I never watch Crocodile Hunter religiously, but what somehow striked me was the infectious and kid-like enthusiasm of its host, the former Steve Irwin. I mean you have to give it to the guy to wear khakis in his mid40s when all of us would have our asses beaten to a pulp if we wore one to school, much less to work. The unmistakable Aussie accent and outback charm was pervasive and amusing, to the point that I am so distracted by it rather than the real star of the show- the crocodiles and other dangerous animals. His eyes filled with wonder and his voice quivering with excitement as Irwin introduces us to the world of wildlife conservation.
Although I am not totally unfamiliar with environmentalism and wildlife conservation, I am a self-confessed wuss when it comes to dealing with reptiles and other animals (even if I have a turtle - Rufus, as pet). I had an albino python on my neck before, stroked an iguana's back, went on a safari with Bengal tigers, but the courage of this man is simply endearing. He taught us, children and adults alike to be more humane, to be more understanding of the life around us, and this gift of communication is perhaps Irwin's greatest gift to the world. He made us see the world with our eyes with such wonder, and understanding that through his voice, his eyes, we see the beauty of life all over us.
Like any great ordinary men, the passing of person like Steve Irwin is indeed a terrible loss to mankind, but his death left a beautiful imprint in the lives of people and animals he touched and this imprint makes a mortal man live forever.
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