I know you're going to think I'm full of shit for this post. But I'm dead serious. I'm really bummed about this. The Crocodile Hunter is dead. Steve Irwin was killed doing what he loved best in this world and that is certainly the way to go. Truly, not many of us in this world can ever say that we are doing what we truly love and better yet, died while doing it.I'll admit, the Crocodile Hunter was always a guilty pleasure of mine. I always was amazed watching this cat grabbing a rattlesnake by the tail and expounding on the virtues of how gorgeous this animal is whilst dodging certain death from a bite. I loved watching this guy jump over a fence as a croc chased him. I loved watching this guy travel to remote corners of the globe grabbing every sort of animal with the same glee that I had as a small boy picking up lizard or horned toads (or as we called them, horny toads). It was exciting to see someone who had found his calling and was truly enthused about it. Enthusiasm is infectious, as is a negative attitude. Mr. Irwin had enough enthusiasm for us all.
I'm a huge softie (which I'm sure some of you have figured out by now) and I really have a soft spot for animals (excepts for a rat which invaded the Marmot house I shared with Deeesguy down in the 'Nati). Irwin went to zoos and helped gather money to rehouse some animals in need of larger facilities. Hell, we can't even get Americans to shell out money for a homeless shelter much less for animals. Yet this guy would hit 3rd world nations to help care for animals and solicit money for their upkeep.
What Steve will truly be remembered for is the effect he'll have on the environment for decades to come. Kids of all sorts watched his show and he always made his commentary on the need to save our environment. I know this will have a positive influence on so many of those kids (except for those whose parents might actually believe the "intelligent design" is different from creationism and that global warming hasn't been proved yet). I'm only hoping that these kids who tuned in to watch him dodge crocs will not give in to corporate interests (enrich the shareholders or save the planet? Easy call if you ask me ... fuck the shareholders!) and do what it takes to save our planet where my generation has so miserably failed.
7 comments:
i too was a fan and was very sadden to hear about his death...this is the first time i've admit it that i was a fan ;-)
i love that you wrote this post. but i'm sucker for the soft side of the devil. ;)
Awww, I'm actually sad too. He did a lot of really good work.
My godson is terribly upset that the Steve Irwin is dead. He's nine and a huge fan.
Sorry about not seeing you this time around in ATL - too short a trip.
I was so sad to hear about the Crocodile Hunter's death. It was so strange. I told my daughter about it and she too was quite broken up. I guess that he was bound to have a fatal accident in the line of work he was in but it was still shocking to har of his death.
Oh! To show how broad his audience was, my 90 year old grandmother waited until 8:30 am on Sunday morning to call me to see if I had heard the sad news. Steve Irwin reached all kinds of folks!
I miss him too. ;-(
He saved a guy's life a few years back. I feel for his family.
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