How Did THIS Stingray KILL Steve Irwin?

[@KrisKrisKrissy]

One of the things I love about Steve is that he always made it very clear that when he was annoying animals and they struck out, that it was HIS fault. He loved these animals and while he sometimes messed with them to show them to us, they were just doing what animals do. So while the entire world mourned his passing, I think most everyone agreed that he would NEVER want us to blame the Ray.

[@Nylak-Otter]

Yep, and I totally subscribe to that mentality as an animal behaviorist. I specialize in risky situations because I've never really had a sense of self-preservation. It's entirely likely that he was the one who instilled that in me. Every scar I have from a fractious animal is a mistake I've made and learned from, *not* a gnarly story to tell about some vicious critter I scrapped with.

[@dreammaker9642]

As a diver Steve is more important as a reminder of where the limit stands. He crossed that line unknowingly for a handful of seconds and it cost him his life, it’s very important to keep the reality that you can end up in that situation very quickly in the back of your head when diving with wildlife in order to give due process to every decision you take so it doesn’t end up being your last

[@royhenley2396]

It's understandable that Steve's family doesn't want to watch his last video. But as with life, there's no telling who's life could be saved by learning from other's mistakes. If someone can't deal with real life tragedy on video, then don't watch it. But hiding the truth is NEVER a good thing in the long run.

[@kristadowning4155]

Yeah I'm a woman and you being called a "sexist pig" is just dumb. HOW DARE YOU CALL OUT A FEMALE FOR HER BAD BEHAVIOR WITH ANIMALS. YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SUPPORT HER NO MATTER WHAT!!!!! just ignore it Kris love you

[@vangroover1903]

I remember a lot of people praising the ray. I am sure they just meant it as a barb, but that took a lot of the sting out of it for me. People always talked about how much heart Irwin had, so there was always a poetry to it all.

[@FuncleB]

We all miss Steve, still. That interview when he says how he doesn't care about money and just wants to help the world is still one of my favourites of Steve. Legend.

[@Special_k99]

He says he does care about money, because he can buy conservation land with it. Get your facts right kid

[@davidthornton5327]

@@Special_k99Beyond that. Also, quit being a Prick ✌️

[@NeilJackson-rw6in]

@@Special_k99 kid ! Grumpy and patronising

[@debbiesdeathpile]

Speak for yourself. I don’t miss him at all

[@davidthornton5327]

@@debbiesdeathpile You suck, Debbie :/

[@ShepherdsCreek]

I'm a huge fan of Steve Irwin generally but I agree, there are definitely some things he did that I don't agree with. I appreciate his impact, his spirit, his passion, and his legacy. He was still a person and wasn't perfect, but he did a lot of good too. The respect I and many others gained for a lot of animals because of him cannot be discounted either.

[@PahzWatchesYouTube]

My kids adored Steve Irwin and the day he died, they had no school. They woke up at different times, so three times that day, I had to tell a kid what happened. The hardest thing for me to think about was that his kids were so, so young. My kids were around that same age when their dad became disabled, so that didn't help my mindset. Even though we enjoyed his show and my kids loved him, I understood the criticism that was around him. And the stingray incident just seemed to me that it was a wrong-place/one-in-a-million shot. Like you said, if it had been just an inch away or on another body part, he would still be around. Anyway- my son (now age 32) says Steve Irwin is who sparked his interest in snakes and other reptiles. He's got 5 snakes and a bunch of lizards and a few tarantulas. He spends a ton of money and time making sure they have nice enclosures and doesn't keep them in tiny spaces (like some snake keeping types do). He recently rescued a ball python that had been abandoned in a too-small tank with no substrate, no clean water, and no food. (they had several pets and a few didn't make it). He's nursed her back to health, taking care to feed her gradually, treat her scale rot, and other issues. So even though Steve is gone, some kids he inspired are still doing good things.

[@MusMasi]

I remember seeing him get bit by a wobbagong shark, because he grabbed it and it bit him. He was always a bit too handsy with wildlife, in cases where he did not have to be. Yes its sad he passed on, especially having young children, rip, he at least bought attention and appreciation to wildlife and conservation.

[@leviacronym6770]

Yeah, Steve’s mission was conservation of animals and erasing the stigma against reptiles and other misunderstood animals. He wasn’t perfect, but that man did a lot of good when he was alive. Your comment also proves that he didn’t just reach me, but your son, too.

[@seki8063]

Except why keep wild animals captured? Is that what that means with taking care of them?

[@drk321]

@@MusMasi"because he grabbed it and it bit him". Jesus Christ on a stick. Grabbing a wobby by the tail is asking to be bit. Steve was actually an idiot that never understood how to interact with wild animals. I personally thought it would be a venomous snake that would take him out the careless way he handled them. The stingray was a pleasant surprise. Out of the blue and newsworthy. Now wild animals can rest in peace knowing some attention seeking Aussie can never abuse them again. Sorry if my comment offends but the guy was VERY unfair to wildlife.

[@raregrimebeats1352]

@@drk321Steve Irwin was still young, barey a grown man at the time of death. He didn’t get a chance to reflect on his handling and go further more ethical which I’m sure he would have

[@MrDshack]

Some of the stuff he got up to wasn’t too clever looking back, but no-one could ever doubt his love and enthusiasm for animals.

[@drk321]

Allow me to correct your comment: "His love and enthusiasm for the cameras". Steve Irwin did NOT love animals. If he did he would not have documented gigabytes of video of him abusing them.

[@pompommania]

@MrDshack dude was so overated. Same level as entering the ocean in a plexiglass box with a white shark nearby.

[@3l3llala13]

@@drk321 He probably started out in his career wanting to deal with and help animals but once he got famous and became a celebrity then he had to constantly find ways to maintain the public interest in him.

[@drk321]

@@3l3llala13I 100% agree that this is exactly what could have happened. Neither of us really know. But people make him out to be a conservationist and his "act" was 180 degrees away from what any true conservationist would ever do. One of the problems here is that he was charismatic and that tends to garner followers. Some so rabid they will defend even clearly bad behavior. This is currently happening in American politics with Trump. A known liar, cheat, adulterer, thief etc has a legion of followers. Now Steve was no Trump but he was far from being an ethical conservationist and science based people have a duty to respect wildlife at all costs. Hands off unless it is necessary. Sometimes hands off even if doing so allows the animal to die (Allow nature to take its course, Do.Not.Interfere). There is too much media out there showing him clowning around with wildlife obviously to make his TV show a success at the detriment of the innocent and not-interested-in-being-a-sideshow-act animal. And then holding his newborn child out at the gigantic croc for the cameras sealed his legacy as a complete fraud. Life gives you choices. Steve was bad at choosing the moral path if he wanted to be remembered as a conservationist. Likeable guy but a true fraud.

[@eric55406]

@@pompommania Actually diving with a shark while in a cage is probably the safest way to go. Keep the human in the cage. The shark is safe from the human.

[@MrUnger]

I appreciate you actually going into detail on the attack showing that this case was extremely unlucky, and not just sting rays waning to attack people

[@GothPaoki]

I really miss Steve Irwin. He inspired an entire generation and brought us closer to the environment. At least he died doing what he loved. I do agree that some of the things he did were questionable but i think they stem out if his overwhelming love for nature. I do think his work will be remembered for decades to come.

[@drk321]

He abused animals. You worship an abuser.

[@caseyphoenix22]

Aussie here. We are VERY protective of the Irwins. He’d be so proud of Bindi and Robert. And Terri for raising such great kids and for keeping his dream alive. After the accident people were killing sting rays and leaving them on the beach and it took a lot of media attention to convince people this is not what Steve would have wanted. Your criticism of the show is warranted. I’m sad we didn’t get to see a 2024 version of the it. That family cares so much about animals, and they’ve done a lot to educate and support wildlife. A modern show would have been awesome. He would have changed the show’s approach.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

Terri, Robert & Bindi are a lot more careful than Steve was. I’ve always been suspicious of ADHD diagnosis but in Steve’s case…it warrants consideration.

[@nikolademitri731]

@@grahamstrouse1165why suspicious? Do you just see it as an excuse? I don’t know if he was actually diagnosed or not, but tbf you of course don’t need a diagnosis to have it.. helps to have a professional be the one to say so though.

[@Dontstopbelievingman]

@@grahamstrouse1165 As someone with ADHD, who manages to respect animals, I don't feel it's fair to lay that on the ADHD. His cavalier attitude towards wild animals minding their own business was something else. An addiction to danger, to showing off, something. But not ADHD.

[@kathybrem880]

I just loved him and his family

[@OhLookItsOscarPastry]

I support you for standing by your opinion on Ocean Ramsey touching sharks. Wild animals are not here for us to do with them whatever we want, and we should always respect them and not disturb them. Thank you for showing how important respecting wild life is!

[@Nylak-Otter]

Seriously. I'm an animal behaviorist, and my primary area is canids and wild north American predators in general. If I went around being filmed touching coyotes, wolves and grizzly bears, absolutely no one would take me seriously, because I would clearly be insane. I have no idea why it's acceptable to go around doing that with *sharks,* of all things.

[@drimachuck]

I agree with you, Oscar Piastri lmao

[@valppx]

same. wild animals deserve our respect.

[@thesussexbunion]

Have you seen that video of a (they call it a tiger shark, but I think it might be a bull) tiger shark attacking a kayak? The shark is fully accelerated upon reaching the kayak, and grabbing it in its teeth and all I can think of is someone trying to follow Ramsay's advice during a predatorial attack.

[@ianpix4319]

I always admired Steve’s enthusiasm but often thought he sometimes got unnecessarily close the the animals, I could understand the crocodile wrangling but he didn’t need to keep getting so close and often getting ‘hands on” and seemed to start an annoying trend among wildlife presenters. David Attenborough simply narrated for the most part and his work is just as impactful and memorable. There’s a lesson to be learned from the tragic deaths Steve Irwin and Timothy Treadwell

[@drimachuck]

While criticism towards Steve is justified, he shouldn't be put in the same category as Treadwell. Steve was trained with animals and involved in animal conservation, not a guy obsessed with bears and approaching them for no good reason. Terri, too, was involved with animals, unlike Timothy Treadwell's girlfriend, whose life he endangered.

[@ianpix4319]

@@drimachuck I used to think the same until I saw that vid of Steve feeding a giant croc whilst holding his baby and walking backwards. Regardless of how experienced he was that was risky and irresponsible and all the sake of the audience and cameras. Both Steve and Timothy put themselves and others at risk and paid the ultimate price.

[@graydoncarruth5044]

I was a HUGE Steve Irwin fan! But, looking back as an adult, I think your point that he hammed it up more than a bit is fair criticism.

[@johnmcnally7812]

I think media was different then, as was the broader appreciation of animal life in general. If Steve were alive today I think he would have a different approach (he fundamentally loved wildlife and as attitudes changed I think he would have adapted).

[@CharlesGraphicDesi]

I think most fans back then knew Steve was always doing borderline extremely dangerous things with wild animals. I remember the time he grabbed a Wobegon shark by the tail that was trying to take refuge underneath some coral, it turned around and bit Steve in the hand, and he was really lucky it didn't get him too badly. Another time he, his wife and DOG were in a small boat at dusk with Tiger Sharks, and he nearly became a prey item. I was a fan but wasn't very surprised to find out he'd been killed while filming with sea creatures. I think there is a lot to learn, and thanks for the video of your perspective.

[@Snagglemama]

I agree with you, I remember a programme that he did with deadly snakes. And again I wasn't surprised to hear he had been killed

[@cbpd89]

I absolutely loved Steve Irwin, but even as a kid we clearly knew he was being reckless and taking risks. Everyone who watched his shows kind of assumed he would one day take a risk too big. Not unlike watching Mission Impossible movies, I assume one day we will lose Tom Cruise to an over the top MI stunt.

[@sallobo777]

Steve's son works at his dad Zoo, and he puts out short videos with animal facts. It's crazy, he was a little baby when all that happened, seeing him as a grown adult, wearing the same uniform, and pretty much looking and sounding like a younger version of his dad, makes people happy and sad at the same time.

[@Emzibubble87]

I think he’s more balanced in his approach to animals than Steve was

[@Preston241]

12:43 I think Steve would be the first person to tell people not to mistreat rays on his behalf.

[@Pensacolavixen]

Steve was a big personality for sure. I thought he was reckless, especially when he was dangling his infant in front of Crocs. As a Nurse here in Florida, I have cared for patients in the emergency room following stingray stings. Most encounters involved swimmers running into the water and Florida stingrays tend to cruise in the shallows. It's very sad what happened, but the ray was harassed and felt threatened. I love stingrays and would very much like to see a program featuring electric rays. Great podcast Kris.

[@CuriousMouseExploration]

You definitely dont want to make a wild animal feel like they are surrounded or cornered, and the only escape they think is needed is being defensive.

[@marilu3173]

It was an unfortunate tragedy. I agree that I think the string ray was spooked, not maliciously or on purpose, but I can see them being a bit too close for the string ray. Steve Irwin truly loved nature but he did have some...eccentric ideas. Maybe he didn't realize how close he was, hard to tell. I do think it's fucked up that there are people who want to kill string ways because of Irwin. I think Irwin would be SO SAD if he were to find that out. I saw an IG reel of a guy cutting up a string ray. He said "For Steve" - many people including myself reported it. This was last year.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

Steve would HATE it if people killed rays on his behalf.

[@golddragonette7795]

Such a relief to hear others say this, harassing animals for the camera is a shitty thing to do, even if it was done with sincere thoughts of raising awareness

[@heatherhillman9605]

Im on your side. I despise those who harass wildlife of any kind. Learning is ok but harassing is not.

[@ravenfeader]

Science has been killing and harassing wildlife forever to learn about them and still does without this practice today's science would have nothing but rumours to work with .

[@julieslowgrove3524]

Agree

[@lily3054]

Agree

[@jdmmg4904]

Agreed

[@mitchellhedges711]

Steve brought more eyes & attention to wildlife conservation than all of your favorite virtue signaling justice warriors combined. He was a world changer & the judgement is meaningless. Obv nobody agrees w harassing wildlife, part of getting close is to counter irrational fear & show an animals true nature. He was tragically unlucky

[@braytonryan9602]

I absolutely love and respect making your opinion known. Too many people nowadays get defensive when you do not have the same opinion as them. I thoroughly enjoy a good debate on beliefs and love hearing why everyone believes what they do…whether I agree or not. I truly believe that it is important to question and talk about the controversial topics and not just leaving it be. I don’t see discussing it as a bad thing. So I really love that you are willing to say how you feel (whether I agree or not) when you have such a large following. I wish it were more common. Thank you! Edit: I was a huge fan of Steve and devastated when he passed (I was in 3rd grade and lost my show that I watched after school when it happened and even then thought how devastating for his family…as an adult with an open mind I can still respect that it makes sense certain aspects could be controversial to many.

[@Judgement_Kazzy]

It's totally fair to criticize the way Steve handled animals on TV back then. I think he's one of the most important conservationists of all time, and I believe his intentions were always good, but that doesn't mean he did everything right. I think both the experts and the public have gotten A LOT more conscious of respecting animals boundaries and avoiding undue stress in the last few decades, and I think Steve's work is one of the things that has made the general public so much more compassionate toward them. I'm sure if he were doing it over today, he'd probably take a much different approach.

[@kirigodfrey8848]

As an Aussie, I still remember the day Steve died. It was like the whole nation was in mourning. Even then, we all understood what a freak accident it was. Steve's brand of "Cowboy Conservation" wouldn't fly today, but the love he had for nature and his message to respect wild animals instead of fear them was incredibly impactful. ADHD is definitely a contributing factor and leads many to an early, accidental death due to impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour.

[@drk321]

He did NOT love nature. He ABUSED nature. You do not swing a snake around in front of a camera and claim you are doing it a favor. He abused nature for the camera and for money. He did NOT respect nature. He made tons of money by abusing nature. I suppose using your newborn son as bait for a giant salty was considered "conservation"? Get out of here. A stingray he boxed in defended itself and terminated this serial abuser of wildlife. I personally thought a venomous snake would end his clownish antics but was genuinely surprised that a stingray did the much needed deed.

[@joshuagann8026]

​@@drk321whatever dude. Yeah he was a bit crazy, but nobody deserves to die. " Much needed deed" foh.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

@@drk321WTF are you smoking?

[@delftfietser]

Steve definitely pushed boundaries with animals, but to say he abused them is to distort the definition of that word to justify one's imaginations.

[@drk321]

@@grahamstrouse1165 I actually don't smoke. It's bad for you, haven't you heard? Just because you have a mancrush on Steve does not mean you understand conservation, which you clearly do not. I have serious doubts you ever sat in any educational facility that taught science in any form. I am guessing you went from being expelled from school to swinging a hammer. Nice chatting with you though, I am always humbled when I see the mentally challenged try to pretend to understand life. Aloha and good luck. You will need it.

[@ashb7846]

One of my first jobs was at an aquarium when Irwin passed and they closed our stingray touch exhibit for a while. They didn’t 100% tell us why, but we were all able to assume that part of it was a little out of respect, but mostly out of fear that visitors would try to harm them. Especially since I’ve heard people to this day reference the cownose rays on exhibit and say, “These are the animals that killed Steve Irwin” 😐

[@Dwynfal]

I felt the same way about Steve as you do Kris, still do in fact. I just couldn't swallow the theatrics but I realise now the huge service he did for animal awareness and education. The Crocodile Hunter was a show very much of its time and you're right, it wouldn't fly nowadays. Still, I think the natural world lost a great educator that reached people many others couldn't simply because of how he was. He entertained, capturing people's attention in an unique way and educated without patronising. It was indeed a very unlucky, and sad, accident.

[@jordanteataitifreeman]

Before Steve's passing was announced over the radio, I woke up crying from a dream of Steve being defensively jabbed in the chest by a stingray. I told my mother about my dream when she walked into my room and saw me crying in my bed. I was so distraught that I had to take the day off school. I met him when I was six years old the previous year around Christmas time, and I'm thankful I got to meet him and Bindi when I did.

[@tenktorypisze]

There was a blurry video in the internet around 2009 it showed exactly that. A diver approached the stingray from above behind, it swang a tail a barb went through chest of the diver. The blood got out immediately. I think it was a real video of Irvin's accident.

[@AlexanderJasperJay]

Steve was free diving not wearing much dive gear

[@fuzzylittlespider]

Steve has saved thousands of animals with his nature reserves and educating the public. There was an evil mining company that wanted to flatten his animal reserves and his family saved them because they knew Steve’s number 1 priority was saving animals. Steve has done more for the environment than most people put together! We still miss you Steve!

[@anitazondagh923]

Aaa, was so tragic. Will miss him forever. Thank you, from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@D0nnI3D]

I really don't get how people could call you a sexist pig, I feel like you're always pretty level headed and respectful when you mention other scientists or content creators. Anyway I had heard about Steve, but didn't know the exact story of his death. It's sad, but I guess he knew it could happen, it's always a possibility when dealing with wildlife.

[@_Kayla_]

Steve would be the first to admit he made a mistake, but I think he was also just very unlucky. I was heartbroken when he died, he did so much for wildlife and inspired a whole generation.

[@maxboo1]

I took a hit from an Atlantic Torpedo Ray while diving. I approached it from behind to get a arm span measurement. As it began to swim away it did not appreciate me following so it turned in a blink and went belly to belly with me. When I pushed it off I was awarded an electric shock for my indiscretion. I learned a valuable lesson that day. Predators do not like being followed.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

Especially predators who aren’t at the top of the food chain & tend to be predated on from above and behind…

[@maxboo1]

@@grahamstrouse1165 Very true. After my encounter I did a little research on them. After my reading (pre Google era), conversations with other divers and some marine life experts I learned that most things leave them alone. They have very few predators, tolerate very little and can become aggressive easily. I had two more experiences after that. Both times the animal came cruising out of nowhere. One almost plowed into me because I was kneeling in it's path (I moved). Next, I watched one almost knock a diver off a mooring line during a safety stop. Nothing was done to provoke them, they just don't yield.

[@ProgressIsTheOnlyEvolution]

I agree with your analysis. I do think potentially Steve got a bit too close with the camera man being too close too, one of few mistakes Steve ever made as he was extremely good with wild life, but sometimes one mistake is all it takes. He was very unlucky and we all miss him. Sad it would happen with a Sting Ray with is a beautiful relatively friendly and curious animal, I am sure Steve would not want the Sting Ray blamed here and I agree. RIP Steve!

[@WaterShowsProd]

At the time there was a lot of talk about how he was in an environment that he didn't really know nor understand. He knew crocodile behaviour, along with other animals he'd encounter in those environments, but had very little experience with marine life. There were some who were saying the TV industry put him in a situation he wasn't prepared for, eager for more and varied content. I think there's something in that. I also agree with you that they put the stingray in a position where it felt trapped, which they might not have done had they understood their behaviour better.

[@grahamstrouse1165]

That was what I was thinking. Steve never fucked around with crocs. He was much more methodical and was very aware of their capabilities. Might be because crocs kills a lot of people every year and marine animals generally don’t. I dunno.

[@WaterShowsProd]

@@grahamstrouse1165 I think it has a lot to do with familiarity. I can see a dog or a cat and recognise how it's going to react or behave based on its body language, etc., while if I see a horse I have very little ability to read it, as opposed to someone who spends all their time with them.

[@trailblazer1047]

Good Point.

[@ginac895]

Our family ❤️ loves Steve Irwin. His death was devastating to us. Watching his children and his wife continue his work is inspiring.

[@kristianevans7184]

There seems to be a fine line between bringing the issues of conservation to the public and sensationalism. Maybe it’s just a case that it’s difficult to find one without the other. I’ve never been to Australia Zoo but think it sounds like an interesting experience. The outcome in relation to Steve Irwin is such a shame as I think he did do a lot for wildlife conservation but, I think a lot of people would agree that he had always taken risks, and this could have been “a matter of time” - great video Kris

[@dapeach06]

What exactly did he do for conservation?

[@bowmanwright140]

​@dapeach06 buying land in Australia, turning 450,000 acres into wildlife reserves.

[@guy_badly]

Thank you, I didn't hate him, but Steve was not my cup of tea either

[@julieslowgrove3524]

Nor mine

[@71sc502]

Who holds a baby and intentionally walks up to a live crocodile.

[@victoriajones9872]

​@@71sc502 not many.

[@annettehunter9743]

I agree wih you. Always respect a wild animal's space. Very sad thing to happen.

[@travisrygg3317]

Happy Easter, Kris! Honesty is always appreciated. The first 3 minutes feel like a tribute video as well as an inside-look into his life. I remember feeling saddened and dumbfounded at the same time for his sudden passing even though I haven't watched many of his shows. Of all the animals that could've killed him by chance, it was one species most people seem to underestimate because it doesn't look at all threatening (I didn't know short-tails can be called bull ray until this video). Nevertheless, Steve was a passionate and bold man toward every animals, especially the dangerous ones. If you ever get the chance to discuss about other conservationists, I would like to hear your thoughts on people like Cristina Zenato or Jim Abernethy. They all can't be like Ocean Ramsey. That was a nice photo of you at the Australian Zoo in your high school/ college years.

[@adam_ncl]

Good video Kris. A fair and balanced assessment of what likely happened. I loved watching Steve Irwin when I was a kid in the 90s. Although you’re probably right about his somewhat (at times) questionable practices, I can only thank him and his shows for fuelling my love and respect for nature while I was growing up. Happy Easter 😊

[@runeofnoweyr]

Baby Kris has as much hair game as today, I see. XD I grew up with Steve Irwin and remember practically living with the TV always on Animal Planet. I collected Zoo Books, I went to career day at school as a marine biologist, even my room was ocean themed. It was a strange moment when, then in middle school, hearing about Steve's death. It was surreal, and saddening. It wasn't for several years that I'd find out about how reckless the guy could be and really questioned his showy methods, but there's no denying his overall influence definitely moved animal conservation forward, if only because he was the original Australian Mad Lad.

[@coreencasey5109]

I disagreed with him holding his baby in front of a huge crocodile, one wrong slip and things could have turned deadly., especially for the baby. He thought he was invincable 😢

[@Lionrhod212]

Steve was a lot of fun, and I believe his belief in animal conservation was sincere,, but honestly his "there's some rare (or not so rare) animal and let's just fuck with it, attitude was problematic.

[@Footielad560]

Crikey, mate, what an absolute beauty of a video! Steve Irwin has inspired so many, and did so much to educate people about wildlife. Did he take things too far at times, sure, he was a bit of a grandstander and sometimes lacked a bit of responsibility. But he was a larger than life character, who had a infectious and truly genuine passion for wildlife, which ignited an interest in animals that no-one has repeated. Wildlife conservation needs engaging personalities, Attenborough and dull but worthy animal scientists don't have the same impact, he was a pioneer in using social engagement to get conservation messages across. I think everyone was shocked he was killed by a stingray, which is a fairly innocuous animal compared to the crocs, snakes, Komodo dragons and tiger sharks he got far too close to. So sad that stingrays were killed by stupid people thinking they were exacting revenge for his death. I read somewhere that about 20 people have been killed by stingrays, which is higher than I thought. For sure though it's a defensive reaction on their part, sneaking up behind a wild animal is never a good idea.

[@solerso68]

IMO if Steve were making "The Crocodile Hunter" today it would be a very different show. I doubt he would feel the need to pull the stunts with the animals because the need really isn't there any more. As you there at Shark Bytes suggested conservation and animal welfare have become ratings drivers all by themselves. In any case I'm a big fan of Steve, always will be and the Australian "bush conservation" vibe he exuded.

[@jritechnology]

I loved that guy. It hits me still to this day when I see videos of him talking about his passion for wildlife, and with his laid back, devil may care, don't sweat the small stuff love for life; he was one of a kind. His wife and kids are STILL fighting big mining companies that are trying to get Steve's land. He took all that money and bought land, and more land, and more land and then even more land. The mining companies are trying to lay guilt trips on his kids and wife, trying to shame them, trying mind games...but those assholes LOST...for now. He might not have been people's cup of tea, but you cannot deny the man had passion, and he made a difference. Edit: And really gives a fu*k what Steve was high on when he was stabbed by a stingray? My god I hate the news media....morons.

[@The_Phantom_Merchant]

I think somebody being perhaps not the best at properly handling wild life while also being an inspiration for millions of would be wild life enthusiasts and even some actual scientists can both be true statements. I remember my mom was the one who told me about Steve Irwin. In fact I remember she pulled me aside early in the morning and she said "Hey, so I have some news about Steve Irwin, that crocodile guy you really liked." I knew what she was about to tell me just from her tone and I simply replied "Dead?" and she nodded. I remember more than just being sad, it just felt... Weird. Extremely weird.

[@michellejones5541]

Unlike many people who have commented i was not a child when i first watched Steve but an adult and a parent. I loved watching him and his enthusiasm was catching. I grew up in Australia and initially watched to see the animals i knew as a child i loved how he showed people how these animals are not just out to kill you. People used to kill every snake they saw weather it was a danger to people or not the result of that was that mouse populations exploded and over ran grain stores and produce fields causing food shortages and bankruptcy for the farmers. These days snakes are much safer because people have realised that snakes are an important part of a balanced ecosystem and there are now people you can call to remove snakes and other reptiles from your property, many people working with reptiles had that spark influenced by Steve his legacy will live on for generations who will do it in their own way just as we do things differently from our parents methods

[@RoarOfWolverine]

Steve took too many risks. Statistics don’t lie and if you take a lot of chances, the probability of being seriously injured goes exponentially. I get it, Steve definitely got a lot of people talking about wildlife and conservation. He certainly accomplished his objective, which was making people aware of the problems facing many endangered animals. He handled so many aggressive crocodiles and venomous snakes and spiders, everyone assumed he would meet his end by a croc or snake. I remember telling my wife several months before his passing that it will probably shock everyone if he finally crosses that line. I remember even using the example of it being as shocking as having a bad reaction to a fire ant bite and going into anaphylactic shock or something mundane like that, because it’s a numbers issue and once you pass the peak where probability is transcended, something is going to get you. This is why I wasn’t shocked when I heard he was ultimately taken from us by a stingray, an animal that has like two reported deaths ever. It didn’t seem likely for a man like Steve Erwin, the man who had wrestled hundreds of of salt water crocs into submission. The man that handled inland taipans and brown snakes with his bare hands. Steve was fearless, but it may have been fitted him a bit more to have some healthy fear. I think the greatest lesson we can learn from Steve is that if you play with fire, you will eventually get burned, no matter how safe you think you’re being. I get that it was important for Steve to take those risks because it got people watching and that was all he wanted. Whatever it took to get people watching, he was willing to do, the man was an incredible entertainer and deserved all of the fame and money he could put towards conservation and education. Was it worth the price? I think Steve would say yes. He knew the chances he was taking, but if it helped the animals he loved so much, then he was willing to pay the price and unfortunately he did, far, far too early.

[@TruthDragon.]

I always enjoyed watching Steve Erwin, but thought him to be a bit too reckless most of the time. I always thought that he would die after being bitten by a poisonous snake and never thought it would be a sting ray. The level of danger posed by a sting ray is deceptive and that, combined with Steve's natural reckless nature, is I think what lead to Steve's death. When a person is a bit too reckless, that person will make mistakes. When dealing with dangerous wildlife, it is just a matter of time before a reckless individual will make a tragic mistake. I doubt Steve had any thoughts that he was in a dangerous situation until after he realized "where" he was stung and of course, by then it was too late. It was a sad day when I heard he had died, but if I am being honest, I was surprised he lived as long as he did.

[@reneeevans3106]

I recall the interview where he said he hoped to live long enough for his kids to rake over. He didn't realize how mature his kids were. I am sure he is so proud of them. My heart aches for his wife losing her soyl mate so early in life. Everyone shod havr that depth of love

[@devindouglas7604]

I've only recently found your channel, bout a week or so, but I love every video so far. I love how open you are about any and all opinions, and try to base everything off of an unbiased scientist point of view and are okay with others having different opinions as well. Thank you for this channel!

[@reneesantiago6496]

To be honest…..he was a wildlife agitator! He bothered wildlife at times when it wasn’t necessary or humane. Did you see the video of Steve putting his baby in front of crocs?? That’s just ridiculous and definitely circus like.

[@M3vilDaygo]

Right? Have you ever seen other apes and monkeys? They would make you even more mad. Talk about mean

[@victoriajones9872]

Absolutely ...crazy 😧...... acting like a borderline , bipolar loonatic. NOBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD DO THAT. Anything could have happened - willing to sacrifice his kid????? I understand people found him wildly entertaining but I think there's a point when draw the line. In some ways acting very irresponsible.

[@lenledwidge5367]

Mr. Steve Irwin shocked the world with his passing after being struck by a Sting ray. R.I.P. Steve

[@callanightshade8079]

Steve was my first version of a hero out there. I don't necessarily agree with EVERYTHING he did he still cared. Everything he did was for a purpose. Not ideal but it got our attention for sure He was on a mission to help people care for wildlife conservation as much as he did and he succeeded and his kids are continuing the mission. As long as there are the Steve Irwin's, Mr Rogers', etc in the world who touches generations of people there is still hope for humanity and the world as a whole

[@TanyaRando]

My 12 year old grandson is a huge reptile fan. We’ve visited the crocodile place in Oxford a few times, and he had a zoo keeper experience there for his birthday last year. I loved Steve Irwin in Crocodile Hunter, but much as I was really upset over his death, I could see how/why it could happen. I’m not generally a fan of zoos, unless they’re a conservation project, so I can partially agree with your views over Steve and his show.

[@lukedoesbikes4473]

I’m glad you state your opinion regardless of the opinions of others.

[@nikolademitri731]

I can look back on Steve’s work with a more critical eye now, but I think the way a lot of people denounce him online these days is a bit silly.. Yes, he could have been more hands off in a lot of situations, but the man’s main mission was educating, not spectacle. So many shows on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel now fall short compared to what he did, and I don’t think that’s just nostalgia talking. He loved educating people about the beautiful planet we have and the life on it. He cared deeply about conservation and frankly was the first source of info I had on how we impact the environment, and the responsibility we have. I think he was a fundamentally good person, in spite of the flaws in his methods.. I remember the day he died very well. I was 19, and it choked me up.. I remember my youngest brother cried. We grew up with his shows, and even went to see the silly Crocodile Hunter movie in theaters when it came out.. Am I biased? Yeah, but like I said, I look back with a much more critical eye, while still appreciating the actual educational impact he had on me, my brothers, friends, and many others. I get why people who weren’t there don’t get that, and why they’d just see the negative, but I do wish some people more brutal in their criticism would consider there are more positive aspects to his work (I’m not referring to Chris here). Maybe this isn’t a common opinion, but I’ve seen a lot of frankly spiteful comments online, with people even saying he deserved it.. I’d call it an even more biased perspective than mine. All this said, very good work, Chris. I appreciate the fair criticisms you give here and elsewhere! ✌️

[@carolerobert636]

As a french, he wasn't quite that legendary when I grew up, and after having lived in other countries I realised how famous he was. All the footage I have seen of him with animals, he just looks to me as an animal harasser. Love his passion for animals, but you can be passionate without being handsy. Wildlife is not pet. Sorry for his family and friends though

[@7acrisler1]

Great Video and even more importantly thanks for the useful information in a good short form package thats easy for the viewer to digest 👍 RIP Steve one of the greatest

[@amyliz7961]

Thank you for talking about this. I've heard " the camera man made the ray swim backwards and accidentally backed into him, they can't sting on purpose." After all these years, that's all I've heard. So again, thank you for your insight on this. Also, you have great hair. Love from America xoxo

[@Finn4thewinn]

I absolutely adored Steve Irwin as a child and I remember the day he died I was crushed and my parents had to comfort me. As an adult, while I find Steve inspiring, I definitely get uncomfortable rewatching his stuff bc of the way he interacted w animals. I think your criticism is extremely mild and rational, and fair if Im honest. He was a great guy but could have improved his approach had he lived to today

[@CarlosGambino_22]

lets not make it all about you..

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

@@CarlosGambino_22 Don't be a jerk. This comment is fine.

[@lonesheepdog6337]

I can't believe it's been 18 years since this happened. Crickey 🐊

[@gregoryparnell2775]

My late brother almost lost his leg after being hit twice in the ankle after accidentally standing on one many years ago ,It was only massive infusions of an anti-biotic cocktail that saved his leg.

[@jennibickford1384]

I remember being in primary school when this happened and the BBC news report in my parents kitchen! I always LOVED conservation programmes growing up but hated Steve Irwin's approach I found him to be showboating and not respectful of animals boundaries! I remember the discourse in the media at the time being that it was bound to happen sooner or later due to his risky endeavours. I truly believe that if it hadn't of been that sting ray it would have been another wild animal protecting their space (That being said it doesn't detract from the sadness of his passing of course!)

[@Taytates-lr6kg]

I absolutely loved Steve Irwin his enthusiasm and passion for wildlife was infectious to me.I get he wasn't everybody's cup of tea and many people questioned some of his methods but to me he was awesome and inspirational..

[@matildastanford7019]

Extremely unpopular opinion, l used to call Steve "the wildlife worrier" because of his continual handling and getting in the face of wild animals. About 3 days before Steve died, l actually said to a mate, "he is gonna die if he doesnt back off of wildlife and give 'em space". As crazy as it sounds l've occaisionally wondered about and blamed myself for his death. Tbh the world is a worse place without him in it. R.l.P Steve

[@AdventureswithLandon]

Stingrays are the reason I walk in the ocean without picking up my feet. Steve Irwin is one of the most amazing people to have ever existed. He's had an impact on so many people, including me.

[@ashb7846]

Stingray shuffle! ❤

[@skycloud4802]

It was incredibly shocking at the time. And even the people that predicted Steve Irwin was actually going to get killed eventually thought I'd be a crocodile that finally gets him. I never had any idea that stingrays were even deadly.

[@ashb7846]

I agree with your entire perspective. People seem to forget that animals, like people, can reach their peak of tolerance of anyone and anything at any time. Humans too often think they’re in control all the time, and that can unfortunately create a bad time, even when people like Irwin do really care.

[@nickm8874]

What a tremendous breakdown. Thank you

[@elenagauf1599]

Thank you for the very interesting video 😊👍 happy eastern 😊

[@SHARKBYTES]

Happy easter!

[@Architcobra]

Steve, the animal master should always be remembered

[@sharkbait-kw]

I loved Steve's enthusiasm and passion for wildlife and conservation. It did seem like he went too far at times. Still, my family and I were very sad when we heard about the incident.

[@donczns]

Am I the only one that suspected he tried to ride it or hug it, unfortunately logical fear and Steves actions were often reckless, a case of anything for the shot

[@Pensacolavixen]

I saw a news program reporting that he had tried to grab hold of it and hang on for a ride. I guess we will never really know the truth.

[@KyriosMirage]

I've seen several of those "gonna kill a ray for Steve" memes where they go back later and say they realize that he wouldn't have wanted that.

[@ASurfgirl]

What I hate most bout his death is ppl now hate stingrays and think they deserve to die. I think Steve would hate this. I’ve been on videos of stingrays not even related to Steve and seen comments saying to kill them or they do kill them cause of Steve

[@thathobbitlife]

I havent seen any of that. I'm surprised to hear it be said even.

[@MusMasi]

some of them are delicious though. But should obviously be taken only at sustainable numbers, and I think some have low reproductive rates, The good thing is in many places they are not on the menu.

[@ASurfgirl]

@@thathobbitlifeI’ve seen it. Really pissed me off. It was on IG

[@ASurfgirl]

@@MusMasireally talking to the wrong person bout that…. Vegan for the animals here

[@MusMasi]

@@ASurfgirl its sad people were just killing them and leaving them in the water/beach after what happened to Steve, its the last thing he would of wanted to happen.

[@stuarthaddad-irving-taha-e6132]

An oldie but a goodie. I much prefer your approach, Kris, to Steve Irwin's. Because every time I watch one of your videos, I come away having learned something new and better informed, including now knowing why the stingray is likely to have reacted the way it did, 18 years on - the media didn't provide this sort of analysis in the coverage of his death as far as I'm aware. Why would they? They prioritise sensationalism over science. Steve was more about instant gratification and entertainment - big crocs lunging at him, his trademark 'Crikey!', etc. Can't deny some of his antics put a smile on my face. Seemed like a good guy. Was sad when he died, but at least I now how it's likely to have happened.

[@soxpeewee]

Wild animals are unpredictable and need space. People kept betting Steve Irwin would die from an animal related "accident" prior to his death. The only real surprise was it was a stingray and not a snake or crocodile.

[@trailblazer1047]

Thats exactly what i thought,after that Mindless move holding his little boy and feeding a giant Croc,i never watch him again after that

[@koslisted9458]

If I recall correctly, later that year, an elderly man was also stabbed by a ray. Had a heart attack from the wound, almost the same wound as Steve had. But this man was gotten to shore in time, and medical attention to save him.

[@KSmith-ez3dh]

Aussie here and loved Steve's passion but Im afraid he put innocent children too close to danger for me. One slip and they would have no chance, regardless of his overall intentions.

[@ravenfeader]

Steve grew up in a different time and learned his skills from his father who was from a different time again , today we view his encounters with modern thinking as people tend to do . Steve's passion for wildlife education was his gift to everyone and for this he paid full price but one thing he never did was bring up BS rumours to sully the character of the deceased very poor form young fella .

[@jentaylor2494]

Inclined to agree. Including the rumours of him being high was unnecessary

[@ravenfeader]

@@jentaylor2494 Scientists are meant to rely on factual information in their assessments not unsupported rumours , continuing to parrot gossip is incredibly unprofessional and lacks integrity .

[@jctgf]

Steve found exactly what he was looking for. He'd tried many times before to get killed by a crocodile, but he never succeeded. He finally managed to kill himself with a sting ray. Steve was a horrible example in every way when it came to dealing with wild and dangerous animals.

[@TheYear2525]

I didn't know sting rays could use their tail in such an offensive way :O .

[@juliekaye363]

That baby near crocodile 😳

[@Hepler-s2b]

Still sad. The fact that he died so suddenly, and from an animal that's not typically known to kill people I think is what's really shocking. I mean if you would stop me prior to his death and told me he died because of crocodile got him or because some venomous snake bit him, I would have said that that was really sad but kind of lined up with what we all thought would happen. But the love and respect and passion he had for conservation is still what makes me absolutely love and adore his efforts and him as a person. That said I do understand what you're saying, there are things looking back on and that yeah maybe he didn't need to do the agitated the animal and stressed it out in a way that was not really the best look for everyone involved. The one thing is I think this reminded everyone that even chill, or typically relaxed wild animals are still wild animals and they will defend themselves if they feel the need

[@danjohnstonguitar9484]

I loved Steve Irwin, and I loved his show. More than anything, I loved his heart. He truly seemed to be passionate about wildlife and was so genuinely excited about it. That said, I can understand your side of it, too. Maybe some of the things he did were a bit over the top, or maybe even done with less than good judgment, but I sure miss him. I was heartbroken when he died.

[@danriley5848]

I agree with you and I can't condone people harassing wild animals and they should be left alone.

[@Liverbird1984]

I adored Steve. He could keep my imagination for the whole episode and his love and passion was evident throughout. I was just mesmerised by him. He made me want to watch and kept me coming back each episode. Still quote him with my best friend all these years later "Crickey, he almost bit me cracker jack" 😂. I feel the same way about him as i do about David Attenborough. RIP you aussie legend ❤.

[@lesliecarr312]

The stingray is at first thinking "Christ! Not another one. Okay, deal with it." But these two guys, the naturalist and the cameraman, are swimming circles around this rather innocent diamond shaped blob and end up annoying the Hell out of the poor creature. The stingray is now thinking "Bastard! Leave me alone!" Steve and his partner persist. The stingray has had enough. "That's it, m'r f'r!" Whip! Whap! Whop! Right in the heart. Serves him right. The moral of the story is, don't f' around with deadly animals.

[@stephanco.5252]

Totally agree. No matter how chill an animal could be, these animals are large and powerful and it’s not our place to be there harassing them. Regardless of stingray, shark, orca, lion, snakes etc..

[@pamelajackson6954]

Lots of cameramen from Discovery said Steve took too many chances. But he was so enthusiastic it hard not to love his shows. As far as questioning what he could have done... obviously he could have been more careful since he got hurt. But hindsight is always 20/20.

[@kats7974]

I agree with you. I think Steve had a lack of respect at times considering the animals he was working with were wild animals. I felt he pushed his luck on a number of occasions for the benefit of the camera. I know this will not be a popular opinion, but I have worked in the woods around a lot of wild animals such as bears, and I have a great respect for any animal that could potentially kill me.

[@nqgamer]

I’m Aussie, and absolutely love Steve Irwin. My son was devastated when he died, even had his own blow up croc he would wrestle in our pool at the time. BTW, crikey was not coined by him, just popularised, not many city folks use it, but many Australians do. I see the way Steve was with animals (and Ocean Ramsey) as a bit like wild animal hunting. I’m not a fan now of the way Steve was with animals for the reasons mentioned, but I understand that the good he did for animal conservation, well, far outweighed the negatives. He made one of the ugliest, scariest creatures something that people loved seeing him interact with. He didn’t dumb then down, he took risks, for sure, but we always knew when he was doing something we shouldn’t. The money he raised from his empire allowed him to do so much amazing conservation work. And like wild animal hunting, it raised money that a lot of people wouldn’t just give for these cause. It sucks animals die for this, but it’s how the world works. Whether it be some hot chick swimming with big sharks, or a goofy dorky Aussie wrestling crocodiles, or an esteemed British knight filming scenes in a zoo but making them look like he is in the wild, yeah, showmanship is always going to be needed to help with animal conservation.

[@alliecollin1748]

How have I not come across this channel before?? Fantastic!!!❤❤❤

[@kevinwest942]

You can complain about his methods, but that man lived only for wildlife and did everything for them. Not like these “influencers” today.

[@ryancasey919]

This is such an underrated channel.

[@Flyingtoaster.]

So stupid that some people want to blame drugs. Steve Irwin was adventurous and brought a lot of daylight to how nature works for kids who otherwise would never learn. Some kid’s didnt have good schools or parents so they absorbed the knowledge they picked up around them. Steve was a lively fun person. He made a small mistake, one I am assuming is very easy to make. And an unlikely event resulted causing his death.

[@nomadic_orthodox]

I was impressed by Steve as a child but always found him too crazy. Not a fan of making a spectacle of wild animals, especially in captivity. Sad death anyway.

[@eiramiam9703]

That man had a pure heart. He will always be missed.

[@paulstuartlott9767]

I do also agree that Steve (surely this is obvious as the bloke wrestled 20' Saltwater Crocs and let an Inland Taipan lick his nose out in the middle of the desert!!) essentially pushed it too far, too many times, with mostly dangerous wild animals and this was one time too many. I also agree that his methods and looking back interactions were a bit much and like you say probably wouldn't happen these days, however, the world was a different place which applies to all aspects of life and he did do those things and became an absolute legend and one of the biggest and for sure the most passionate advocate for wildlife the planet has ever known! For me personally he was just the most inspiring and beautiful person and 100% the now decimated planet earth and what's left of it's wildlife is far, far worse off without The Crocodile Hunter. RIP Steveo xx