Chapter 10
Remembering Steve

Steve Irwin devoted his life to protecting the natural world and wildlife. His TV shows helped people understand why preserving an animal’s habitat was so important. Steve and Terri used the money to buy large areas of land throughout Australia. But there was one place that Steve loved more than almost any other—the Wenlock River wetlands. Rare plants and animals thrive there. It was Steve’s dream to protect this wild area from building and mining. After his death, the Australian government announced that 334,000 acres of the land Steve loved would be forever protected. Miners and builders would never disturb it. The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve would be looked after by the Australia Zoo.

Steve Irwin’s work continues to be honored.

In 2007, the government of Rwanda in Africa named a baby mountain gorilla in honor of Steve.

 

In 2009, the Queensland Museum named a rare species of tree snail after Steve. The snail is called the Crikey steveirwini. The snail’s yellow, orange, and brown bands reminded scientists of Steve’s khaki uniform.

Each year, on November 15, Wildlife Warriors all over the world celebrate Steve Irwin Day.

Terri, Bindi, and Robert are continuing Steve’s work. At the zoo, they help care for the animals. They share their passion for wildlife with visitors. In 2012, Bindi and Robert filmed a twenty-four-episode Internet show. Growing Up Wild helped kids around the world understand the danger and beauty of wild animals.

Steve’s memory lives on in the zoo he created and the wildlife he protected. No one will ever forget his passion, his dedication, and his message. Wild animals are gorgeous, he said. Respect them. It’s their planet, too.