Many of you out there will have heard mixed messages about the late Steve Irwin. Many will think he was nothing more than a mad man who risked his life unnecessarily for the sake of nothing more than television fame, while others will think of him as the world famous 'Crocodile Hunter' but I would like to take this opportunity of sharing my thoughts on Steve and his message to us all.

Steve Irwin's life was dedicated to wildlife and the conservation of both wildlife and their and our habitat. Nature has a wonderful way of creating a balance, but man has an equally dedicated way of destroying it all in the name of progress.
It isn't progress to destroy what we and our fellow species need to exist. Each day we hear more and more of animals hunted by poachers to the point of extinction, Elephants for the Ivory, Crocodiles for their skin, Bears for the so called 'healing properties' of the gall bladder.
Animals are killed daily for no other reason than our own lack of understanding.
Steve Irwin did all he could to help us understand nature, and through his own enthusiasm make us understand how precious life is, whether that be a crocodile, a lima or a snake. He made us see the beauty of these animals, and through that develop a love and understanding of them.
Sadly Steve was taken from us in September 06 in a freak accident, which leads me to think that if indeed there is a God, that this was his way of bringing Steve's message of conservation to the rest of the world.
When I heard of his death, I will admit, I had only ever heard the bad reports of the man, but when I happened to watch the Memorial Service, which was aired live on Discovery's Animal Planet late one night when I tuned in as I couldn't sleep, it became very clear that this man was about a lot more than I had ever realised, so I made a point of learning about the man and the work he did.
Having done that, I share Australia's grief at his passing, the man was special, and it is our duty as animal lovers to continue his work in whatever way we can. Whether that means supporting a Wildlife Trust or supporting a Cat Charity, it makes no difference, we all do what we can in our own way.

God Bless You Steve !

Find out more about the conservation work carried out at Australia Zoo by clicking the link below

http://www.australiazoo.com.au/

If you have enjoyed listening to the Track playing, you can purchase it via

http://www.pressplaymusic.com.au

JOHN WILLIAMSON - Wildlife Warriors: (A Tribute To Steve Irwin)

$19.95 (Australian Dollars)

Brand new album from John Williamson
- $1.00 from each purchase going to Steve Irwin charity Wildlife Warriors World Wide
- Album featuring John's favourite enviromental songs including Rip Rip Woodchip, Goodbye Blinky Bill, 10,000 Feet, River Crying Out & many more..
- Also Includes live versions of "Home Among The Gum Trees" & "True Blue" recorded at the Steve Irwin Memorial Tribute Service on September 20, 2006