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On September 4, 2006
the world lost not only an icon, but a friend to all creatures. Steve
Irwin died when a stingray’s barb pierced his heart. Irwin boxed the
stingray in, and despite its normally calm attitude, the stingray flexed
its barb, putting it into his chest. According to most scientists, this
was a one in a million chance. After the incident, crew members pulled
Irwin into the boat and administered CPR while calling emergency
services. Medical personal on the rescue chopper pronounced Irwin dead on
the scene. As
a child I adored Steve Irwin, I even had a khaki vest that matched his. I
loved his unique style and love for animals, both of which I truly believe
influenced who I am today. The discovery of his death was a shock. “No
not him, he can’t die.” The one person who seemed to breathe danger was
dead. Not surprisingly the rest of the world was shocked as well.
Hundreds of leaders and celebrities paid their respects, calling Irwin a
“great Australian” as well as a “wonderful and colorful son.”
Irwin stared in many
shows on Animal Planet during his lifetime. He was a diehard
conservationist and loved animals since birth. He was the curator of the
Australia Zoo, and the loving father of two children. He and his wife (as
well as his dog) also stared in the movie, Crocodile Hunter: Collision
Course. Irwin was devoted to his work and, despite criticism, stood
up for what he believed in.
When people die,
most people show remorse or sadness; however in the wake of Irwin’s death,
some found ways to point blame. Dan Mathews, the vice-president of People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said it was, "no shock at all that
Steve Irwin should die provoking a dangerous animal". He also stated,
“Irwin made his career out of antagonizing frightened wild animals, that's
a very dangerous message to send to children." When I went to school the
next day, surprisingly many of my friends were talking about how he
brought this upon himself, and how he had it coming. Other mourners used
his death to “justify” murder. Weeks after his death, at least ten
stingrays were found tortured and dead on beaches in Australia.
I am
personally disgusted by those who attack someone after death, because of
things (good things, with good intent, and good results) that occurred
during their life. Irwin was a conservationist. He loved the planet, and
everything that lived there. Is that enough? Even when someone is trying
to send a message of hope, despite global warming, the destruction of
rainforests, and the poaching of endangered species, why must we frown
upon goodness? |
