Stephen Robert Irwin, known as "The Crocodile Hunter", was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, television personality, wildlife educator, and environmentalist. Irwin grew up around crocodiles and other reptiles and was educated regarding them by his father Bob.
Steve Irwin was born on February 22, 1962, in Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Australia. He was the son of Bob and Lyn Irwin and had two siblings, Mandy and Bindi. His family owned a small reptile park called the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park which later became known as the Australia Zoo. At just nine years old he began helping out at the park with his father and soon developed a passion for wildlife conservation.
At age 16, Irwin made his first television appearance on an Australian wildlife documentary series titled "The Crocodile Hunter." He went on to star in several other documentaries including "Crocodiles: Their Natural History" (1995) and "The Crocodile Hunter Diaries"(1996-2004). His popularity spread quickly across the world after his shows began airing internationally in 1997.
In 2004, Irwin launched his own charity organization called Wildlife Warriors Worldwide which works to protect endangered species both in Australia and around the globe. In 2006, he was appointed commissioner of Queensland National Parks by then-premier Peter Beattie. He also set up a research center at Australia Zoo dedicated to protecting endangered species like rhinos and tigers.
On September 4th, 2006, Irwin tragically passed away after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a documentary near Port Douglas in Far North Queensland. His legacy continues through his family who continue to run the zoo as well as carry out conservation work worldwide.
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1962</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Steve Irwin is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On February 22, 1962, Steve Irwin was born in Essendon, Victoria, Australia.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1991</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Marries Terri Raines</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Steve marries Terri Raines and the two move to Queensland to run the family business.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1996</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">The Crocodile Hunter Debuts on TV</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The Crocodile Hunter premieres on Australian television and quickly becomes a cult classic.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1998</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Crocodile Hunter airs in United States</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">The Crocodile Hunter begins airing in the United States on Animal Planet.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2001</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Steve Irwin receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work with The Crocodile Hunter.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2006</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Daughter Bindi is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Steve and Terri welcome their daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin, into the world.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2006</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Tragically Passes Away</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Steve Irwin passes away on September 4th, 2006 after being stung by a stingray while filming off the coast of Australia.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He's a Great Educator </h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Steve Irwin was an amazing educator on wildlife and conservation. He had an infectious passion for animals that was contagious and motivated others to take action in their own lives and communities. He used his shows to teach the world about the importance of preserving the environment and protecting endangered species.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's a Great Entertainer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Steve Irwin was an amazing entertainer. He made people laugh with his antics, while at the same time teaching them something new. His show "The Crocodile Hunter" was hugely popular and continues to be rerun today, showing just how much he touched people's hearts.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He's an Animal Lover</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Steve Irwin was an animal lover through and through. His enthusiasm for wildlife was evident in everything he did, from rescuing crocodiles and snakes to caring for injured birds. Through his work, Steve showed the world just how important it is to love and protect our planet's creatures.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Born in Essendon, Victoria</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Steve Irwin was born in Essendon, Victoria on February 22, 1962.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Raised By Wildlife Experts</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Steve Irwin was raised by wildlife experts Bob and Lyn Irwin, who owned a reptile park in Beerwah, Queensland. He grew up around animals and developed an early love for wildlife.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Starred in his Own TV Series</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Steve Irwin starred in his own television series, "The Crocodile Hunter", which aired from 1996 to 2007 and made him an international celebrity.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Established the Irwin Conservation Foundation</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 2002, Steve Irwin and his wife Terri established the Irwin Conservation Foundation (ICF) to support global conservation efforts.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Died at Age 44</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">On September 4, 2006, Steve Irwin died at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a documentary off the coast of Port Douglas, Australia.</p></div>