He started out with his fascination with wildlife at a very early age. Steve's parents, once plumbers in Northern Australia, had an interest in collecting animals in need especially reptiles so they abandoned their trade and opened up a very small wildlife habitat. This was Steve's "school" which he built up into a very large and beautiful zoo housing not only reptiles but endangered wildlife of all kinds including camels, elephants and tigers.

One day, while giving a crocodile feeding exhibition, in the audience was another person who was also a wildlife crusader, Terri. She stayed after the show and their love blossomed into marriage. Together they bore 2 children, Bindy Sue (named after his favorite croc and his dog) along with Steve Jr.

Animal Planet became his sponsor, catapulting him into International fame.

One day, while doing a documentary along with a side project for his daughter's class on sealife, Steve Irwin dove from the boat into the ocean. It was then, in 2006, that the freak accident occurred. Due to the angle he was at while diving, a stingray uncharacteristically had it's tale raised and pierced him right through the heart. He died instantly and without pain.

While his wife was away with their children and for a short duration could not even be reached, the rest of the world rocked on it's heels at the tragic news. This fit modern-day Tarzan, who always seemed unscathable, lay lifeless while the entire world mourned.

Needless to say, once his family did receive word, Terri and the children raced home to be surrounded by their "family" of zoo employees who by that time reached over several hundred. Joined by them were his long-time friend and Executive Producer John Stanten. He ironically shot the footage of the whole scene himself during the documentary process.

The impossible had happened.
Steve, who always seemed invincible, finally had a spot in his "armor" penetrated permanently.

A memorial service which was televised around the world was held. Steve and his memorable "croc-catching gear" were buried at an undisclosed location at the zoo.