The Crocodile Hunter
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The Crocodile Hunter is a wildlife documentary television series hosted by zookeeper Steve Irwin, the owner and manager of Australia Zoo at Beerwah, Queensland, Australia. Irwin is assisted by his American-born wife, Terri.
Steve Irwin's larger-than-life persona and seemingly outrageous antics are unconventional, but key features in the presentation provide a forum for educational information about wildlife conservation and resolution of conflicts with humans in various parts of the world. The program has made the Irwins television personalities on several continents and is popular with American audiences, where it is presented by the cable television network Animal Planet.
In Australia, the programme was broadcast on Network Ten, with an earlier series of specials premiering on the Nine Network.
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Philosophy of crocodile hunting
Steve and Terri Irwins' philosophy is that in most instances, one may hunt, trap, and relocate most "problem crocodiles," defined as those who have come into conflict with humans, without harming them. Their programs reflect an approach centered around "human coexistence with wildlife," which is in sharp conflict with poachers and some other persons who also lay claim to the label "crocodile hunter."
Other media
The Crocodile Hunter has spawned a 2002 film entitled The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course. In the film, the Crocodile Hunter mistakes some CIA agents for poachers and sets out to stop them from capturing a crocodile, which unbeknownst to Steve Irwin, has swallowed a tracking device. Despite little expectations, the movie got generally better reviews then what was expected, earning a two thumbs up.
Bally will release a pinball based on The Crocodile Hunter and on Steve Irwin's attraction at the Australia Zoo on Australia's Sunshine Coast entitled The Crocodile Hunter: Outback Adventure in 2006.
Influence on other crocodile hunters
In recent years other crocodile hunters have been thrust into the public eye, such as Keith Adams ("Crocodile Safari Man"), [1] who was the original Outback adventurer, crocodile hunter and maker of the remarkable do-it-yourself Australian film "Northern Safari", "Crocodile" Mick Pitman, who has made at least one kill, and is not a zoo keeper, and Steve Rackman, who played "Donk" in all three Crocodile Dundee films.
See also
- Crocodile Safari Man - The 1955 Australian Outback adventurer who produced the wildlife film "Northern Safari"
- Australia Zoo
- Alby Mangels - another Australian adventurer whose style may have inspired Steve Irwin.