Quote:
Originally posted by Jeff Higgins
I'm truly sorry to see the guy go. He seemed like a guy who was genuinly interested in the well-being of, an our understanding of, the species he studied.
That said, he was a showman. He loved the attention and, arguably, put it to good use. It also made him quite well off, I'm sure. I'm equally sure there are others in his field doing just as important work without all the publicity and or risk. One could argue that the publicity he generated helped his cause. I don't think so; it certainly helped him, though.
Some one compared his death to Earnhardt's. The same comparrison came to mind for me; a famous celebrity dies pursuing what they love. A high-risk venture that really does nothing for anyone else. The world mourns. Makes them out as "heroes" of some sort. On the same day, a kid dies in combat in Iraq, or Afganistan; fighting to make the world a better place for people he never knew. And no one knows or cares who he was. They care about the flashy celebrity, in it for himself. As this very thread demonstrates.
|
I can't get onto the Australia Zoo website at the moment - it's busy (I wonder why)...you need to investigate "the wildlife warrior".
I am sure the Irwins have made plenty of money doing what they do (best). The Australia Zoo is living proof. What is not so apparent is the investment in natural habitat in different parts of the world they have made.
Steve Irwin admitted his wife Terri is "a bloody good capitalist". But when they would get a vast lump of money together, they would invest in "habitat purchase"...they have done it in Aus and in The States and elsewhere.
Talkback radio in Melbourne has been running hot since the tragedy yesterday. Aussies loved this bloke as he was so committed to his cause. He has used his fame and celebrity to attempt to bring about long term change. He was definitely an active participant in life, not an observer and "didn't give a rip" what anyone else thought.
A State Funeral has been offered by the Queensland Government and the Prime Minister held a press conference to offer his family's and government's condolences.