WildFilmHistory Films
 The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World with Steve Irwin (1998) | Presenter |
Steve Irwin
The late Steve Irwin was a much loved, if somewhat controversial, television presenter, renowned for his passion for crocodiles and other reptiles. The son of two naturalists, Steve developed a deep passion for wildlife whilst growing up at their reptile park in Queensland (renamed Australia Zoo in 1990). Handling reptiles from a young age, he volunteered his services on a rogue crocodile relocation programme on the proviso he could keep any animals he caught. After taking over the running of the Zoo in 1991, his potential for television work was spotted while filming a promotional piece. The Crocodile Hunter, a series devoted to his trapping adventures, was first broadcast in 1996.
Hugely enthusiastic, with his trademark khaki shorts, childlike boisterousness and extensive use of the word 'Crikey', Steve's energetic presenting style was an instant hit and he rapidly became an international phenomenon. Broadcast in over 130 countries, the series detailed the work of Steve and his wife, naturalist Terri Irwin, blending their animal encounters with the day-to-day running of the Zoo.
In the wake of The Crocodile Hunter's success, Steve appeared in several series for Animal Planet, including Croc Files (1999), The Crocodile Hunter Diaries (2002), and his own full length feature film, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002).
Although Steve's high-risk antics were criticised by some naturalists and many Australians professed embarrassment over his behaviour, his popularity continued to soar and in 2004 he was named Tourism Export of the Year.
A passionate conservationist, Steve founded International Crocodile Rescue and the charity Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, raising money for a wide range of research initiatives and preservation projects. Channeling much of his capital into purchasing large tracts of land, he bought vast areas in Australia, Vanuata, Fiji and the U.S., setting them aside for wildlife conservation.
Steve Irwin died in September 2006, pierced through the heart by a stingray barb whilst filming his latest documentary, Ocean's Deadliest. His death prompted widespread shock, with many believing the 'The Crocodile Hunter' to be invincible.
