The Animal Planet’s own crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin of
Australia, died of a stingray spine to the heart while snorkeling
on the Great Barrier Reef in early September. We all thought him to
be larger than life: His reflexes were as quick as his wit; he
wrestled crocodiles; he pounced on snakes (but he was, oddly,
scared of parrots). His Aussie “larrikinism” won him hordes of
devotees around the world as he introduced the wonders of the
natural world to a generation of captivated admirers. His
enthusiasm was infectious. He made hideous creatures seem cool.
Sometimes he crossed the line, but that was part of his charm.
Fellow countryman and Indy contributor Brett Leigh Dicks offers his
favorite Irwin-isms at right. We will miss you, mate.
1] I believe sustainable use is the greatest
propaganda in wildlife conservation at the moment.”
2] Crikey, mate. You’re far safer dealing with
crocodiles and western diamondback rattlesnakes than the executives
and the producers and all those sharks in the big MGM
building.”
3] Crikey means ‘gee whiz, wow!’”
4] Education is all about being excited about
something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational
message.”
5] I put my life on the line to save
animals.”