'He mesmerised me': Remembering Steve Irwin 20 years after shock death

Wes Mannion, a lifelong fan of the Crocodile Hunter, met Steve Irwin when he was just 14 years old. The young zookeeper was instantly captivated by Irwin's charisma and passion for wildlife conservation. Over the years, their friendship grew into a deep bond, with Irwin serving as Mannion's mentor and best friend. Their connection was so strong that Mannion still feels a sense of loss to this day, 20 years after Irwin's untimely death.

The director of The Crocodile Hunter, John Stainton, was similarly mesmerized by Irwin's talent for bringing the wild into the living room. Stainton's early exposure to Irwin's work through a home video led him to produce and direct the highly successful television series, which propelled Irwin to international fame. The team behind the series worked closely with Irwin, even enduring dangerous encounters with wildlife to capture the essence of his adventurous spirit.

One such experience involved being hoisted by Irwin as he rode atop an agitated crocodile during a shoot. Stainton fondly recalls this moment as the highlight of his career. Regrettably, Irwin's life was cut short on September 4, 2006, when he was fatally stabbed by a stingray while snorkeling in Australia. The tragic accident sent shockwaves around the globe, and the world mourned the loss of a beloved conservationist and television personality.

Irwin's children, Bindi and Robert, continue to honor their father's legacy, carrying on his work in wildlife conservation and entertainment.