Hats Off to You, Mate
Yesterday the environmental and conservation movement lost a true legend as Steve Irwin a.k.a “The Croc Hunter” succumbed to injuries sustained while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Apparently, in what amounts to about a ten million-to-one freak accident, the barb of a bull stingray struck Irwin between the ribs and hit his heart as he snorkeled above the animal. If the barb had hit about an inch below where it actually penetrated Irwin, he would still be alive and well. Some have speculated that the stingray may have felt trapped between Irwin and the cameraman, who was filming a nature documentary, which may have caused the animal to deploy its barb normally reserved for self-defense. However, this information is purely speculative and we may not know the true events for quite some time.
Irwin, who had worldwide renown for his programs on the Discovery Channel, made a career of educating the public about the environment and wildlife. Looking back at the scope of his involvement and activities related to conservation, I am not sure if any other person has done as much as Irwin over the past decade to promote education, understanding, and compassion towards the environment and the animal kingdom.
In my opinion, education is one of the greatest ways in which we can promote conservation and care for the earth’s wild places. Simply, if people see something, they are more likely to give a damn. For this, Irwin was a true pioneer.
In the end, he died doing something he loved. I am sure that he would not have had it any other way.
Irwin, who had worldwide renown for his programs on the Discovery Channel, made a career of educating the public about the environment and wildlife. Looking back at the scope of his involvement and activities related to conservation, I am not sure if any other person has done as much as Irwin over the past decade to promote education, understanding, and compassion towards the environment and the animal kingdom.
In my opinion, education is one of the greatest ways in which we can promote conservation and care for the earth’s wild places. Simply, if people see something, they are more likely to give a damn. For this, Irwin was a true pioneer.
In the end, he died doing something he loved. I am sure that he would not have had it any other way.