Steve Irwin grew up around animals, he helped his father from a young age. He took over management of the family animal park carrying on from his mother who was a fierce conservationist.  He was also and he has passed this on to his daughter Bindi also, who it has been said on the news in Aust this morning, will eventually take over managing the Park.

It was a freak accident.  Ben Cropp a well known sea life zoologist and well known film maker, said this morning, Sting Rays do not attack, but will become defensive if they feel threatened, and as their defence weapon is the barb in the tail, that is what they use.

Steve was swimming above the ray who probably became alarmed with the nearness of the cameraman and Steve, so defended itself and it was just a freak unfortunate accident that the barb penetrated Steves heart and that killed him instantaneously. 

Terri and the two kids were on a wilderness trip in Tasmania and flew home immediately they heard the news.  Floral tributes have been pouring in animal park gates.

Even our Prime Minister, John Howard and other public figures have publically expressed their shock at the news on Television. 

A sad day for all, especially his family.  Jan