Australia pays tribute to Steve Irwin
Australians remembered "crocodile hunter" Steve Irwin yesterday, marking the first anniversary of his death.
Fans gathered at the in the Irwin family zoo to lay tributes in his memory.
The naturalist died on 4 September 2006 when a stingray barb pierced his heart as he was filming an underwater documentary on the Great Barrier Reef.
AdvertisementIn Queensland's parliament, State Premier Peter Beattie paid tribute to Irwin, commending him as a great cultural ambassador.
"The spirit of Steve Irwin lives on in many ways," Beattie said.
"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 named an ecotourism award in Irwin's honour. Irwin's widow Terri and their two young children will spend the first anniversary of his death in private.