Good on ya' Mate
There was a time when Jeff and I were huge fans of Animal Planet. When we would sit down to watch TV, we would check Animal Planet first before seeing what else was on. Our favorite show was “The Jeff Corwin Experience,” however; we also enjoyed “The Crocodile Hunter” and were very familiar with Steve and Terri Irwin and Australia Zoo. So, when we found ourselves going to Queensland for our honeymoon in 2002, we made sure there was room on the itinerary to visit Australia Zoo.
If any of you have been to Queensland, Australia, then you know that Steve Irwin is everywhere. At the airport, there were posters of him holding a crocodile, brochures showing him and his wife Terri working with animals at the hotel, and even a life-size cardboard cut-out of Steve hugging a croc at the tourism office. As a result, the Irwins became a much more continuous presence during our honeymoon than we anticipated. So much so, that we put pictures of them in our album (along with other Australian memorabilia) because without them it somehow seemed that the album wouldn’t be an accurate record of our trip.
While we did cringe a bit at some of his over-the-top antics, we always respected Steve Irwin’s advocacy of wildlife and his firm belief that animals should not be vilified for doing what is simply in their nature to do. I think he would be the first to say that it was “his fault” the stingray stung him – he got too close, and the ray was trying to defend itself. Still, it was such a horrendous accident, and Jeff and I are shocked by Steve Irwin’s untimely death. It seems even more tragic because Steve Irwin died doing what he lived his life for – teaching the world about animals.
Jeff and I are not Steve Irwin’s biggest fans, by any means; however, he and his zoo will always hold a special place in our hearts because of the honeymoon memories we associate with them. The Irwins’ Australia Zoo is an amazing place, and I hope it continues to thrive even though Steve is gone. While the staff at the zoo may not be as “animated” about their love of animals as he was, they are still very enthusiastic and relish the opportunity to teach people about the wildlife that calls Australia home.
Pictures from our trip to Australia Zoo in May, 2002.
If any of you have been to Queensland, Australia, then you know that Steve Irwin is everywhere. At the airport, there were posters of him holding a crocodile, brochures showing him and his wife Terri working with animals at the hotel, and even a life-size cardboard cut-out of Steve hugging a croc at the tourism office. As a result, the Irwins became a much more continuous presence during our honeymoon than we anticipated. So much so, that we put pictures of them in our album (along with other Australian memorabilia) because without them it somehow seemed that the album wouldn’t be an accurate record of our trip.
While we did cringe a bit at some of his over-the-top antics, we always respected Steve Irwin’s advocacy of wildlife and his firm belief that animals should not be vilified for doing what is simply in their nature to do. I think he would be the first to say that it was “his fault” the stingray stung him – he got too close, and the ray was trying to defend itself. Still, it was such a horrendous accident, and Jeff and I are shocked by Steve Irwin’s untimely death. It seems even more tragic because Steve Irwin died doing what he lived his life for – teaching the world about animals.
Jeff and I are not Steve Irwin’s biggest fans, by any means; however, he and his zoo will always hold a special place in our hearts because of the honeymoon memories we associate with them. The Irwins’ Australia Zoo is an amazing place, and I hope it continues to thrive even though Steve is gone. While the staff at the zoo may not be as “animated” about their love of animals as he was, they are still very enthusiastic and relish the opportunity to teach people about the wildlife that calls Australia home.
Pictures from our trip to Australia Zoo in May, 2002.
I know. I was just talking about him today with my biology teacher friend today. Weird how life takes a turn doesn't it? Like my motto! Life is too short to be worried about things. Live it, breathe it, do it!!!!!! He did leave such a legacy with wild life.
It is so sad about what happened. I watched them putting flowers and notes by his zoo in Australia.
We actually considered moving to Australia- Queensland no less. So I did a lot of research on it. The reason is because M could work for an American company working Radiology during the day which would be night work in America- the images are just sent over the internet. We still might do it someday. Who knows.
Sorry, I got off the subject. Cute photos! How neat to have visited there. I wasn't a big croc hunter fan, but I know that he was a nice guy who tried to make a difference.
It makes me so sad. Why is it the nice ones that have to die? I feel so bad for his wife and children, I just want to cry.