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Crocodile hunter was victim of 'voyeuristic wildlife TV'
Last updated at 15:22pm on 04.09.06
Crocodile hunter: Steve Irwin pictured with his wife and sidekick Terri.
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin - killed by a stingray barb through the chest - was a victim of 'voyeuristic wildlife TV', fellow experts said today.
As tributes poured in for the quirky 44-year-old, survival expert Ray Mears said his death was a "sobering lesson".
Video...watch Steve Irwin in action
See also...
• GALLERY: Steve Irwin's life in pictures
• Profile: The colourful life of Steve Irwin
Mears said the Australian's death was a tragedy and his heart went out to his family.
But he added that it proved "some things in nature should be left alone".
He said: "He clearly took a lot of risks and television encouraged him to do that.
"It's a shame that television audiences need that to be attracted to wildlife.
"Dangerous animals, you leave them alone because they will defend themselves. Nature defends itself, it isn't all about hugging animals and going 'ahh'.
"It's wonderful to observe but you have to be sensible and maintain a safe distance."
Mears warned of the "gladiatorial" television of today and labelled some wildlife shows "voyeuristic".
He continued: "Television has become very gladiatorial and it's not healthy.
"The voyeurism we are seeing on television has a cost and it's that cost Steve Irwin's family are paying today."
David Bellamy called him "one of the great showmen and conservationists" and wildlife expert Mark O'Shea said it would leave an "immense hole" in the worlds of conservation and television.
Irwin, 44, was filming an underwater sequence for a television series called Ocean's Deadliest on the remote Batt Reef off the north-east coast of Australia when he was killed by a stingray barb.
Crew members aboard Irwin's boat, Croc One, called emergency services in the nearest city, Cairns, and administered cardio pulmonary resuscitation techniques as they rushed the boat to nearby Low Isle to meet a rescue helicopter.
Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead at about noon local time (3am BST), the statement said. Friends say they believe he died instantly.
Those with Irwin said he was swimming in shallow water, snorkelling as his cameraman filmed large bull rays.
Irwin's death was only the third known stingray death in Australian waters, said shark and stingray expert Victoria Brims.
Wildlife experts said the normally passive creatures only sting in defence, striking with a bayonet-like barb when they feel threatened or are trodden on.
Irwin's body was flown to a morgue in Cairns, where stunned family and friends were gathering.
His American-born wife, Terri, was told of her husband's death while on a walking tour in Tasmania, and returned to the Sunshine Coast with her two children, eight-year-old daughter Bindi Sue and son Bob, who will be three in December.
Dr Bellamy called Irwin one of the "world's great conservationists and showmen" and admitted he cried on hearing the news this morning.
He said: "He was magic and for the world of conservation and natural history to lose him is very, very sad.
"Everyone said he imitated me but if I could be as good as him I would be very proud.
"I used to be castigated by people saying I was a showman because I made jokes but what good is it preaching to the converted?"
He continued: "The thing with Steve was he mixed damn good science with showbusiness and I don't know anyone else who did that.
"I'm quite sure all the crocs in Australia are smiling, not crocodile tears, because he made them famous.
"When I heard this morning I cried, the world really has lost a very, very important natural historian."
British zoologist O'Shea said Irwin's death would leave an "immense hole" in the worlds of conservation and television.
O'Shea, who has himself presented television programmes about dangerous reptiles, said Irwin had helped "pave the way" for other people working in the field.
He said: "Although we had different styles of working and I did not know him personally, I am actually completely shocked.
"It is going to leave an immense hole. What he has done for conservation in Australia is massive."
He said that although some "university professors" might have turned their noses up at the way presenters like Irwin portrayed reptiles, he had probably inspired many people to follow a future in conservation.
"A lot of people who now want to study biology and work with animals may not have considered it before they watched him on television," he said.
Reader views (62)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
If you do enough stupid things enough times, it is going to catch up to you! Is anyone really surprised that he died?
- Gino, Florida, USA
Having 2 children under 8 he had no business out provoking wild, deadly animals.
- Digitalbob, Cincinnati, OH
What a loss. My prayers to Steve and his family.
- Rick Hobiera, Yukon, OK
Who is Ray Mears? Nobody. How much is Ray Mears opinion worth? Absolutely nothing! This article is clearly written in a way to slant Steve and his life long passion in a negative manner and to portray those of us who have supported him as instigators. I don't appreciate it. Steve provided an educational awareness of nature on a global scale like no other. Thank you Steve for the wonderful memories! We will miss you immensely.
- Scott Johnson, Alabama USA
The void you leave my never be filled.
- Bob Young, Nevada Mo. USA
Steve, you were one of a kind and you will be greatly missed.
- Karen, Omaha, USA
So very sorry to hear about this tragedy. He was immensely popular here and will be sorely missed. As was said, he mixed good science with exciting sequences and brought conservation to the forefront for many TV fans. His wife and family will be in our prayers.
- Dave Jared, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
God bless you, Steve. You didn't have a mean bone in your body.
- Dean, USA
Steve we will miss you!
- Caitlin, Columbia, SC
To paraphrase Steve Irwin. He was a beauuuuuty! What a loss.
- Steve Smith, Fruitland, ID, USA
May God bless his family. My children and I used to watch his shows together.
He will be greatly missed.
- Melissa, Austin, TX USA
Bye Steve, thank you, we loved you and learned from you.
- Recon, TN, USA
I think it was and is a tragic loss to the whole world, RIP steve.
- Benjamin Conley 9 Y.O., Centerville,Ohio U.S.A.
Ray Mears sounds like a petty, jealous man.
RIP Steve and God bless his family.
- Db, Pennsylvania, US
Steve Irwin's prefessional credentials cannot be disputed, but perhaps neither can the inevitability of his untimely and tragic death. How many shows have him teasing venomous snakes, or wrestling crocs? Sure, he also hugged some nice furry animals now and then, but his public wasn't there for the warm fuzzy stuff, no, they wanted to gasp as an eccentric biologist poked a deadly creature with a stick and yelled "crikey".
Steve Irwin knew what he was doing, but he was also damn lucky--and for a long time. Yesterday, sadly, his luck ran out. The question is, who's to blame, his devoted public, or a man who slowly but steadily lost, it seems, proper respect for the nature he claimed to know and love better than most?
- Eric, Geneva Switzerland
Steve was too reckless with animals. Something like this was bound to happen.
- Jimmie D. Cricket, Capetown
It is unfair to blame 'television' for this tragic death. Steve took chances all by himself. I think he had the personality to take chances. I doubt he took them for his 'audience'.
- Dawn, Delray Beach, FL USA
Irwin's work was overwhelmingly wholesome, entertaining and informative. It is unfortunate that the editors of this article chose the sexually suggestive term "voyeuristic" to sensationalize this tragic event. This is offensive and demeaning to Irwin's memory.
- Michael Schiffmann, Park Ridge, Illinois
We have been addicted to Steve and Terri since the earliest of their days on the animal planet. Laughing and learning so much about wildlife, and animal conservation. We dreamed about going to the Australia Zoo to see him and all the animals. He was bigger than life and a great spokesman for animal conservation. As I cry like a baby for his death, I know if God felt the need to take him, this is the way he would have wanted to go. Our condolences to his wife Terri and little Bindi and Bob. The world will miss him greatly.
- Fran Bray, Cold Spring , Kentucky USA
I used to love watching Steve's shows. He was entertaining and informative and turned a lot of people on to animals and conservation. This will be his legacy.
However, he made a name for himself by tempting fate and handling the nastiest and most venemous creatures out there, so the fact that he met his end by one is of no shock to me. I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner.
- Chris, busan, korea
How many of us will get to die doing something we love? He will be missed nonetheless. Prayers for his family
- A.Hun, Greenville, SC
My son loves Steve Irwin. His enthusiasm and compelling presence will continue to draw people in for many years to come. He will be missed and even those who have denigrated his methods over the years will continue to reap the benefits of his accomplishments in drawing people in to the zoology and biology fields.
- Hud Griffith, Southern Colorado, USA
It's a shame he lost his life. But it's also a shame the way it's become acceptable to stalk and harass wild animals for entertainment. It's become sort of like animal porn. These creatures have no choice in the matter and are undoubtably frightened and confused by the sort of confrontations these shows promote. The fact that he was swimming on top of the stingray and the stingray had to defend himself...it's just so unnecessary. And it encourages others to approach and harass animals they need to be leaving alone.
- Susan, USA
A great loss very sorry about this god bless you
- Bennett W Bloom, Margaretville N.Y.
I'm sure I join legions of mothers of young boys who were saddened to have to impart such sad news. To them, he was a rare "grown- up boy" who remained as excited as they about snakes, crocs and all manner of biting, stinging creatures. Most of us lose that simple excitability as we grow: Steve Irwin did not, and that is what made him appealling to all, young and old. We said a prayer for him and his family this morning.
- Peggy, virginia, usa
I have watched Steve Irwin for years and besides thoroughly enjoying his larger than life personality on screen, he was inspiring to watch in terms of what he was doing for conservation overall.
A deeply passionate,enthusiastic man, not only for his career but for life itself!
My deepest sympathies go out to his family, especially to his wife and two beautiful children.
- Angela Williamson, London, UK
He was so full of energy that it carried over into his viewers. He and his family were a wonderful team and my sincerest sympaties go out to all his family members and friends. He can never be replaced. A truely tragic event!
- Nils Sanborn, Downingtown, USA
My heart goes out to his family. He was such a loveable person, you couldn't help but be attracted to watching him on TV. He was the best and he died doing what he loved. I will always remember him.
- Howard, Tucson, AZ
I was shocked and stunned to hear this news when I got up this morning. Steve was one of a kind and he will be greatly missed. My heart and prayers go out to his family
- Val Smith, San Antonio, TX, USA
Such a shame. We will miss him greatly. You do have to admit that he would go this way (not a stingray - but an animal of some sorts). I can only think he was happy...
- Charlie, Florida, United States
Crikey, will we miss you Steve!
- Liz, Rutherford, NJ USA
I can't say that I'm surprised that Steve Irwin finally was done in by wildlife. I'm surprised that it was a fish and not a reptile but I've felt for a while that he was taking too many chances -- especially in light of the fact that he had two young children.
That criticism aside, he was a great entertainer and made learning about wildlife fun. His shows were anything but boring and pedagoguish which are lessons lost on most educators and documentarions today. As much as his exaggerated accent and enthusiasm could make you giggle a bit, you could tell he loved his work and the effect was contagious on his audiences. The man loved his life.
I am deeply sorry and shocked by his sudden loss. Again, however, I'm not really surprised it happened but sure didn't see it happening this way.
My best wishes and condolences to Mr. Irwin's surviving family, friends, and Australia Zoo. This is a big loss and it will take time to fill the void Mr. Irwin leaves behind. May he be in a better place with his dear mother, too.
- Georgec, Columbus, OH USA
Needless to say I was shocked when I read the news.
Steve was always excited as he was filming his documentaries, but always seemed to be in control. It is a risky job, however Steve Irwin was and still is the master. My most sincere apologies go out to his family. It was for our entertainment and his passion for being with natures residents.
You will be missed, and I will think about you everytime I watch a documentary about nature which is very often.
- Lance Rivera, New York
Stunned! My kids loved the "Croc hunter" and his shows and movies. This is a real tragedy both for the world of conservation and Steve's lovely family. If there is any consolation it is that he died doing what he enjoyed the most.
- Marty, Philomont, Virginia USA
Steve had genuine charisma. It was not only his love for wildlife, but love of people that drew you in, made you feel that he was talking directly to you. That and his enthusiasm for his subject made him a great educator. His love for and from his family was obvious. As much as lovers of wildlife will miss him, the loss to his family will be the greatest sorrow. We should endeavor to celebrate his life and what he gave to everyone.
- Laurice Cox, Springfield USA
Ray Mears can sniff at Steve Irwin's "voyeuristic TV", but Steve Irwin did more to educate and inform people around the world about the wonders of nature than most of the world's zoologists combined. As reflected in the comments of Mark O'Shea, Irwin's contributions to the preservation and respect for wildlife, as well as inspiring young people to embark on careers studying wildlife, were enormous. I know my young children will miss the loveable 'crocodile hunter', as will I.
- William Marshall, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
A huge loss indeed.
He was a man of passion, spirit and personality, and will be missed.
He has his immitators of course, but early on he set the bar so high on what he does that his level will never be reached - Nor should it be attempted to reached.
- Jesse, Michigan USA
May God be with the family of Steve Irwin in this sad time. His good work, warm personality and genuine. caring nature will be sorely missed by so many children and adults throughout the world.
- Linda Patterson, Fountain Hills, Arizona USA
Anyone that has watched Steve at work knows that he took risks handling dangerous animals such as snakes and crocodiles but to assume that he did so simply to satisfy his audience is bunk. He did the things he did because he liked doing those things. I am sick of people always blaming what one person does on another person. Many times I cringed at the chances that Steve took and wished that he would not. "Someday he will die doing such" I said and he did. His death saddens me very much because he was such a lover of life and it was obvious that he enjoyed the life that he lived amoung his beloved animals. My heart and sympathies go out to Teri and his children in their unmeasurable loss.
He lived his life by choice and it was not due to a voyeuristic audience as suggested. After all, he was who he was before a camera was ever pointed at him. Let his life stand for what he loved and do not blame his demise on anything other than what it was. He made his choices and was probably financially able to retire years ago but he chose to continue doing what he loved and we all know why.
- Hg, Lewsiburg, TN
I cringed each time I watched Steve irwin, but I admired his spirit, his enthusiasm and his tenacity. The world already mourns him. I mourn him.
- Edward Allen, Lake Wales, Florida, USA
"Expert" Ray Mears obviously shot his mouth off before he knew the details. Steve Irwin's death was a freak accident... it had nothing to do with "gladitorial" anything. Irwin knew how to get and keep viewer's attention, and, along the way, teach and inculcate an understanding of and appreciation of wildlife unmatched by anyone else on the current scene. Mears should be ashamed of himself for posturing in the wrong way at the wrong time.
- Howard, Somerset, Bermuda
I feel for his children that will grow up without a father.
His reckless behaviour was unjustified and selfish for a father of young children.
As a responsible father, I put dangerous activities on hold - regardless of whatever personal loss I felt for them.
A father's responisibility outweighs the need to climb mountains and skydive that I miss dearly.
I just love my children more.
- Dr. Jett Rink, Calgary, Canada.
The loss of Steve Irwin is tragic and shocking, to say the least. I truly enjoyed his episodes and his love and appreciation for nature and wild animals. I am very sorry for his family.
- George Carpenter, marietta, usa
Our hearts are saddened today to learn of the death of Steve Irwin. Our sympathy goes out to his wife and young children. Steve will never know it, but his crocodile hunter show provided immense entertainment to my 11 year old nephew as he was suffering from a glioblastoma brain tumor that ultimately ended his life. How he loved to watch Steve with my husband.
Steve's love for his family was evident on the video he made with "The Wiggles". He was often seen holding the hand of his wife and Bindi. How many grown men would laugh and dance with the characters on that show as if it were the most natural thing in the world? The joy on Bindi's face was evident as she participated with the characters and her mom and dad played along.
My husband is a herpotologist, and I guess that is another reason I am so touched and sad. My husband faces danger when he works with this animals too. But I long ago decided that if he dies at the hand of one of these reptiles (or the more dangerous amphibians) he will die a happy man. These folks HAVE to do what they love. They do take precautions, but sometimes nature takes its course. I hope Terri's heart will be gladdened for the years she had with Steve. Bindi and Bob should grow up very proud. He strikes me as a man who loved life to its fullest. Thanks Steve for the joy you gave to my nephew, and give now to my own kids. God Speed.
- Lisa and Rusty Gaul, Bethel, NC
Steve had that special something - a smile or friendly voice - that made the viewer stop channel surfing and pay attention. Yes, it may have been voyeuristic, but it was very educational. I enjoyed sitting and watching the various animals he would bring into my living room every week. He will be greatly missed. He was the Steve McQueen of the animal world. Action, adventure, that friendly smile. He will never be replaced. My sympathies to his family and friends.
- Steve Friery, Fort Smith, AR, USA
My most sincere condolences to his family.
Steve was a great person to watch on the TV and he educated us all. I hope he can find peace.
Big loss for all.
- Jeremi, Colorado, USA
This is a tragic loss. He was one of the great entertainers
- Larry Lemaystev, Milton USA
Knowing Steve, this is probably just the way he wanted to go or else being smothered to death by an aardvark. I'm not exactly sure which he'd have preferred.
- Jimboster, Chicago, Il
I find it quite astonishing that Ray Mears, a man best known for eating grubs on camera, feels he's in a position to lecture the population on voyeuristic TV.
To add insult to injury, I think the majority of people agree that the old style nature documentaries featuring footage of animals alone in their natural environment were very enjoyable. Like 'Wild Man' Mears, most people I know think the current trend for nature programme as an exercise in self promotion by an aspirant TV personality of the Irwin school (and occasionally featuring 'real' dinosaurs) is rubbish.
Everyone I know prefers David Attenborough and I don’t recall ever seeing him wrestle a crocodile. Or eat grubs.
- Pascal, London
Steve, like other popular science icons such as David Attenborough provided a very important service - he generated excitement and interest in the natural world. This is vital if we are to encourage todays youth to study the natural sciences and to increase their awareness in conservation.
- John (Zoologist), London
Australia's answer to David Attenborough - tragic loss!
- Ds, Kent
This story has rather an air of 'it had to happen at some point' to it. It's probably how he would have wanted to go, whether it's when he wanted to go is quite another thing!
- Neil Evans, Notting Hill
Very sad, a tragic accident. Steve was a born star who brought a touch of adventure to many.
- Dhanraj, Basildon
He should have seen it coming - lets face it he has made a living from jumping on animals so when one bites back who can fault it. I reckon it was how he would want to go.
- Barnze, Nottingham England
I was so shocked when they reported Irwins death on television. He was my idol and role model. He inspired me not to be afraid of misunderstood creatures and helped me to pursue my dream of working with animals. I always dreamed of working with him and visiting his zoo but now I have to live my dream without him. Sympathy for his family.
- Sarah H, Dunedin, New Zealand.
We'll miss you.
- Tom Gerrard, San Francisco, California
I can't belive Steve is dead! I feel so sorry for Steve's family especially Terri, Bob and Bindi and I'm sure all of his friends and some of the animals in the zoo will miss him loads, like everyone around the world.
- Faith, North Wales
I always hoped one day I would meet him. My family loved Steve Irwin. Our planet has suffered a great loss.
- Candace Pease, Claremont USA
Very unfortunate. The world world will mourn his death. He will be remembered as the dare devil all over the world.
- Chaitra, Dubai, UAE
This makes me very sad.
- Verns, America
A great guy who will be sadly missed by all.
- Neil Clifford, England
RIP Steve, we'll miss you!
- Jason, Long Beach, Ca
