Many Australians are mourning the popular naturalist

 

A public memorial service for Australian naturalist Steve Irwin will be held at Australia Zoo in Queensland next Wednesday. Irwin's widow, Terri, said the ceremony would be held in the zoo's "Crocoseum".

The TV personality known as the Crocodile Hunter was killed when a stingray's barb stabbed Irwin in the chest while he was diving.

Since then, 10 stingrays have been found mutilated on Queensland beaches in apparent revenge attacks.

While it is not certain that the incidents were connected to Irwin's death, Michael Hornby, a friend of the late naturalist, said such killings would be "the last thing Steve would want".

'Outpouring of love'

In her first statement since her husband's death, Mrs Irwin said the memorial service would be open to the public, and that people who wish to attend should make a donation to Irwin's Wildlife Warriors fund.

The venue only seats 5,500 people, but large television screens will be set up in other areas, and the event will be broadcast live on TV in Australia, the US and Asia.

Mr Irwin was well-known for his work with Australian wildlife

 

Mrs Irwin said that although more spacious venues had been suggested, she thought her husband would have wanted the service at Australia Zoo.

"I cannot see how a memorial service would work in any other place other than the Crocoseum, which he built here at the zoo and of which he was so proud," she said.

Mrs Irwin also thanked well-wishers for their "overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers for my family".

Thousands of fans have been to Australia Zoo since Irwin's death, bringing flowers, candles, stuffed animals and messages of support.

The 44-year-old naturalist was buried in a private ceremony at the zoo on Saturday, after his family turned down the offer of a state funeral, saying Irwin was "just an ordinary bloke".

I love that surf tribute.

 

He was a top bloke

the more Steve video I see.. the more sad I get. Thats all they play on Animal Planet now... :( he was such a passionate man. He will be missed..

the more Steve video I see.. the more sad I get. Thats all they play on Animal Planet now... :( he was such a passionate man. He will be missed..

 

But he will live on in his "croc"umentaries, his zoo and his family.;)

Its funny, alot of people are really upset about this-still. I am, but who'd have thought it eh? this time last month he was that bloke off the telly who pokes crocs with big sticks. Who'd have realised that we'd miss him so much?

Its funny' date=' alot of people are really upset about this-still. I am, but who'd have thought it eh? this time last month he was that bloke off the telly who pokes crocs with big sticks. Who'd have realised that we'd miss him so much?[/quote']

 

I had always been a fan. I was constantly impressed by his passion, humanity, and the fact he was doing some good in the world in terms of conservation and education.;)

^^ yeah so am i. i have to pass the australia zoo every wednesday and the row of flowers are getting bigger everytime. it's so sad, still soo sad.

 

i just read about the 5500 tickets for the australia zoo tribute and i reeeeeeally want to go but the queues are already getting long and i'm afraid with the limit of 4 tickets per person, there would be no more left :(

i guess watching it on the tv or on the large screens will be ok but nothing beats the real thing.

^ i've been watching him on animal planet a lot recently as well : )

it's great they are showing a tribute, i was watching all weekend.

^^ yeah so am i. i have to pass the australia zoo every wednesday and the row of flowers are getting bigger everytime. it's so sad, still soo sad.

 

 

Why every Wednesday?:confused:

How far away from there do you live?

I have classes in Brisbane and have to take the train which passes right through the Australia Zoo in Beerwah. i went there with my family on the 6th to pay our respects to the Irwin family and staff.

I live roughly 20 mins away.