Before Steve Irwin, there weren't a whole lot of Nature Shows where the host was a hands-on host with a passion for the wildlife he dedicated himself to protecting. I grew up watching Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdon with Marlon Perkins. And when I first watched The Crocodile Hunter, I was impressed with Steve's passion and enthusiasm. I was mesmerized with the control he had with snakes, and was equally enthralled with his technique for handling massive Saltwater Crocodiles as well as Freshwater Crocodiles.

Steve Irwin brought attention to the benefits of these often-maligned reptiles, pointing out the balance they play in the ecosystem. Steve brought a newfound fascination for reptiles, which for many centuries (if not millennia) have been feared and viewed as horrible, evil creatures who deliberately sought out and hunted humans for the sole purpose of killing and eating us. Steve pointed out that these wonderful, fascinating creatures were NOT the stereotypical horrible, evil creatures that attacked out of malice. He pointed out the beauty of these reptiles and that they only attacked if they felt threatened.

Steve expanded his Crocodile Hunter series to include more than just reptiles. He traveled to the ends of the Earth, to the jungles of Asia and South America, the deserts and swamps of the U.S., the flatlands of Africa, as well as the oceans of the world, where he swam with sharks. All the while, Steve displayed his unequaled passion for conservation, emphasizing and re-emphasizing the importance of the magnificent creatures that share our world with us. Jimmy Buffett sang, "I'd rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead." And that's exactly what Steve Irwin did. His passion for conservation was only equaled for his zest for living life to its fullest.

Good-bye, Steve Irwin. As they say in your native Australia, "Good on ya, mate!" We'll miss you, and rest assured that your message has reached millions, and those millions will carry on your quest for conservation and pass on your message to future generations. Your spirit will live on in Aquariums, Zoos, and Wildlife Reserves all around the world.

Thank you Steve Irwin. For your passion. Thank you Steve Irwin. For your enthusiasm. Thank you Steve Irwin. For coming into our living rooms and showing us what a wonderfully wild world we live in. Thank You.

From Jason
California, USA