Wow, thats kind of sad. Only 44. I was expecting a Croc death, but a Stingray Barb thru the chest? I swum with rays before off Florida, didn't realize they were so dangerous...I was more scared by the pair of 6 foot plus sharks that decided to join me and my then girlfriend for a swim-along. We made it back to the boat, which was a way away pretty quick after that! Poor guy.
Steve Irwin was actually a world class herpetologist, having discovered several species new to science and also a pioneer in the breeding of certain kinds of lizards and snakes that no one had prior success with. I don't know what "he was asking for it" means? It's a testament to character that some cliche shit like that is what you feel compelled to say after a celebrity, albeit one you don't respect, dies. Animals like crocodiles and snakes are only dangerous to the extent that you know what you're doing. They have simple nervous systems and are not dynamic, they're regimented by habit and share a invariable set of reactions to stimulus. Steve Irwin was also never bitten by a venomous or hot snake, most of the other wildlife hosts have been, or don't actually use wild snakes for their programs. He was a consumate professional, baby in arm or otherwise, and if animals are dangerous, so are stairs, and certainly cars, but I don't think I'm asking for it if I break my neck on the stairs or if a drunk driver plows over me.
thanks muton, that man has given me hours of pure joy in entertainment and also inspiration because I happen to breed lizards and snakes myself. He was a great performer but almost a magician underneath it all, the kind of excellence you see in gymnists or flatland bmx or any of the other sports/arts that you can't take steroids and do. I will sorely miss the Bruce Lee of herpetology and animal shows.
What do you breed? I used to be heavily involved with reptiles, mostly monitors, especially Australian dwarf species. I know there have been some HUGE leaps in monitor breeding in the past decade. Very exciting.
deem, I pretty much agree with everything else you said, except..... "consumate professional, baby in arm or otherwise" is a contradiction. It is extremely UNprofessional to endanger an infant like that. I had a ton of respect for the man, but that shit was just fucking STUPID. Putting a small child in harm's way intentioinally is just plain irresponsible no matter who is doing it....period. And yeah, I know that everyone does something stupid now & then, but you have to admit, holding a baby while screwing around with a croc is a real doozie. that said....I never thought that he would die while working with animals. I liked the dude.
i'm sorry enemy from space, I think you have no idea about what you're talking about. I can gurantee you I know a lot more about crocodilians than you do, and steve irwin knew more than most anyone. It's counter-intuitive, but neither the baby nor steve were in the slightest bit of danger in that pic. Do you have anything constructive or based in fact to say about the circumstance or are crocodiles really scary like snakes and the dark and gay marriage? Stereotypes and misinformation are rife in the world, and it's boring as fuck to see people utterly convicted about the natures of things, animals,people,religions,etc. Sorry to knock down crocodiles a notch in your book, it's obvious it gives you some pleasure to consider them dangerous.
too bad Steve wasn't so knowledgable about stingrays. I believe the Wild Boys are taking over his show.
