Chapter 6
The Crocodile Hunter

John Stainton was a filmmaker. One day he stopped by to make a TV commercial in the Irwins’ park. He was filming the animals. Steve was home for a visit. He was showing visitors how they fed the crocs.

John was amazed. When the show was over, John and Steve talked for a long time. John asked what it was like catching crocs. Steve gave him some of the films he’d shot in the bush.

John put the films away and made his commercial. When he took them out again, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The croc was terrifying to John. But Steve didn’t seem at all afraid.

Crikey, Steve was saying, this little beauty sure is hungry. John couldn’t believe how excited Steve was about the croc. This guy really thought a croc was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen! He was waving his arms around and making all kinds of strange animal sounds.

Gorgeous was one of Steve’s favorite words. Everything seemed gorgeous to him. The croc’s razor-sharp, glistening teeth were gorgeous. Its lashing tail was gorgeous.

Steve Irwin’s life seemed to be one great big gorgeous adventure.

John watched the raw videos over and over. An idea was bubbling in his brain. He called Steve. Would Steve mind if he showed the films to Australia’s Channel Ten network?

Crikey! Steve said.

The producers at Channel Ten were as amazed by the films as John had been. They loved the way Steve looked right into the camera when he explained things. They loved how excited he got when he talked to the animals. They all saw what a great teacher this guy was.

It’s time to get to work, John told Steve. The producers want ten one-hour episodes. They want it just like the ones you filmed with your own camera. Up close and personal.

But Steve had other things to think about. He had taken over the park the year before, and it was more popular than ever. He had been adding more land and more animals. His parents, Bob and Lyn, had retired to Rosedale, a small town farther north. But most important of all—Steve had met the perfect woman.

Terri Raines visited the park in October 1991. She was there to check out the wildlife. Terri lived in America, in Eugene, Oregon, and was touring Australia to learn about the animals that lived there.

Steve was showing visitors how the crocs in the park were fed. Terri was fascinated. Steve and Terri came from different worlds. Yet as they talked, they realized their backgrounds were very similar. Like Lyn Irwin, Terri’s father couldn’t pass by an injured animal on the side of the road. Like Lyn, he’d care for them at home. When they were better, he’d release them into the wild. Terri loved animals as much as her father did. When she grew up, she started a clinic called Cougar Country that cared for injured wild bobcats and other animals.

Steve and Terri talked so much that Sui began to bark and whine. Steve and Terri knew she was jealous and tried to comfort her, but Sui wasn’t having it—at least at first.

Terri left Australia shortly after meeting Steve. But she returned four months later. Soon, Terri and Steve were talking about getting married. On June 4, 1992, Steve married Terri in Eugene, Oregon.

Then it was back to work.

Steve was anxious to get started on the TV show. John was making plans. Everyone wanted Terri to be in it. It would be Steve and Terri. Terri and Steve. Terri wondered what she was getting into, but she was ready for anything. It was all so exciting. They’d be spending time in the bush. She’d learn about poisonous snakes. She’d help Steve capture a croc. They’d take Sui along. Sui and Terri were friends now. A honeymoon for the Irwins would have to wait.