There’s a lot of research behind the scenes that you don’t get to see, but I have an instinct that my dad nurtured from when I was born. I was very lucky then.

Meaning of the quote

Steve Irwin, the famous Australian scientist, is saying that although a lot of important work and research happens behind the scenes and is not seen by the public, he has a natural talent or "instinct" that his dad helped develop since he was born. He feels very fortunate to have had this support and guidance from his father.

About Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, known as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’, was an Australian zookeeper, conservationist, and TV personality who achieved international fame for his wildlife documentary series. He was tragically killed in 2006 by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary, but his legacy and love for animals continue to inspire people around the world.

More about the author

More quotes from Steve Irwin

You know, you can touch a stick of dynamite, but if you touch a venomous snake it’ll turn around and bite you and kill you so fast it’s not even funny.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

That might have a lot to do with it, but you know, I probably don’t show fear, but I suffer from fear like everyone else.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Since I was a boy, from this house, I was out rescuing crocodiles and snakes. My mum and dad were very passionate about that and, I was lucky enough to go along.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Snakes are just very instinctive to me. I’ve been playing with snakes since before I could walk. It doesn’t matter where or what it is, from the biggest to the most venomous.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Because when they strike it can be that quick that if they’re within range, you’re dead, you’re dead in your tracks. And his head weighs more than my body so it’s WHACK!

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

No matter where you go and what you do in America, you turn the tele on and you’re confronted with violence.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I believe our biggest issue is the same biggest issue that the whole world is facing, and that’s habitat destruction.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Every cent we earn from Crocodile Hunter goes straight back into conservation. Every single cent.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Where I live if someone gives you a hug it’s from the heart.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

The only animals I’m not comfortable with are parrots, but I’m learning as I go. I’m getting better and better at ’em. I really am.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Take the crocodile, for example, my favorite animal. There are 23 species. Seventeen of those species are rare or endangered. They’re on the way out, no matter what anyone does or says, you know.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

My belief is that what comes across on the television is a capture of my enthusiasm and my passion for wildlife.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

So, my tactic with conservation of apex predators is to get people excited and take them to where they live.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

You know, I’m Australian, and we have got the worst sense of humor. We are cruel to each other.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Yeah, I think it’s an absolute disaster that Australia, the government, allowed kangaroo culling.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

My dad taught me from my youngest childhood memories through these connections with Aboriginal and tribal people that you must always protect people’s sacred status, regardless of the pest.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Yeah, for some reason parrots have to bite me. That’s their job. I don’t know why that is. They’ve nearly torn my nose off. I’ve had some really bad parrot bites.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Crikey means gee whiz, wow!

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I sincerely believe that there’s room for cutting down trees for forestry and grazing, so as we all get to eat. Everyone has to compromise.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I get called an adrenaline junkie every other minute, and I’m just fine with that.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

When I talk to the camera, mate, it’s not like I’m talking to the camera, I’m talking to you because I want to whip you around and plunk you right there with me.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I have no fear of losing my life – if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Herein lies our problem. If we level that much land to grow rice and whatever, then no other animal could live there except for some insect pest species. Which is very unfortunate.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

Yeah, I’m a thrill seeker, but crikey, education’s the most important thing.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

We’ve evolved from sitting back on our tripods and shooting wildlife films like they have been shot historically, which doesn’t work for us.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

My field is with apex predators, hence your crocodiles, your snakes, your spiders.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I’m a proud Australian, a very, very proud Australian.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I believe sustainable use is the greatest propaganda in wildlife conservation at the moment.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

So now what happens is the cameras follow me around and capture exactly what I’ve been doing since I was a boy. Only now we have a team of, you know, like 73 of us, and it’s gone beyond that.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

No, snakes are no problem. I’d go to any country, anywhere, any snakes, not a problem.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I’ve probably saved thousands of peoples’ lives with my educational message on snake bites, how to get in around venomous anything.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

The first crocodile I ever caught was at nine years of age, and it was a rescue.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

So fear helps me from making mistakes, but I make lot of mistakes.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

There’s a lot of research behind the scenes that you don’t get to see, but I have an instinct that my dad nurtured from when I was born. I was very lucky then.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I am optimistic globally. So many scientists are working frantically on the reparation of our planet.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)

I bled a lot. I got hit across the face. We couldn’t film for seven days. I got hit, whacked, underwater, across the face. I finished the shot, got into the boat and blood started coming out.

Steve Irwin

Australian zookeeper, conservationist and TV personality (1962-2006)