The Croc Hunter and Me…
Now I must admit that this headline is designed to capture your attention. I wasn’t actually a close personal friend of Steve Irwin. And I know that using “me” is bad grammar. And I have inferred that we are good mates. That would be a bit of an exaggeration. So slap my wrist, please.
…
But there was a program on Australian Story (best show on Australian TV) with Bob Irwin talking about his life and his son. It made me remember my small experience with the Crocodile Hunter. There are probably millions of Steve-encounters stories in the world. This is mine.
…
In my previous job, in my previous career, in my previous life, I interviewed and photographed him. Before he was famous and considered “cool”. In fact, the first time I met him, I had been passed on the job by another photographer who thought Steve was “a bit too in your face”. I mean, no-one any of us knew actually used the word “Crikey”… a bit OTT.
…
As an aside, one thing you need to understand about most Australians (including me) is that “in your face” and “over the top” are not considered a particularly attractive attributes. We like people to achieve like crazy, be successful, be nice and be humble and be QUIET about it. Now Steve was all of the former things, and remained pretty humble but ‘quiet’… well, perhaps not. It’s called Tall Poppy syndrome – and it’s alive and well Down Under.
…
Steve had not long been married to Terri, when I made my first visit to Australia Zoo. In those days, they literally met visiting journos at the front gate. Steve had a huge smile, a booming “g’day” and was a flurry of arms and enthusiasm. I was forewarned about Steve’s sheer “in your face-ness” and was probably a bit cautious about this mad croc hunter. But the genuine warmth and infectious delight in the wildlife and his life made Steve the easiest bloke in the world to like. It was utterly impossible not to be swept up in that fervour. And I’m an animal girl anyway, so I was easy prey.
…
He was a delight to photograph – keen for anything suggested, and then some. Climbing half-way up the side of a cage for a good angle. No worries. Letting me get into a corner of an outer enclosure to shoot a croc leaping from the water – done. Finding out extra info on the latest addition to the zoo for the story – too easy. And it became apparent that Steve was a good sport – with a ready laugh and ability to send himself up – I believe it was this attribute (as much as any) that finally won his fellow countrymen over.
…
He loved a good reaction, and would test out any unsuspecting visitor with a surprise show of a snake or other creepy creature. I managed to (mostly) keep my poker face on. And I fell in love with some of the creatures – especially Harriet the Tortoise (then the oldest living animal in captivity at about 160 years old) . Not the snakes and crocs though. But I never told Steve.
…
One thing clear in my memories is how he was the proudest, most excited guy in the world when they announced Terri’s pregnancy (with Bindi). I photographed them together and was bowled over anew by their love story, and their energy for each other and for their lives together. It was inspirational. I hoped someday I would find something similar.
…
As his fame overseas (especially in America) grew, and gradually spilled over into Australia, there was more competition in our newsroom to cover Irwin and Oz Zoo stories. That was OK – it was nice to see some reward and respect for this genuine bloke with energy to burn and enthusiasm by the truckload. I really enjoyed Terri too – she clearly adored her husband and revelled in the work they did side-by-side.
…
I have to admit, I never really got into his TV documentaries much. But I loved seeing him interviewed and watching that twinkle of humour and spark of energy ignite and burn bright, warming those nearby and on the other side of the screen. He energised us all.
…
It had been almost a decade since I had last photographed the Irwins when news of Steve’s tragic death hit. Much had happened in my life, but I always listened with a sense of pride to his achievements. I was here, visiting Granite Glen, when I heard. Mum and I sat there and stared at each other for a good five minutes in stunned silence. It seemed utterly incomprehensible. That someone so full of life could be gone. It still does.
…
My kids were too young to understand at the time. Dash thought Steve WAS Australia Zoo – the giant billboards we’d pass on the highway, with that famous gap-toothed grin and daggy hairdo, were synonymous (to a kid) with the Zoo. The face and the place were the same to him. Images on the news of Steve in the aftermath of his death would evoke the comment: “Look Mum, there’s ‘Stralya Zoo’!!”. It made me cry.
…
The wild thing is that the Dash and TLW now adore “Bindi the Jungle Girl”. It’s their favourite morning TV show and gets quoted regularly to me. “Mum do you know the tiger is getting ‘dangered?” Dash will demand. “Gotta be careful with frogs, they might get ‘dangered!”. It fazes them none that Steve features constantly in the clips. They know he is dead. But they take that fact in their stride. (Maybe it’s only adults that make that issue complicated?)
…
While the kids were playing at the yards recently, a role-play in the back of the ute took my breath away.
…
In my previous job, in my previous career, in my previous life, I interviewed and photographed him. Before he was famous and considered “cool”. In fact, the first time I met him, I had been passed on the job by another photographer who thought Steve was “a bit too in your face”. I mean, no-one any of us knew actually used the word “Crikey”… a bit OTT.
…
As an aside, one thing you need to understand about most Australians (including me) is that “in your face” and “over the top” are not considered a particularly attractive attributes. We like people to achieve like crazy, be successful, be nice and be humble and be QUIET about it. Now Steve was all of the former things, and remained pretty humble but ‘quiet’… well, perhaps not. It’s called Tall Poppy syndrome – and it’s alive and well Down Under.
…
Steve had not long been married to Terri, when I made my first visit to Australia Zoo. In those days, they literally met visiting journos at the front gate. Steve had a huge smile, a booming “g’day” and was a flurry of arms and enthusiasm. I was forewarned about Steve’s sheer “in your face-ness” and was probably a bit cautious about this mad croc hunter. But the genuine warmth and infectious delight in the wildlife and his life made Steve the easiest bloke in the world to like. It was utterly impossible not to be swept up in that fervour. And I’m an animal girl anyway, so I was easy prey.
…
He was a delight to photograph – keen for anything suggested, and then some. Climbing half-way up the side of a cage for a good angle. No worries. Letting me get into a corner of an outer enclosure to shoot a croc leaping from the water – done. Finding out extra info on the latest addition to the zoo for the story – too easy. And it became apparent that Steve was a good sport – with a ready laugh and ability to send himself up – I believe it was this attribute (as much as any) that finally won his fellow countrymen over.
…
He loved a good reaction, and would test out any unsuspecting visitor with a surprise show of a snake or other creepy creature. I managed to (mostly) keep my poker face on. And I fell in love with some of the creatures – especially Harriet the Tortoise (then the oldest living animal in captivity at about 160 years old) . Not the snakes and crocs though. But I never told Steve.
…
One thing clear in my memories is how he was the proudest, most excited guy in the world when they announced Terri’s pregnancy (with Bindi). I photographed them together and was bowled over anew by their love story, and their energy for each other and for their lives together. It was inspirational. I hoped someday I would find something similar.
…
As his fame overseas (especially in America) grew, and gradually spilled over into Australia, there was more competition in our newsroom to cover Irwin and Oz Zoo stories. That was OK – it was nice to see some reward and respect for this genuine bloke with energy to burn and enthusiasm by the truckload. I really enjoyed Terri too – she clearly adored her husband and revelled in the work they did side-by-side.
…
I have to admit, I never really got into his TV documentaries much. But I loved seeing him interviewed and watching that twinkle of humour and spark of energy ignite and burn bright, warming those nearby and on the other side of the screen. He energised us all.
…
It had been almost a decade since I had last photographed the Irwins when news of Steve’s tragic death hit. Much had happened in my life, but I always listened with a sense of pride to his achievements. I was here, visiting Granite Glen, when I heard. Mum and I sat there and stared at each other for a good five minutes in stunned silence. It seemed utterly incomprehensible. That someone so full of life could be gone. It still does.
…
My kids were too young to understand at the time. Dash thought Steve WAS Australia Zoo – the giant billboards we’d pass on the highway, with that famous gap-toothed grin and daggy hairdo, were synonymous (to a kid) with the Zoo. The face and the place were the same to him. Images on the news of Steve in the aftermath of his death would evoke the comment: “Look Mum, there’s ‘Stralya Zoo’!!”. It made me cry.
…
The wild thing is that the Dash and TLW now adore “Bindi the Jungle Girl”. It’s their favourite morning TV show and gets quoted regularly to me. “Mum do you know the tiger is getting ‘dangered?” Dash will demand. “Gotta be careful with frogs, they might get ‘dangered!”. It fazes them none that Steve features constantly in the clips. They know he is dead. But they take that fact in their stride. (Maybe it’s only adults that make that issue complicated?)
…
While the kids were playing at the yards recently, a role-play in the back of the ute took my breath away.
“Mum, I’m a shark and the bad men have taken my fins off.
You know what sharks are Mum? I’m a shark and I’m ‘dangered.
Steve Irwin says so.”
…
Jeez, Steve, old mate.
…
Jeez, Steve, old mate.
You are as bloody potent an influence dead as you were alive.
Crikey, we miss you, you great dag.
12 Comments
Jenni
What a sweet tribute and wonderful memories. I never watched his show much since we only recently got satellite, but from what I have seen his warmth and enthusiasm were amazing. He seemed very genuine, the kind of person you’d enjoy knowing. I cried when I heard the news of his death–not because he was a celebrity I watched and “knew” well–but because he did seem so very full of life and such a regular guy. It was more like hearing that a neighbor had died than some celebrity.
Tall Poppy – That’s the second time I’ve heard that this week and the only two times I’ve heard it in my life. I think I would fit in well in Australia. I am quiet and appreciate my personal space, but I am friendly.
The Croc Hunter and Me – Whether or not this is good grammar depends on whether it is intended as a subject or an object. Since it’s not in a sentence, I’m thinking it can’t be *incorrect*. What do I know though?
Leigh
Okay BB, I’m gonna have to share my Stevo goodie. My oldest was a huge Irwin fan. When she was 5 we learned he would be here for the Thanksgiving parade. Off we went with a “Crocs Rule” sign and wrapped up baby. When his float went by he was looking the other way and we were freaking that he wouldn’t see Amanda and her sign. At the last second, he turned saw Amanda and waved with a loud shout of “Crocs Rule” and was on his way. We were thrilled, elated…and complete idiots. Nobody got a picture. We emailed the zoo with our plight. Two weeks later we got a package! Pictures, maps, postcards, bumper stickers, etc. We now have a picture of the Irwin family over Amanda’s bed.
And this momma too gets lessons on endangered animals. No lie, at dinner tonight we talked about koalas. These little wildlife warriors will save us all.
Kids rule!
Leigh in NYC
Mama DB
Great story BB! I have to admit, when he hit over here, the radio personalities had an absolute field day. I remember my husband talking about this “crazy Aussie guy” that grabs snakes and wrestles crocs with his bare hands! We were intrigued. And we watched Steve and Terri every Saturday.
I also remember where I was when I heard the news of his death. Weird. Hadn’t thought of it until your post.
My daughter hasn’t yet met up with Bindi but I think it is time.
debby
I worked nights. One morning, after a grueling 10 hour shift, a woman came in and said, “Steve Irwin was killed by a sting ray.” I actually sat there with a grin on my face until I realized she was serious…it sounded like the beginning of a very stupid joke. It never occurred to me that he would die…especially during an animal encounter.
dykewife
i never watched crocodile hunter, but certainly he was one of the most parodied australians in recent history. his enthusiasm for his work was certainly inspirational.
i’ve been reading your blog and i’m totally entranced. i’ve read several of your entries aloud to bran (hubby) and we both laughed at some of your “you know you’re australian when..” list.
i look forward to reading more of your life. thank you so much for sharing.
Bush Babe (of Granite Glen)
Hello ladies… thanks for the kind words. And lovely feedback.
Leigh, I love that your little one had such a great Stevo encounter.
MamaDB, let Bindi into your life… the lectures will be never-ending but really cute!
Jenni – I’ll add Tall Poppy to my language list soon!
Deb – I was in the kitchen and I reckon the shock of the news took about three days to wear off. Strange how some things affect you so strongly.
Dykewife – welcome aboard… it’s an erratic ride with plenty of grammatical challenges along the way!
<
Keep smilin’
BB
jeanie
So I know you sit there over your morning coffee and think “how can I get Jeanie to cry today?” – come on, you have been doing it all your life!
David
Babe, if you can laugh about it, I can give you a break.
Regards, David
Greg
My thanks to Dykewife for pointing me in your direction.
Nice tribute to Steve…although the best is that he’s gotten a younger generation to care about animals!
Bindi’s certainly a chip off the old Steve block, too. What a wonderful legacy.
baby~amore'
A glorious tribute to Steve and his family Bush Babe. I enjoy all your posts,I can imagine you would have been a very entertaining journalist.
I think through Bindi Steve’s legacy will continue.Many children will grow up like Dash caring more about the animals.
Nancy in Oklahoma
I found your blog while reading Pioneer Woman. I live much closer to her than to you!!
I just loved your memories of Steve Irwin. I just knew he would be as – well, “Steve” in person as he had been on tv.
Thank you for that. I still miss him too, but what a great thing that he is still with us in many ways. Your son is such a sweetie.
Florence
Thanks B.B. That as always was worth a read. I used to dislike Steve as he was ” too much in your face” for my liking. But one day I suddenly realized that I too was under his spell. He was an awesome man. And the love he felt for his country and his family, made you feel weak at the knees!