I join the world in sending my condolences to all those touched by the sudden demise of renowned conservationist Steve Irwin. Like others, I am still coming to terms with this news. I have been reading Web sites and watching television broadcasts since Tuesday morning
To me, Steve Irwin was a genius who combined his unmatched scientific acumen with wit to leave many households entertained. For that reason, Animal Planet was my number one favorite TV channel. Most shows pale in comparison to what Steve Irwin produced. Steve shot into eminence by traveling a path that was least traveled, and he understood animal behavior so much.
Irwin made a name by hunting and catching crocodiles. The place he sharpened his skills was in my home country. Kenya, like most African countries, has been a haven of tourists for a long time. Conservationists like Irwin study some of our premiere small or large game. Crocodiles usually prey on wildebeests and zebras when they cross from Kenya’s famous Masai Mara Game Reserve into Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. This migration is a phenomenon that attracts thousands. A few years ago, Steve Irwin was one of those tourists on a special mission — to capture the world’s attention of conserving crocodiles.
But one may wonder if crocodiles are endangered. I learned this truth soon after I watched his show. The increase in human populations around the world has lead to encroachment into wildlife habitats. The consequence is human-wildlife conflicts with heavy tolls on both sides. Many people have lost their lives, animals or property, and wild animals have been killed wandering outside protected areas.
This was often Steve Irwin’s gospel — living in harmony with wildlife as our precious gift for posterity. Whether it was in his Australia Zoo or in those marine escapades, he always championed this cause. Around the world, people are grieving the loss. This proves to you that he really touched many people’s lives. He earned many titles — naturalist, conservationist, biologist and crocodile hunter. Ironically, he survived the jaws of crocodiles only to succumb to the little known but noxious stingray. He has come close to lions and elephants but never got into their harm’s way.
A lot of questions are being asked now, and among them are why he always endangered himself with animals. Steve Irwin had to contend with this question many times. At one point he fed a hungry crocodile with his young son in one hand. Asked to apologize to the viewers, he was hesitant, and quickly quipped that if another opportunity arose some day, he would do it. But the most unanswered question right now is why did Steve Irwin have to die at the prime of his age?
At 44, he had carved himself perhaps two most notable niches. First, as a conservationist, then as an entertainer turned educator. Both the scientific and the entertainment niche will be greatly affected by his absence. Already the effects are being felt. He was an inspiration to many children around the world. He combined humor with science a great deal endearing him to many. What a loss. |
