THERE is no denying that Steve Irwin was a larger-than-life character, and as the anniversary of his sudden and tragic death is observed, some 20 years later, his legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a wildlife hero and environmental crusader.

Steve’s environmental legacy is preserved through more than 450,000 acres of protected habitat, which is owned and managed across Queensland.

A vast proportion of this is situated in Cape York Peninsula and the ‘Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve’ comprises 330,000 acres of wetlands and acts as a crocodile research centre.

Steve was also celebrated locally, and at the second University of the Sunshine Coast Graduation Ceremony in April 2000, Steve was named an Honorary Fellow.

Advertiser Editor Vanessa Hall also graduated with her Bachelor of Arts at the same ceremony.

“I remember walking up to my seat in the front row, and I was surprised to see Steve Irwin sitting up on the stage, and he was dressed in full academic robes – complete with mortarboard hat!

“It was a sight to see him in such different clothes from his usual khaki uniform.”

As well as handing out degrees to students, University Graduation Ceremonies also recognise outstanding achievements by locals and shine a light on their field of work.

“Not really knowing much about Steve, other than the croc wrangling antics from the TV, I remember being so impressed and in awe as the Vice Chancellor recounted the work Steve had achieved,” Vanessa said.

“I did an environmental studies major as part of my BA, and it was not lost on me how groundbreaking his work was for conservation and environmental education and most importantly, behind all the ‘crikey’ antics was an incredibly passionate human being.”

Steve’s legacy also lives on locally via The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which is located at Beerwah.

Officially opened in 2004, the hospital is one of the largest and busiest wildlife treatment facilities in the world, and since opening, the dedicated vets and staff have treated more than 135,000 individual animals.

Sadly, most of the animals treated are injured in road traffic accidents, and these animals are treated via a specialist 24-hour veterinary team who are located on site.

Wildlife Warriors is a registered charity, and visitors can both support and visit the specialist hospital on site at Australia Zoo.

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