'Croc Hunter' Irwin gets statue
2007-11-15 09:43
Sydney - A statue of Australian "crocodile hunter" Steve Irwin was unveiled at his zoo on Thursday as Prime Minister John Howard helped mark the inaugural day remembering the late television star.
Around 6 000 people flocked to the zoo he ran on the coast of northeastern Queensland state, where a bronze statue of Irwin and his family was unveiled by his wife Terri on the first-ever Steve Irwin Day.
Irwin was killed by a stingray barb in September last year while filming on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
In a pre-recorded video message, Howard paid tribute to Irwin, who became internationally famous for his risky stunts with dangerous animals.
"We all miss Steve," Howard said. "He was a larger-than-life individual who gave all of us a special and new way of thinking about the environment and all creatures great and small.
"He left an indelible mark on this country and I am honoured to be part of this tribute to him."
The statue depicts Terri, daughter Bindi and son Bob holding a saltwater crocodile, as Irwin stands behind near his faithful dog, Sui.
"I think it's so special because our last trip together was catching crocodiles," Terri Irwin said.
The day was also marked with performances by Bindi Irwin and singing star Olivia Newton-John.
- AFP