By now, I'm sure the entire world knows that Steve Irwin, more popularly known as "The Crocodile Hunter", was killed by a stingray while diving off the coast of Australia. I've been a fan of Irwin's infectious energy, childlike wonder, and of course, the Aussie accent, since I first saw his show a few years back, so this news hit me hard. So much so that I haven't been able to watch any of the video memorials yet, like these from Animal Planet and CNN's coverage of the memorial service at Irwin's zoo.The nature of his death has sparked a lot of conversation and controversy about his life's work. Irwin was very passionate about animal conservation, but lots of critics have appeared since his death to question his approach: Was he setting a bad example by interfering with nature to make good TV; did the good he did in his conservation efforts outweigh his methods; and wasn't this accident just a long-overdue failure in the latest of many attempts to cheat death? My friend Jenny comes down on the side of those who feel Irwin did more harm than good (mostly because, as a mom, she's still mad at him for the whole "dangling his baby son in front of a large crocodile" debacle), and she uses this quote from Jean-Michel Cousteau (son of Jacques) as backup.
But, he added, Irwin would "interfere with nature, jump on animals, grab them, hold them, and have this very, very spectacular, dramatic way of presenting things. Of course, it goes very well on television. It sells, it appeals to a lot people, but I think it's very misleading. You don't touch nature, you just look at it. And that's why I'm still alive. I've been diving over 61 years — a lot many more years that he's been alive — and I don't mess with nature."
I'm not going to apologize for the baby thing, because I think that was idiotic. Everyone has moments of bad judgment in their lives, but there's a big difference between putting yourself in harm's way and endangering a 1-month-old infant. On the other hand, this is the same man who traveled around the world just to pick up the 10 most poisonous snakes by their tails. Rational judgment may not have been his strong suit. However, for Monsieur Cousteau, I'll say this: there are two kinds of people in life — watchers and doers. Sure, the watchers will live a longer life, but the doers' lives are WAY more exciting. Anybody think France will hold a day of mourning with internationally televised memorials including heads of state and celebrities when Cousteau passes away? Somehow, I doubt it.
Regardless of how history will remember him, Steve Irwin left me a lasting legacy. I'll never be able to walk through a zoo or see another croc on TV without wanting to shout, "Crikey, have a go at the size of this one! What a beauty!" in an Australian accent. Just one more reason for the kids to think I'm crazy. Thanks, Steve. Rest in peace.
