The Crocodile Hunter was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, television personality, wildlife expert and environmentalist.
Irwin grew up around crocodiles and other reptiles and was educated on them by his father Bob. He achieved worldwide fame from the television series The Crocodile Hunter (1996–2007), an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary series that he co-hosted with his wife Terri. The couple also hosted the series Croc Files (1999–2001), The Crocodile Hunter Diaries (2002–2006), and New Breed Vets (2005). They also co-owned and operated Australia Zoo, founded by Irwin's parents in Beerwah, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of the Queensland state capital of Brisbane. They had two children, Bindi and Robert.
In 2006, while filming a documentary in Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Irwin died after an accidental attack by a stingray. His death became international news and was met with expressions of shock and grief by fans, the media, governments and non-profit organizations. Numerous parks, zoos, and streets, the vessel MY Steve Irwin, the snail species Crikey steveirwini, and the asteroid 57567 Crikey have been named in his honour. The Irwin family continue to operate Australia Zoo.