife. I used to sketch every animal I saw, thinking wildlife biology was my calling. That was until ranching caught my eye. Ranching became this hands-on way for me to live and breathe nature, animals, and the great outdoors, and it felt like the perfect fit.

Let's talk about the legend that is Steve Irwin. Born in Melbourne in 1962, this guy was pretty much destined for a life intertwined with animals. His parents, Bob and Lyn, were hardcore wildlife enthusiasts, and they moved the whole family to Queensland to open up the Beerwah Reptile Park. Not your typical childhood, but it set the stage for everything that was to come.

By the time Steve was six, he was already out there getting hands-on experience, handling crocs and critters like it was second nature. And it wasn't just for kicks; Steve had a deep-rooted respect for these animals. He realized early on that the key to conservation was understanding them.

Love came into the picture when he met Terri Raines, an American tourist. Their connection was instantaneous, and they got married in less than a year. Instead of a typical honeymoon, they jumped right into croc-trapping expeditions. These two were the real deal, committed to each other and to the cause.

Now, about that iconic "Crikey!" It wasn't just a catchphrase; it was an expression of genuine awe. Steve had a knack for capturing our attention and taking us on these wild journeys right from our living rooms. Through his show, "The Crocodile Hunter," he introduced us to a myriad of amazing animals, all while teaching us why we should care about them.

In 2006, we lost Steve. During a tragic diving expedition. The world was devastated, but his impact lives on. His family and foundation continue his life's work, making sure that his infectious enthusiasm for wildlife is passed on to future generations.

So, next time you're out in nature or even just watching a nature documentary, think of Steve. Remember that every creature has a role in this world, and they all deserve our respect and protection. That's what Steve Irwin stood for, and it's a message that's more important now than ever.

A couple of things you probably don’t know about Steve:

The Taxman and the Croc:

According to Terri, when they had to pay their taxes one year, Steve was away on a crocodile rescue mission. Rather than write a traditional check, Terri sent a live freshwater crocodile to the tax office with a note explaining where Steve was and that the crocodile was their payment! They eventually paid the tax bill properly, but it's an amusing story that underscores Steve's sense of humor.

Concern for Small Creatures:

Steve's care for animals extended to even the smallest creatures. There's a tale that during a film shoot, he noticed a single ant making its way across the ground. Not wanting it to be trampled, he picked it up and moved it to a safer location.

Anti-Poaching Mission: Steve was actively involved in wildlife conservation efforts, beyond just educating the public. One little-known story is that he spent several months in the early '90s volunteering on anti-poaching missions in East Africa. He used his skills to help catch and relocate endangered animals, saving them from poachers.

Australia Zoo

The Zoo is a key part of Steve Irwin's legacy! Originally called the Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park, this family-run zoo was founded by Steve's parents, Bob and Lyn, in 1970. Steve took over the management of the zoo in 1991 and, together with Terri, began expanding it from a small reptile park into a world-renowned zoo and conservation facility.

Crocoseum:

One of the zoo's standout features is the "Crocoseum," an outdoor stadium where live crocodile feedings and educational shows take place. Steve Irwin was instrumental in its design and creation, and it was the world's first of its kind.

Conservation through Excitement:

Steve always said, "Conservation through exciting education," and Australia Zoo embodies this philosophy. The zoo not only offers close encounters with animals but also provides education on how to conserve and protect them.

Animal Hospital:

The zoo is home to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, one of the largest and busiest wildlife hospitals in the world. It was originally opened in 2004 in memory of Steve’s mother, Lyn, who was a pioneer in wildlife care. The facility has treated over 100,000 animals to date, ranging from small birds to large kangaroos.

Global Reach:

While the zoo is based in Australia, its conservation efforts are global. They support various international conservation projects, including cheetah conservation in Africa and tiger protection in Sumatra.

Family:

Steve's passion and legacy are being carried on by his family. His wife Terri, and their children Bindi and Robert, are all actively involved in the zoo's operations and conservation efforts.

Expansion and Innovation:

Under Steve and Terri's management, the zoo grew from a 4-acre park to a sprawling 110-acre wildlife sanctuary. The zoo continually adds new exhibits, like the “Africa” exhibit, which allows animals like zebras and giraffes to roam in open, naturalistic settings.

Australia Zoo was, and still is, a realization of Steve's dream of creating a place where people could get up close and personal with animals, breaking down barriers of fear or misunderstanding. The zoo serves as a living tribute to Steve, embodying his fervor for wildlife and conservation.