- R.I.P. Steve Irwin -

When I first heard the news last night I was completely shocked. But I was too tired at the moment to give it much thought, I just went to bed feeling a little sad. Today I read through several news reports about the accident, as well as tons of messages sent in by people to say how much he meant to them. And it really started to sink in that he was gone. And I also realized how much that crazy Australian guy made a difference in my life. Sure, he could be a little obnoxious on the show sometimes, but what I saw was someone who was more passionate about animals and conservation than anyone else I have ever seen. And someone who built up a little reptile park into a very large successful Zoo visited by people from all over the world. He was a huge inspiration to me and a big reason that I decided to major in Zoology and work at a Zoo when I could easily do something more financially rewarding. I can't think of anyone else who has done so much to educate the masses about conservation and the beauty of reptiles and other "dangerous" animals as he did, and it's horribly sad that he won't be around to continue doing so. It's hard to imagine a world without Steve Irwin.

I also feel very bad for his kids. He was an incredibly proud father, but his son will grow up only knowing his Dad from watching him on TV. But I suppose you could say it's good that he died doing something he loved. Although I don't think a freak accident with a stingray is a death worthy of the great Croc Hunter. He should have gone out trying to capture a 35 foot crocodile that was about to eat someone, or something great like that. I just hope people don't use this accident as an excuse to criticize him for getting too close to the animals and pull out the old "I told you so" thing. He was a great person who contributed an immeasurable amount to animal conservation and education. And I, for one, will miss him, even though I've never met him.  i posted this at 10:34 PM ---