Chrikey!

I’m not a violent man, but not since Paul Hogan and Crocodile Dundee have I wanted to punch an Australian person as much as Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin. His perpetually cheerful and enthusiastic personality was enough to drive you to drink as he bounced about your television screen, dodging deadly snakes and wrestling crocodiles. The bloke was a complete nutter.

However, his unconventional approach to wildlife and conservation was a welcome breath of much needed fresh air – and what’s more the kids loved him, his antics and the varied wildlife of Australia that he was trying so hard to protect.

He even managed to make the less furry and cute animals interesting and was a permanent, and much loved, fixture of Australia Zoo. Sure, he was no David Attenborough, but his television programmes were just as awe inspiring.

So I was shocked and saddened to learn today that the great Steve Irwin died whilst filming on the Great Barrier Reef. My first thought was that a crocodile had finally got its revenge, but he actually died after being struck in the chest by a stingray's barb while he was filming for a new documentary.

He may now be gone, but his work will definitely carry on. With legions of young children the world over transfixed by his antics, and his tireless and passionate efforts to inform and save countless species of wildlife, he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace mate, rest in peace.