He first learned how to catch and handle his beloved crocodiles from his father and once received a python as a birthday present.
While he had no scientific degree, he grew up studying and caring for animals at his parents' wildlife park, which is now known as the Australia Zoo. Part wildlife expert and part entertainer, Irwin became world-famous for his TV series The Crocodile Hunter, among other nature programs.
Irwin was born on February 22, 1962, in Essendon, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He was killed by a stingray during a diving expedition on September 4, 2006, off the coast of Port Douglas in Queensland, Australia. Irwin's work spawned an array of merchandise tie-ins. Steve Irwin grew up on a wildlife park owned by his parents and went on to become an animal enthusiast and TV personality, hosting the popular series The Crocodile Hunter and appearing on major talk shows.
