Quote Originally Posted by Trekhawk
The death of Stevo is a great loss for Australia. No matter how you felt about the guy he helped people all over the world realize that the nasty bitey things have just as much right to share this planet as we do. His showmanship is what made him famous and what gave him the power to get people to listen.
Well said, Trekhawk. He showed off these creatures and helped us all appreciate and admire them SO much more.

I think the guy was a hoot -- crazy as all flippin' getout and yes, he did take alot of risks. He undoubtedly knew that every time he came near a poisonous/dangerous/cornered/harrassed animal or reptile that it may be his last day on this planet, but what always struck me was his enthusiasm for what he did. So I hold my glass of vino up to the man for dying doing something he loved. Better than dying in an armchair, I say.

That said, Pascale, I hear what you're saying and I tend to agree, although perhaps not as vehemently, considering your former profession. I have an intense respect for leaving animals alone in their environment, admiring them from afar, and only disturbing them if, say, they are close to extinction or for some other pressing reason. Zoos do have a responsibility to not only educate the public, but to provide as natural a habitat for the animals as possible. Going into an alligator pit and pulling on their tails to incite a show of teeth is not what I'd call a natural occurance.

But still, the man had a zest for life, which I found rather contagious most of the time. Go figure.

Wow.........what a sad, freak thing to happen....my heart truly goes out to his family. I hope his wife carries on his conservation projects, for it would be a shame to let that awesomely positive part of his life fizzle....

~BikeMomma