American Warmonger

The Hunter and the Stingray

Steve Irwin, while filming off the coast of Australia, was stung in the heart by a stingray and died. The barb actually punctured his heart and, due to the puncture as well as the venom, died almost instantly. It was a complete freak occurence and only a handful of Stingray deaths have ever been reported. The entire world mourns his loss. He was a great man that will be missed.

How do I feel about it? I'm saddened that his life was cut short at 44. He had many more good years in him. There were many more things he could have accomplished. However, he had held the tail of the tornado more times than statistically possible and came out unscathed. When you put your life in extreme danger with wild animals as much as you have all the training, experience and instinct will not ensure your survival. He lived his life on the edge. Everybody was expecting it every time he said, "Now I normally wouldn't do this, but...". At least he went out doing the one thing he loved to do in life.

So what about the footage already shot for that documentary, particularly his death? I believe it is his last but greatest lesson and needs to be shared. Wild animals, by the definition of their name, are WILD. There are a plethora of wild animals that can, at any time, kill you dead. Yes, they are to be appreciated and respected for what they are but they should not be interfered with. Respect nature and WILDlife for what it is and leave it as you found it. It's the ultimate lesson in wildlife conservation.

This lesson is punctuated by the nature of his death. Stingrays, although potentially dangerous, pale in comparison to the beasts Steve had danced with and come out unscathed. Even the relatively innocuous animals in nature have to ability to put you down. The story needs to be told in-full.