RIP, Steve Irwin

Not everybody liked him, it’s true. He could be abrasive, I suppose, and he wasn’t without controversy (remember when he fed the croc while holding his infant son in his arms?) Some would argue that he bothered the animals more than anything else, and that harsh Australian accent isn’t music to everyone’s ears.

But even those who weren’t fans can’t argue with his success in raising awareness around the world of conservation efforts in Australia and elsewhere. He made the Australia Zoo almost a household name. He attempted to educate people, hoping that by eradicating ignorance he could eradicate fear and hatred, particularly of animals that tend to inspire those emotions, such as the salt-water crocodile. Whether or not you agreed with his style, you can agree that he succeeded in teaching millions, not a small task.

He leaves behind his wife, Terry, and his two children, and I’m sure I join millions of others in wishing them the best and sending my support.

As far as his death is concerned, it’s almost anti-climactic, in a sense, if not ironic. He spent his life wrestling 15-foot crocodiles and was brought down by a stingray. But he did die doing what he loved, so that’s something that the rest of us can only hope for.

Steve, we hardly knew ya.