The Crocodile Hunter is fondly remembered
Madhur Tankha
Nature-friendly: Steve Irwin in the programme ‘Crikey! What an adventure’ to be shown on Animal Planet this Saturday
NEW DELHI: Animal lovers across the world were shattered last year by the tragic death of conservationist Steve Irwin, fondly known as “Crocodile Hunter”.
The outpouring of condolences was immeasurable as Irwin touched so many lives -- adults and children alike -- and his impact on wildlife conservation efforts was enormous.
Animal Planet will now celebrate and honour Irwin’s passion and enthusiasm for spreading the importance of wildlife conservation through never-before-seen footage. Featuring two consecutive programmes this coming Saturday, Animal Planet will air Irwin’s last television project, ‘Ocean’s Deadliest’, followed by a farewell tribute, ‘Crikey! What an Adventure’.
In his last exploration -- ‘Ocean’s Deadliest’ -- Irwin is joined by oceanographer and adventurer Phillippe Cousteau as they explore the waters between Australia’s Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef. Cousteau, who was aboard Croc One with Irwin during the expedition when he was struck and killed by a stingray, narrates the programme.
This special programme will feature some of the most dangerous animals found on the planet lurking only a few feet below the surface of eastern Australia’s crystalline ocean. For thousands of years venomous snakes, salt-water crocodiles and sharks have patrolled these waters. To study nature’s most dangerous creations, the two adventurers embark on a mission fraught with danger.
During their adventurous mission, the duo manage to subdue a giant crocodile in order to attach a satellite tracking device, observe the feeding behaviour of the great white shark while safely tucked away inside a dive cage and work with the Australian experts who capture deadly sea snakes in order to supply anti-venom to the rest of the world.
‘Crikey! What an Adventure’ provides viewers with an intimate look at the life of Irwin as a husband, father, friend and conservationist through the eyes of those who knew him best. The interviews where Irwin describes who he is, his legacy, his love of family and his conservation message perfectly capture the personality in his own words. The archived Irwin interviews were taped six or seven years ago.
In this programme, his family and friends share personal stories about the incredible man. His imprint and legacy will live on through his non-profit organisation Wildlife Warriors ( www.wildlifewarriors.com), dedicated to continuous efforts to spread animal conservation.