It’s been almost 19 years since the world lost one of the most beloved conservationists of all time — Steve Irwin, famously known as The Crocodile Hunter. His untimely passing in 2006 left a void in the hearts of animal lovers around the world, but his spirit and message continue to live on through his family and the global conservation community he helped inspire.

Steve Irwin’s passion for wildlife was unmatched. His enthusiasm was infectious, his energy boundless, and his respect for even the most dangerous animals was profound. Through his popular TV shows and conservation work, Steve introduced countless species to audiences who might never have cared about crocodiles, snakes, or spiders otherwise. He didn’t just teach people about animals — he taught them to love and protect them.

What made Steve’s work so powerful was his sincerity. He didn’t approach animals with fear, but with wonder. Whether it was a venomous snake or a massive crocodile, Steve treated each creature with compassion and reverence. He often reminded his viewers that every animal, no matter how misunderstood, had a vital role in nature’s balance.

More importantly, Steve passed that love for nature onto his children, Bindi and Robert, who have since followed in his footsteps. Alongside their mother, Terri Irwin, they’ve carried on his legacy through the Australia Zoo and their tireless conservation efforts around the globe.

Steve tragically lost his life in 2006 while filming a documentary at the Great Barrier Reef. He was struck in the chest by a stingray, in a freak accident that stunned the world.

“He was having trouble breathing. Even if we’d been able to get him into an emergency ward at that moment, we probably wouldn’t have been able to save him, because the damage to his heart was massive,” said Justin Lyon, an underwater cameraman and one of Steve’s closest friends, in an emotional interview with Australia’s Network Ten.

“As we’re motoring back, I’m screaming at one of the other crew in the boat to put their hand over the wound, and we’re saying things like, ‘Think of your kids, Steve, hang on, hang on, hang on.’ He just sort of calmly looked up at me and said, ‘I’m dying.’ And that was the last thing he said.”

Those heartbreaking words continue to echo in the memories of those who knew him — and those who felt like they did through the screen. Steve Irwin wasn’t just a TV personality; he was a global symbol of what it meant to truly care for the planet.

His family, particularly his wife Terri and their children, remain his greatest torchbearers. Steve and Terri met in 1991 and were married for 14 years. He once said that the moment he saw Terri, he experienced “love at first sight.” Their relationship was one of true partnership — in love, parenting, and conservation.

Since Steve’s passing, Terri has dedicated her life to preserving his memory and the mission they shared. She continues to manage the Australia Zoo and plays an active role in environmental advocacy. Despite public interest in her personal life, she’s remained single.

In an interview with Stellar Magazine in April 2025, Terri revealed she has never considered finding another partner.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of lovely people out there in the world, but I did find my happily ever after,” she said. “And I think I still have a lot of love in my life.”

She went on to say:

“So I’m lonely for Steve, but I’m not lonely. I never mourn being on my own or not being in a relationship. I think we need to say that. I think women are still amazing, fulfilled, incredible people — even if you never marry, if you have four kids, or two kids, or no kids. There are no rules.”

In the years following Steve’s death, there were persistent rumors linking Terri romantically to actor Russell Crowe. However, she has consistently denied any romantic involvement.

“In all honesty, he and Steve became friends many years ago, and after Steve passed, you find out who your true friends are,” she told Access Hollywood. “And Russell has been very loyal as a great friend.”

As time passes, Steve Irwin remains more than a memory — he’s a movement. Through his family's work, documentaries, wildlife rescues, and global awareness campaigns, his message of conservation, empathy, and fearless curiosity continues to shape future generations.

Steve once said, “If we save our wild places, we will ultimately save ourselves.” And thanks to the legacy he left behind, that mission is far from over.