Australia marks 'crocodile hunter' Irwin's death
1 day ago
SYDNEY (AFP) — Australians paid tribute on Tuesday to the life of environmentalist and television "crocodile hunter" Steve Irwin, a year after his death from a stingray barb while filming.
Fans turned up at his Australia Zoo to remember Irwin but his immediate family marked the anniversary in a low-key way in the United States. A zoo spokeswoman said there would be no special events.
In Queensland state where he died while filming on the Great Barrier Reef, state Premier Peter Beattie commended Irwin as a great cultural ambassador.
"The spirit of Steve Irwin lives on in many ways," Beattie said in the state parliament.

"I again pay tribute to his energy, joy and commitment to conservation and wildlife, and acknowledge all those who continue his work today," he said.
Queensland has marked Irwin by naming an ecotourism award in his honour and renaming the main road through the town of Beerwah, where his Australia Zoo is located, after the television personality.
Tributes flowed for the way his widow Terri and daughter Bindi, 9, have conducted themselves since Irwin was killed by the stingray barb, which pierced his chest.
Bindi Irwin has become a media star in her own right since her father's death, promoting his causes, speaking at events to commemorate him and starring in her own television programs and as a model.
The couple also had a three-year-old son, Bob.
"Behind the positive faces they have shown the world since that dreadful day, there can be no doubt there is still deep sorrow and lasting pain," Sydney's Daily Telegraph said in an editorial.
"So too for those who respected and admired Irwin for his boundless enthusiasm for life, his determination to make every second of it worthwhile.

"They will have their own thoughts to content themselves with, their own sadness."

Irwin, who was 44 when he died, became world-famous for his daring stunts with dangerous animals but he was also an environmentalist who put much of the money he made towards promoting related causes.

The Wildlife Warriors Worldwide charity the Irwin family founded called on the world to set aside November 15 as "Steve Irwin Day." Launched publicly in April 2006, the charity was set up to help conserve the planet's wildlife.

About 1.3 million dollars (1.1 million US) was donated in the three weeks after his death, which prompted a national outpouring of grief.

Tributes flowed in from all sections of society after his demise, including Prime Minister John Howard, who described Irwin as a "wonderful and colourful son" of Australia.

A public celebration of Irwin's life is to be held on September 15.