In Memory of Steve Irwin & a Q Tribute

The following is a tribute written by Q.

Steve Irwin was a man who changed the world of animal protection and science. He and his wife Terri captured and released countless crocodiles and alligators. I am really shocked that he died. He was a person that I learned a lot from. I learned that crocodiles are different from alligators by their teeth. He took care of hundreds of animals at the Australian Zoo. He released countless more. He died from a stingray wound through the heart.

According to the Wikipedia article about Steve Irwin on the day of his death,

"Shortly after 11:00am local time on 4 September 2006, Irwin was fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while diving in Queensland's Batt Reef, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef. The events were caught on camera and the footage is now in the possession of Queensland Police."

News reports said that Irwin was snorkeling in shallow waters while being filmed for a kids' nature show to be hosted by his eight-year-old daughter, Bindi.

The Wikipedia entry cited news reports that said, after reviewing the footage of the incident and speaking to the cameraman who recorded it, marine documentary filmmaker and former spearfishing champion Ben Cropp speculated that the stingray

"felt threatened because Steve was alongside and there was the cameraman ahead..."

Cropp was quoted saying that, in such a case, the animal responds by automatically flexing the serrated barb on its tail, which is up to 30 centimeters (roughly 12 inches) in length, upward. In this case, the motion struck Irwin's chest and pierced his heart.

The Steve Irwin Wikipedia article cited reports that

"crewmembers aboard his boat called emergency services in the nearest city of Cairns and administered CPR as they rushed the boat to nearby Low Isle to meet a rescue helicopter. Medical staff pronounced Irwin dead when they arrived a short time later."

Steve Irwin wrestled 12-foot long boas and pythons. He usually was always trying to find animals in need of help. He also tried to stop crocodile farmers and other exotic animal farmers. He called them "Hitlers". Sometimes he got bitten badly and couldn't film for many weeks.

Steve Irwin died instantly if the news is correct. I really wish he didn't die. He was a person that the world of animal protection needed.
:: >