I spent a few hours on Sunday watching the Steve Irwin tribute marathon on the Animal Planet channel. Along with millions of other people, I was very moved by a life so well-lived.

Here is a poignant excerpt from Steve’s interaction with a crocodile he rescued and rehabilitated from its prison in a concrete dungeon, where it was certainly doomed to a miserable life ending in boots and purses:

“We love our crocs. We love our Charlie, even though, if he gets half a chance – he’d kill any one of us. And it’s because he’s carrying a lot of scar tissue; he’s carrying a lot of pain from his tormented life. [to Charlie] ‘Are you a naughty boy? Can I give you a pat on the tail? He’s a cute little crocky…ROAR!!!! Oh, oh, oh!! You’re alright, mate, you’re alright….he’s a good boy.’ [commentary] Excellent, and this is why we catch crocs – we love them.”

“If there’s one thing that I, Steve Irwin, would want to be remembered for, it’s be remembered for passion and enthusiasm! Conservation is my job, my life, my whole persona.”
~Steve Irwin, 1962-2006