Should there be an annual Steve Irwin Day?

Question

A conservation charity set up by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, who died a year ago, wants the world to set aside November 15 to help carry on his work.

What are your thoughts on this idea? Why do you agree or disagree with the concept of 'Steve Irwin Day'?

For more details visit our online news article - http://au.news.yahoo.com/070904/2/14caa.html

Answer 1

Just for Australia, we can't have a world day for everyone around the world . Here are some reasons he should have a holiday.

Steve Irwin was a passionate conservationist and believed in promoting environmentalism by sharing his excitement about the natural world rather than preaching to people. He was concerned with conservation of endangered animals and land clearing leading to loss of habitat. He considered conservation to be the most important part of his work: "I consider myself a wildlife warrior. My mission is to save the world's endangered species." Irwin bought "large tracts of land" in Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the United States, which he described as "like national parks" and stressed the importance of people realising that they could each make a difference.
He had urged people to take part in considerate tourism and not support illegal poaching through the purchase of items such as turtle shells or shark-fin soup.
He founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and became an independent charity. He was described after his death by the CEO of RSPCA Queensland as a "modern-day Noah", and British naturalist David Bellamy lauded his skills as a natural historian and media performer. Irwin and his father discovered a new species of turtle that now bears his name, Elseya irwini — Irwin's Turtle — a species of turtle found on the coast of Queensland.
He also helped to found a number of other projects, such as the International Crocodile Rescue, as well as the Lyn Irwin Memorial Fund, in memory of his mother (who was in a fatal car crash in 2000), with proceeds going to the Iron Bark Station Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

Answer 2

I'm honestly one of the minority who isn't a big fan of the Irwin clan. Bindi, which very cute just seems so contrived. I don't see a real child's personality behind all the scripted lines she delivers. Admittedly to be able to do that at such a young age is a feate in itself and is entirely commendable, it would be nice to just see a little girl you know.

Despite my personal opinions on them as a family unit, what Steve Irwin did for conservation (however borderline dangerous and potentially destructive it could sometimes be) he brought genuine awareness to the world at large as to the plight of different animals. He showed that they are all worth saving and he did it in a way that appealed to adults and children alike, which I would imagine is an incredibly difficult thing to do. I think Steve was Steve, whether in front or behind the camera I never got the feeling he was showing off.

Having said that I think that rather than a Steve Irwin day so to speak, a day of contribution to the planet would be a better thing. From the little I do know about him, he wasn't one for a whole lot of unnecessary pomp when it came to him. He always seemed to give the impression that he would put up with it if it meant the animals got equal billing, therefore his message got through. I think maybe a day like the Clean Up Australia campaign would be a good idea. We would all be doing something to improve our environment to encourage native wildlife, whether they be reptile or otherwise.

We could plant native trees in our yards and parks to encourage the native wildlife back. We could do the same in our parks and gardens. Water features could be added. In the end it would be something I think Steve would be proud of and so would we all for having done our little bit for Mother Earth. Of course there is always the option to donate dollars to the fund I'm sure they would have set up for this kind of thing.

Anyway, that's just my take on what a 'Steve Irwin' day might entail, rather than just a day of sadness and misery, mixed with some course :)

Answer 3

I think that would be a fun idea!!
It would commemorate his great work with and for animals, and would be a source of great pride for his family. He was also a huge Australian personality, and his crazy antics and catchphrases are, no doubt, missed by many. Why not have a day in his honour?
It could have a fund raising element to it too, where money is raised for animal welfare, better and updated facilities at zoos, animal conservation etc. This could be set up using charity buckets, where people can come along and put cash into the box, and merchandise where a large percentage of the proceeds go to such worthy animal related causes.
Activities and games for children could be organised in some places that are fun and that help children to see the importance of respecting wildlife. Perhaps short cartoons on the subject could be broadcast on TV for children as well.
Steve was passionate about animals, and I'm sure that raising awareness on a day dedicated to him would be right up his street.

Answer 4

this is what I've just answered to a similar question....

I'm a fan of Steve's, but I don't think so. I think he and his family would probably prefer we spread the conservation message and contributed financially to the welfare of animals and learned as much as we could about endangered species and spread the word. I'm sure he'd be bloody embarrassed mate!!

I also think that a "conservation day" would be a lot better - I could be wrong, but I thought Steve was only really known in the USA and Australia? Would the rest of the world really want a public holiday about a bloke they probably don't know? But I support the idea of a day set aside for conservation, wildlife and environmental works and activities and learning.

Answer 5

I think that Australia should definitely have a Steve Irwin Day on November 15. He and his family have dedicated their entire lives to conserving the natural wildlife not only in Australia but also in many other countries. They have done this by televising their trips whenever they went out to save an animal and even started a television program to inform people about the animals around them thus making people not only informed about the animal but also making people less afraid of these animals. Thus saving the lives of the animals around the world. People who are afraid of an animal will often exterminate them because they don't know if that animal is a harm to themselves or their families. Thus when the Irwin family started informing people about the mysterious animal they were less likely to harm that animal because they now knew about the animal and it's habits.

Answer 6

s "like national parks" and stressed the importance of people realising that they could each make a difference.
He had urged people to take part in considerate tourism and not support illegal poaching through the purchase of items such as turtle shells or shark-fin soup.
He founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, which was later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and became an independent charity. He was described after his death by the CEO of RSPCA Queensland as a "modern-day Noah", and British naturalist David Bellamy lauded his skills as a natural historian and media performer. Irwin and his father discovered a new species of turtle that now bears his name, Elseya irwini — Irwin's Turtle — a species of turtle found on the coast of Queensland.
He also helped to found a number of other projects, such

Answer 7

Yes there should be an annual Steve Irwin Day...!
I still can't believe sometimes he is gone... I see him on the screen and it still hurts to watch. That he was such a beautiful man, with a wonderful family and had so much more to give... His family, crocodiles and wildlife were his love and his life.. We owe it to him to carry on and support his cause as our own for ever.. Yes there should be a annual Steve Irwin Day on November the 15th to remember him... Love you 4 eva Steve...

Answer 8

Basically yes.

But how do we do it to represent all that is good decent and worthwhile about Australia, Wildlife, and Tourism here too?

I really like the guy, had a larakin sense of humour, and supported the environment, an all round nice guy folks took advantage of, but because he helped so many folks, we miss him heaps.

It would be an absolute travesty if we ever missed another Aussie, or anyone elsewhere in the world to fall below the radar the way this quiet achiever did, he helped our Aussie tourism soo very much, and was the most noble decent family guy too.

It kind of beggers belief when, in this day and age we focus on hero worshipping the dead kinda exploiting them the way Elvis has been with pilgramages thirty years on, I kinda think Steve is the sorta bloke who would turn in his grave to see something like Gracelands, can we award a living person reward on his effort anywhere?

Answer 9

I disagree. I dont think he has done anything special except exploited animals for his own financial advantage.He just made a big loud splash with his life. I know he was into conservation and all but so were plenty of others, Harry Butler for one. He went about things in a quiet way, made a few TV specials but his focus really was wildlife AND the indigenous people who also shared the land. Also consider people like Victor Chang who saved peoples lives pioneering heart transplant. Fred Hollows dedicated his life to overcoming eye disease especially in 3rd world countries. If anyone was to have a annual memorial day it should be someone like Harry, Victor or Fred.

Answer 10

don't agree with a Steve Irwin day. It is going a little too far, although he was a really great guy.

but i do think they should have a day
where they do fund raising to carry out the type of work .

remembering people like him giving recognition and appreciation to people like him who had and are still doing these kind of work..

may be the day should be called "generous people day" or something general like that. or "wild life helpers day"

Answer 11

Personally I don't think so. Maybe at the zoo in Queensland, but really no.

There are so many people in this world who have bent over backwards to help people with poverty, helping the homeless etc
But when they pass away, you don't see then getting an annual day.

Princess Diana doesn't have an annual day, but they had a remembrance. And it was really nice too.
I kind of think she deserves to have an annual day.
=]

I think the family should be grateful for the life that Steve Irwin has had, and just leave it at that. Simple, yet affective.
Nothing over the top.

However it really is one's opinion.