Steve Irwin: Who was Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin celebrated by Google Doodle?

Google has created a slideshow celebrating the life of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin on their homepage, as today February 22, would have been his 57th birthday. The zookeeper, conservationist and television personality died on September 4, 2006. His love of all animals and drive to save wildlife has cemented him in the history books.

Who was Steve Irwin?

Steve Robert Irwin is the star of documentary series “The Crocodile Hunter” and known for his enthusiasm for conservation and wildlife.

His love for all things animals began as a child when he would help his parents run their roadside wildlife park in Queensland.

It was there that he met his wife, Terri Raines, and the pair used their honeymoon to save a crocodile being hunted by a poacher.

The husband and wife duo then went on to star in “The Crocodile Hunter” series, which ran from 1996 to 2004.

Steve sadly died in September 2006, after a stingray barb went through his chest whilst he filmed for a documentary.

After his death, Terri and their two children Bindi and Robert have continued his legacy, looking after 1,200 animals at a centre named Australia Zoo.

Robert Irwin, 15, frequently appears on TV to champion animals just like his father.

He has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon nine times, bringing all manner of animals to screens.

These vary from African dwarf crocodiles to leopard cubs, baby black bears and king snakes.

As well as being Steve’s birthday, today is also Australia’s National Wildlife Day.

Read More: Crocodile hunter Steve Irwin to get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

National Wildlife Day in Australia is celebrated on two days – September 4 and February 22.

The February date was added to honour the memory of “wildlife warrior” Steve Irwin.

National Wildlife Day was founded by animal behaviourist and philanthropist Colleen Paige in order to bring awareness to endangered animals both nationally and globally.

Of Google celebrating her late husband, Terri wrote in a blog post for the search engine giant: “Today’s Google Doodle acknowledges the life and achievements of my husband Steve Irwin, whose efforts to protect wildlife and wild places have been recognised as the most extensive of any conservationist.”

source: express.co.uk