Steve is my hero. When he died I was so shocked I was balling my eyes out. I was very angry when I heard some of the jokes. I nearly hit the people that told me. They were so mean. I will never talk to the people who said them.

Hello. I enjoy the Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me show, but last week's jokes about Steve Irwin's death I thought was tasteless. My children loved Steve Irwin and it was because he made animals real, both their threats and their habitats. My children watch very little TV so when given the choice they would often choose Croc Hunter. As I listened to Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me they didn't understand why the show was making fun of Mr. Irwin's death and quite frankly I didn't either. I hope his wife or children never hear that show on accident, I think it would hurt them very much.

Steve Irwin was brilliant at what he knew best, I don't know why some people have to find something awful and nasty to say. He has educated a lot of our children with his knowledge. My deepest sympathy to his wife and children. I don't think there are too many people with his guts.

The Greeks never had a eulogy. They asked just one question, "Did he live with passion?" Those of us who know Steve know this answer. Say no more. R.I.P.

I think the anti-Steve people here are kind of missing the point. The fact is that Steve Irwin was doing more as an individual for animal conservation and wildlife preservation than even some organizations. He educated people not only about cute and cuddly animals, but also the ones that were harder to love. The point being that in an ecosystem, every organism is vital to the lifecycle of the environment and, if just one species becomes extinct, the whole ecosystem can fail. So that includes saving the crocs, snakes and spiders alongside the tigers and koalas.

And for them he did a great service by educating people about them in a fun way that the majority of people could enjoy. Your opinions on his methods are personal and obviously some people are going to find fault with them. But the overriding point is that no ones a winner when we lose a passionate conservationist. All we have as a species is this planet. We don't have anywhere else to live. And it's beautiful if we allow ourselves the chance to look at it. So when we lose someone who's fighting to preserve it and keep it alive, the rest of us lose too. So whether you loved Steve or hated him, his death should inspire all of us to fill the gap he left. Donate money to a wildlife charity, don't leave electrical equipment on standby, grow your own vegetables and walk instead of drive, whatever. If we all do our bit, we can all be winners and Steve and those like him will never be forgotten.

I'm not entirely surprised about his death, what's most surprising is what killed him (very ironic indeed)! To all those who say Steve was doing a great job -- would you consider taking up such a profession in which its success depended on how dangerous the stunt was, let alone allow a loved one do that for a living? The reality is harsh, but let's face the truth -- it was an accident waiting to happen! This should set an example to wannabes out there live and let live, animals do not exist for our amusement. My deepest condolences go to his family.

I think about him every day. I still can't believe he's gone. He put his life on the line to save animals. He was my inspiration and hero... truly amazing.

Fray, it's really too bad most Australia males aren't like him, as you state. He was, I would consider, like the sexiest looking guy out there. Thanks for the warning. If Australian males aren't like him, with his compassion, love, amazing energy for life and animals, they must be pretty boring. He was a true diamond in the rough. He will be sorely missed.

While listening to Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me on September 9th, I was surprised at the cavalier attitude and blatant disrespect regarding the death of Steve Irwin. I listen to NPR regularly and the comments and laughter surrounding the death of this man was appalling to me. I sincerely think an apology is in order for the cold words said on air about him.

Very disappointing.

How sad that so many people malign such a passionate and enthusiastic individual who so loved this world and all of its creatures. Most humans live their lives and never follow their true callings... Steve Irwin lived his dreams. Shame on you hateful critics you are to be pitied.

Let's face it: Steve Irwin was a phenomenon of nature. He was a powerhouse of good intention, pro-active concern for nature and her animal kingdom. He exuded curiosity, knowledge, humor and sweetness of heart. He was adamant about conservation. He walked the talk, as they say.

I have read so much criticism -— far more good than bad -—- concerning Steve and several things stand out: there was no malicious bone in his body (evidently Germaine Greer commandeered those for herself) he got close to animals in a way the captivated and repelled us he built a fortune out his passion for nature and her creatures (jealous, anyone? and he knew that man was the most deadly creature in nature.

Did Steve deserve to die by a stingray's involuntary thrust of its tail? Are you kidding? Who are we to judge that? The only solace I can see is that it was quick; it was in the context of filming nature -- something that Steve loved doing -- and he was in Australia when it happened.

Time we all got our duffs, mate, and put some action into our fascination with nature. And Steve DID bring that out in us: he reminded us to wonder and care again.

What a beautiful brave man, what a sweet soul. Thank you Steve for sharing your life so openly with us.

Steve will never grow too old to do what he loved. He will never feel the loss of another creature he loved, he will only feel joy and happiness when he will once again be able to hold those he loved (human and animal) in his arms. You only had to look at pictures and watch videos of the way he looked into his wife's and children's eyes. He loved very one of God's creatures including those that did not believe his way. He raised money to build animal habitats in many countries. If the people who curse him would use their mouths, money and brains to do half of what Steve did this world would be a much happier place. May you continue to love and guard animals in the heavens!

Steve Irwin was a gift from God to us to help us learn about creatures that could not talk for themselves. He taught how we were killing unique and special animals to extinction. He thought all living things were special. He was Special. God loaned him to us for a short time, but he wanted him back in heaven for a reason.

I don't know what that reason is, but when we find out it will be awesome. Steve had an amazing ability to love with every fiber of his being and was passionate until the end. I can't believe that people can be so cruel and inhuman. His family is in agony and people say such hurtful things. How can people live with themselves causing more hurt to such wonderful people I will never know. My prayers are with his family and friends and especially for the people who cause needless pain and suffering with cruel unkind words, when all that is needed is a few kind words of understanding and compassion.

God, have mercy on them. Steve did your work. Someday they will understand that.

McKittrick... that says it all, thank you!

Don't you people realize what children have learned from all of this? That you WILL die if you mess with wild animals, I would say this is one of the most valuable pieces of education Steve has done, wouldn't you say? Tragic as it is, haven't we all learned that when we get too close we might get bitten?

If you have bad opinions about Steve Irwin, be quiet about it. Have a heart. Don't be rude. That's definitely bad "karma." And, if you get the chance to watch his shows again, listen. Pay attention to what he says. Be nicer to nature now more than ever because it lost a great friend.

Fray... people suck, you should know this by now just by reading some of these comments. That's why Steve's show was such a success. We love that stuff. He did not tease his animals. Maybe you should actualy watch his show before passing your judgement on him before he's even buried. Nor did he threaten these animals. If not for Steve bringing awareness to their plight, most would probably be dead by now. I think he taught us to respect nature. That's what my family took from the show and I think most people and children know better than hopping on a croc; if someone imitates Steve that would be an example of bad parenting, not Steve's fault. I hope his kids take up where he left off -- I'm sure they will.

Steve was a great man and he made a lot people stand up and take notice of what is going on around them. Some people may have not like his methods and may say bad things about him but he got their attention and they watched him so they still got his message. I hope that the family continues where he has left off because he brought a lot of awareness to people about the animals and the reason why people noticed was because he was passionate about what he was doing and that was why everyone wanted to watch him and he has passed that down to his daughter and who knows maybe she will be the next croc hunter.

Has anyone read a comment on Steve Irwin's "work" from the classy David Attenborough?

Why must TV shows diplay animals being teased, dangled, disturbed and threatened to get humans interested enough to respect and provide habitat for them? By the way, Steve Irwin was not typical of Australian males. Most don't speak like that! He may have loved animals but invading their personal space to entertain the masses I find repugnant. Ask the thousands of mourners "what exactly did you learn about animals from watching?" Did you learn what fun it must be to jump on a crocodile? To tease it by waving its food in front of it? To dangle a snake by its tail? Sad for his kids but Steve Irwin was an accident waiting to happen. I hope we dont see little copycat Crocodile Hunters killed emulating him.

A few years ago when my cousin's 7-year-old son, a huge Crocodile Hunter fan, was dying of cancer he sent letters to Steve Irwin. Steve was kind enough to correspond with him and send autographed pictures which my cousin's son cherished. That's what I think of when I think of Steve Irwin, a wonderful caring man and a brilliant father.

I am so angry at the timing of the verbal attacks on Steve Irwin but they are not really at Steve it is his beautiful family that will suffer more pain. He was a good man I was not at all embarressed by him. That's like saying I am embarressed about myself as I am an Australian and talk like one. Germ, get a life, yours has passed. You only had to look at that bloke with his kids, he was a good person and helped plenty and he didn't want it known who he helped. That's when you know a good person when they want no glory for doing for others. They just do it like he did. Sure Steve made mistakes hasn't everyone? I wrote something in my yahoo 360 under Tinkerbelle if you would like to view it. Thank you for letting us say what we want for Steve Irwin.

Here is what the animal world will be missing now that Steve is gone. A story for WSPA An emergency team of WSPA personnel and Australia Zoo crocodile experts recently traveled to East Timor to save "Maxine" and "Anthony," two captive crocodiles in desperate need of rescue.

WSPAs Regional Manager in Australia, Kylie Jones, describes the appalling condition that "Maxine" was found in: "During the time that I was there, she did not move at all, not even when a local man threw a rock at her. She was covered with a fungus and all of her teeth had fallen out due to lack of proper food."

WSPA immediately enlisted the help of Steve Irwin, (better known as TVs "Crocodile Hunter") director of Australia Zoo and renowned reptile conservationist. Upon learning of the cramped and filthy conditions that the crocodiles suffered in, Australia Zoo agreed to fund and build two new enclosures that feature tiled pools, sandy areas, concrete walls and reinforced fencing.

As soon as construction was complete, Irwin and his team of experts relocated the crocodiles with a minimum amount of stress and no sedation to the animals. Sedation can be deadly to crocodiles, so Australia Zoo experts rely on physical strength and their knowledge of crocodile behavior to safely handle these enormous reptiles. Though in a weakened state, Anthony was strong enough to resist being handled. Both Maxine and Anthony are adjusting well to their new homes.

May he rest in peace.

Steve Irwin made a lot of money exploiting animals on his show & in his zoo. Where's the respect in that? To interact with animals in a hostile way (jumping on them, chasing them, holding them up by their tails, etc.) Then airing this behavior as "educational" only teaches kids these animals are here for our amusement. I'm not rejoicing over his death. He played the clown treating the animals like toys and no one should be surprised by what happened, rare or not. He had fun taunting animals for shock value.

I'd like to see the people who think that Steve Irwin "respected" animals get picked up by their feet by an elephant and swung around with a camera in their face the whole time. This isn't respect, its self-gratification for a thrill seeking showman.

Steve was a great man, but it's sad to see that he has died. At least he died doing something he likes.

Koalas are not docile.

I don't like taunting animals. Steve Irwin did just that.

When I heard that Steve Irwin had passed, I was heartbroken. I loved watching the show with my children. I just thank God that he put Steve in our lives for so many years to teach us about how great animals are and their importance in our lives. I only hope that Steve's death is not in vain and that we all can treat animals the way he did. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and his entire family. God Bless You!

You call shows displaying animals in their natural environment, not being harassed, as boring? Do you think sending the message to our children that animals are an amusement park to be poked and prodded for excitement? This guy was a misguided fool that exploited the animals he confronted. Learning should be fun but it should also teach respect and invading an animal's space to provoke a reaction is not respect. Nature on PBS may not be exciting but it is reality. Not the antics of a deluded "naturalist" with a death wish. Novels are harder to read than comic books but in the long run you will receive better information and a more credible learning experience.

Yo all! God bless you Steve. I am a 13-year-old kid and I always dreamed of being like Steve. Peace out Steve. See ya in heaven.

That's sad that he died but he died doing what he loved.

I find it distressing that people feel so comfortable about voicing their dislike for Steve Irwin in such a globally public way. Especially so close to his death. No one says you have to like the guy, or respect the work he did, but at least respect the fact that he has friends and family that will be wounded to the soul about these comments being made. Those who love him love him without shame. They will never apologize for his behavior. I believe that he viewed his life as a mission, and he fulfilled it the best way he knew how, with boundless energy. He would be the first to admit that he would probably be killed by an animal, and he would also accept full responsibility for that. His soul was not damned by karma, nor was he the victim of a global animal scheme to take his life. The fact that the sting ray attacked at all was a rare situation. The animal might have been startled by a reflection off of the camera, or a movement made by the camera man. Steve might have cast a shadow that the sting ray perceived as a predator. The truth of this matter is that there was a perfect alignment of events that resulted in this tragedy. A series of long shots occurred. The only spots on the human body that would guarantee a kill are penetration of the skull, neck, and chest at or near the heart. Anywhere else and he would have probably survived the attack. Despite those of you that disliked him or his work, he will be remembered as a champion for the cause of nature. The louder you voice your dislike, the more likely you are to offend fans and friends of Steve and his family. Those are odds I would not like to take.

I saw claymation of Steve and Terry on TV Funhouse before I ever saw them. Steve put so much passion into everything he did; it was easy to make him into a caricature. It is easy to sit back and make fun and criticize but I doubt Jaque Cousteau, Marlin Perkins and Jane Goodall combined, impacted SO MANY people (especially kids) in such a positive way toward animals. My heart aches for Terry and the two kids that won't have their dad around and for all of us who will so miss his passion.

I watch almost every show. I just want so say hope everything will turn out ok. Everyone will miss Steve Irwin andd will always remeber the Crock Hunter! It was very heart breaking news! I wish you the best of luck with everything Terri, Bindi and Bob. We're all with you.

I was fed up.

Steve was nothing but a showoff (I'm so bloody great). I couldn't stand his bragging. There are so many decent nature people you can watch on TV. Not much has changed.

It is so evident of the ignorant people we call our friends and neighbors. "Karma" you say... he died doing what he loved, with the animals he loved, basically, he died so that the animals could endure, he gave his life for theirs. "Karma" comes in many forms and I think God needed him up there; he is way too good for the likes of us and is needed elsewhere! He died while educating and raising awareness for the animals he loved. If you want to talk about animal abuse all you have to do is look over your neighbor's fence or in the mirror, look at animal cops!! Steve never hurt a fly. Back off and show some respect for his family and for his children. It goes back to what your mother taught you "if you don't have anything nice to say, shut the hell up" For the rest of the world we will miss him and so will all the animals, who else is going to get in there and make it so fun to learn??? God bless you Steve!

Why repeat ugly comments made by others? I wish you had not. Stingrays are not "one of the most docile animals in the world" as posted. Sloths maybe? Koalas? If that stingray only could, I believe it would say, "Crikey! I am so sorry." Stingrays are good, Steve was good. A zillion children and adults are so sad now. Don't forget the reptiles and animals that will miss Steve too.

Hi Pete(r) -- I wasn't sure -- You either love Steve Irwin, or you can't stand the guy... which is it?

I agree with the poster who noted that such comments are not typical of "the blogosphere." Since when is Germaine Greer a "blogger?" She might have a blog, but she's primarily an author and that was in The Guardian. Including that comment is misleading. Right Wing Nation is definitely a blog, which means that plenty of people were free to respond and call the author names, which they did.

Most of the postings in places like Discovery Channel's and Animal Planet's forums have been eulogies saying how much the poster will miss Steve Irwin. Indeed, the few people who have dared to say anything mild like "Well, but he did take an awful lot of risks" have been told to go back to Iraq (whatever that means) or threatened with bodily harm (pure Internet bravado, I'm sure.)

I'm getting a little tired of horrified remarks about the blogosphere from people who stick to newspapers online and don't read actual blogs and forums.

I do have to say that we have seen all his shows. My sister's son always talks about Steve and has many crocs himself -- well toy ones. But it's so funny to see him act just like Steve with his toys. So to his family and friends I am so sorry for your loss and wish I could be there for all.

This is a time when I wish I were a kid again, so I don't have to understand what death really means. He will be missed.

Germaine Greer is surely the "C" that she truly deserves to be called.

To stomp on ones grave can only bring ill favor to your soul Greer! Someone or something will take you to the place you truly deserve to go. We'll all stand over you and not say a word because the words you have brought upon others are enough to bury the devil in you. You sadden the very soul of society to put yourself and your weak stupid comments over the grief of others.

Steve Irwin was a blessing to the Earth. He had deep wisdom, pureness of heart and jubilance of spirit which guided him to value and to seek to protect each individual being. He did not know apathy or inaction or hopelessness. He cared, he did something about it, and he showed the world how to do something meaningful too. He would be the first to refuse to pass judgment on those disillusioned few who feel worthy of passing judgment on him. Steve is a true testament of the power of one human being. The lives he saved and will continue to save beyond his own life, through his personal rescues and through his education to millions around the world are incalculable. He exemplified what one human heart -- so strong in courage and joy and compassion -- can truly do for the entire world, human and animals alike. We will never forget you, mate. You were the personification of a true "beauty!"

I watched Steve's shows and it's so interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat watching him do all the possible things on the planet. I loved him and may his soul rest in peace and God bless his wife and children.

Animals and nature are much closer to God than humans, and Steve was one of the very few people on Earth that was close to animals and nature. This is a very special and beautiful death.

Do you realize the odds of being stung directly in the heart are in the multi millions to 1! God just couldn't wait one more second for Steve to be with him. His death will cause something really special to happen all over the world. I'm not sure exactly what, but time will prove me right. You'll know when it happens, it's gonna be good. As a Marine survivor of Vietnam, I'm a living witness to when your name is on the bullet theory, many times over. With all the factors involved, this is the most incredible case of that theory I have ever seen!

My family is greatly saddened by the death of Steve Irwin. We feel in our hearts that we have lost a friend. The pain we feel is that of losing a family member. We will greatly miss his joyful spirit and loving attitude and his wonderful sense of humor. We will remember him always for many reasons. We are so saddened that his family must endure the heavy burden of the loss of their loved one. We hope that they can remain the strong family that they are, taking comfort how ever small it may be, from knowing what a great difference Steve's life that meant for so many others in the world. We wish them joy as well to have had the ability to share the life of a remarkable man.

While I agree with John Nielsen that the blogs he listed were in poor taste regarding Steve Irwin's death, I strongly disagree with his characterization of Steve Irwin as a man who brought nature into the lives of nature-deprived children the world over and educated them in the process. There have been many nature shows on TV that have brought the wonder and enchantment of the natural world to our nature-starved society before Steve Irwin, without the antics, ignorance, recklessness and utter lack of respect that were the trademarks of Steve Irwin's Crocodile Hunter.

How about Nature on PBS? Or David Attenborough's nature programs? These aren't "boring documentaries." I was fascinated by these shows as a child (and now I am a biologist, in part because of these shows). I have never learned anything informative from Crocodile Hunter. His show seemed more like a how-to manual on molesting animals the world over. In fact, I have always maintained that he should be called "the Animal Molester." He always got too close... and he not only handled the wild animals on his show excessively, but he did it for no apparent reason except for the sheer shock value. And, he taught children everywhere that it's okay to maul wildlife, in spite of his gleeful warning to not do what he was doing, while he seemed to have so much fun doing it.

Yeah kids, do as I say, not as I do. Yeah, right. Wildlife should be observed, not handled excessively for ratings or even to bring nature into the lives of the people starved for natural interactions. Go outside, go for a hike, take some binoculars and observe the world around you.

All of that said Steve Irwin did not deserve to die. I wish that he had lived long enough to understand the folly of his actions and had used his star power to truly teach people about wildlife and to respect the natural world. To cherish it, to be in awe of it, and to leave it the way it is and tread lightly whenever possible. There is a lesson in his death, I guess, considering he was killed by one of the most docile animals in the world. To me that lesson is to always respect nature.

To R Marinelli -- only a clueless dolt would make a comment like yours. Steve Irwin dedicated his life to saving endangered animals and to making their case to a society that never gets any closer to nature than their big screen TV. For you to compare him to Treadwell is ludicrous. I do realize that watching Herzog's documentary has made you an expert on nature and naturalists. But as someone who knew Steve, I have to tell your psuedo-intellectual commentary is insulting.

I remember watching Steve Irwin's show in passing and thinking he was entertaining but (as another reader noted) a bit whacked. However I got hooked and couldn't take myself away from his show. After our daughter was born in December, our New Years Eve that year was spent switching between marathon runs of Crocodile Hunter and Cirque du Soleil. We really enjoyed the show and Steve's obvious and deep respect for nature. His enthusiasm was contagious, always leaving me awed by nature and his knowledge of it and making me feel more a part of the world around me, even if I wasn't going to be handling venomous snakes anytime soon.

When my wife saw headlines that he had passed, we both felt as though we had lost a long-time friend, a friend you were going to see the next day, but is suddenly gone. We remembered Steve with stories about him like he was a close friend and send our deepest sympathies and love to his family. The world will miss you Steve.

By Ms. Greer's own philosophy, animal lovers will get their revenge on her for her disrespectful comments so soon after Steve Irwin's death. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and even to express it. The truly educated know when to share and when to keep it to themselves. My condolences to Steve's family. Anyone who truly cares about wildlife the way he did deserves to be revered and remembered for their efforts.

Steve was an icon. Someone, everyone could look up to. Someone many kids and adults wonted to be like. I never met him but you didn't have to meet him to know him. I know that there are people that have a passion for animals but no one like Steve and Terry. The world has lost someone that has touched every home and many animals' lives. The world will miss you Steve.

I think Steve Irwin was an idiot. I couldn't stand the guy. I think god was ready to punish him for all his bad deeds. He was warned about sacred sites and respect for their world's creatures but Irwin failed to hear as he was full of greed and fame his ego had got the better of him. The best way to respect animals is to leave them in peace not hunt them with guns, traps or cameras. Long live the mighty stingray... people, you must realize that this is karma acting here and you can learn a valuable lesson.

Steve Irwin was a great man and he has been an inspiration to everyone. I loved watching Steve's show.

I watched Steve's shows and it's so interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat watching him do all the possible things on the planet... I loved him and may his soul rest in peace and God bless his wife and children.

RIP m8t

Steve was a true nature lover. He has devoted entire of his life studying nature especially wild animals. His shows were highly educative and always appreciated by all age groups. I am and I am sure the entire world is deeply saddened due to his untimely demise.

Steve spent his life bringing us the animal kingdom to our homes. Those who take their pot shots at the fallen star, do so from the comfort of their homes. Steve suffered cuts, bites, stings, broken bones, and some poisonings just so we can see for ourselves the power and beauty of nature. Not all of it came from the huge dangerous animals. The areas he showed us would have had an untold number of insects, looking for a fresh meal. To those that talk about putting animals in distress... The natural world is full of distress.

Steve showed us that animals need to be stimulated. If you imagine that a huge croc is scared that a bunch of guys jump on him and tie him up. Then imagine when it is returned to its territory. Does it feel like a one in a million champion? Does it matter? All the crocodile knows is that it struggled, it survived, and it still retains all of its territory. Time to look for the next meal. Life moves on. It is probably no different than defending itself from a larger rival. Which it runs the risk of losing its territory and/or defending it with its life.

More people loved Steve than hated him, and I think that there will be some retractions and changes of opinions. If people study the work done by Steve and see that the high energy that puts them off on him is merely the vehicle he uses to bring to our homes the natural world. They will understand then that he was an ambassador bringing the world of man, and the world of animals a little closer together.

I think Steve Irwin was an idiot. I couldn't stand the guy. I used to be a hunter when I was a kid and especially stingrays. I'm glad one of those got him. Cant wait to see Steven Spielberg's new move The Return of the Killer Stingray.

Those ignorant people who insist that Steve was needlessly aggravating animals should take a few moments to actually watch his show. In the majority of cases, the show focused on efforts to relocate dangerous animals away from encroaching human settlements. Furthermore, Steve took a lot of time to explain what the animal was, and why it was important to the world. It must be conceded that at times he would catch animals in their natural habitat, purely for purposes of looking at it, but if one "traumatized" animal taught countless people the value of those animals, was it really so terrible?

At the end of the day the world is a better place because Steve Irwin was here. Taken far too soon he will be missed by millions. Our prayers go to this family. May heaven's gates open swiftly for this soul. God bless, goodbye and thank you Steve.

Steve Irwin and especially his family deserve the respect due to a human being that has died. People like Steve who are crusaders for the animals and their habitat are stewards of this planet and not only care for animals but other humans as well. People who think Steve Irwin got what he deserved obviously do not have compassion for other humans let alone compassion for animals and they are showing their true colors. Steve Irwin is a great loss to the survival of this earth because I really believe if we cannot preserve the habitat for wildlife, how will we ever save ourselves and our children? Steve Irwin was fighting for his fellow human beings as well as wildlife. I am saddened at the premature loss of this incredible larger than life man.

It's not been my experience over the last couple of days that those comments are at all representative of "the blogosphere." I think it's unwise to tar an entire medium because it has idiots. Every medium has idiots. Example: Metafilter is probably one of the darkest, nastiest blogs you can find, and the Irwin thread there contained far more respectful tributes than jerks -- and the jerks were quickly smacked around by everyone else. There's really no such thing as "how the blogosphere reacted," any more than there's such a thing as "how magazines reacted" or "how newspapers reacted." It's much too broad and if you do want to come up with a generalization like that, I think it would be more representative to look at the reaction in mainstream, well-traveled blogs, rather than picking out a couple of antisocial twits and making them more famous than they need to be.

The wild world has lost one of its great champions. Steve Irwin celebrated nature in all of its spheres -– the air, the waters and the earth –- and he helped those of us who may be just a bit less adventurous to understand and to be a part of it all as well. He never handled an animal that he didn't obviously love and appreciate, no matter how poisonous, ugly, or cranky. He was never injured that he didn't immediately blame himself and not the animal, stressing that, "It was not their fault. It was my fault for being here, for making them feel afraid. They were only protecting themselves."

As to the bloggers you quoted and, most likely, many others of their sort -- it is a truth that the poor in spirit, the stingy, the mean and the envious have always been with us on this same beautiful planet. They, too, are probably protecting themselves in the only way they know how. The best thing you can do is to pity them and then move on and celebrate the people who are important.

Some people truly do leave the world a better place than it was when they joined it. Thank you so much, Steve, for sharing the mysteries of the planet we live on, for pulling us all in to be a part of the earth family together. Thank you for putting your unashamed enthusiasm out there in public despite those who would mock, for putting your heart on your sleeve about the things that mattered to you, for your generosity to the animals you shared space with. Thank you for your boundless energies, for your practical optimism, for your unafraid heart. I'm sure that wherever you are, you're already out there exploring, touching, finding wonderment. Thank you for seeing and believing in the best in all of us. Thank you for sharing your family with us and also thank you to his family for sharing him.

Nature shows will never be the same. He really changed the way we all viewed nature and gave us an tremendous respect for all creatures and plants, big and small.

I was shocked and saddened to hear Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray. I really liked and admired him. I think Steve was brave and very respectful of nature and that is to be applauded.

Anybody who has been to Australia knows people like Steve are real and valued. What they do each day is because they want to share their knowledge with us who stay far away for a safety and security. It is poor statement by the media to demise him for being a true blue.

He lived much more life in 44 years than 99 percent of us will with longer lives. I always had the sense of his deep caring for animals and conservation. On the surface level he was an entertainer, an entertainer with a much deeper and noble purpose.

He truly died doing what he was passionate about. Better a stingray tail through the heart than slipping on a wet bathroom floor and hitting his head on the bowl. Even if that were the case though, it would take nothing away from the enormous contributions he's made.

When I first encountered Steve Irwin on the television, I thought "what a whack job!" Yet, I couldn't take my eyes off of him and what he was doing and how his congruence came through. I became much more aware of how important it is to protect animals (even the ones that could have us for dinner) because of Irwin. I am now fascinated by animals because I see us (humans) in them and the things we have in common.

His kids surely have plenty of footage of their dad to watch throughout their lives. God bless to his wife and two children.

A sad day for a man that gave so much and wanted so little in return. I will miss him; my thoughts are with his family and millions like me that invited him into our homes.

A man who traumatized animals for years got his just desserts. You play with fire and at times you get burned. This should start a movement to end animal exploitation. Take a look at the documentary Grizzly Man and understand the expression "Fools rush in where wise men fear to tread."

I first started watching Steve with the volume down, I didn't like his accent, but as time went by his show captivated me and my family so much that we came to love his Australian accent and wanted to visit his zoo and meet him. His education to the public on reptiles and the like was immeasurable and unforgettable. We will always treasure the time we spent watching him on TV. God bless him and his family. He will be missed greatly.

Steve Irwin brought laughter to our entire family as well as an education about wildlife. I loved his enthusiasm, passion and humor. If people choose to be cruel at his passing, I think it is simply because Irwin always had more fun at work than they did.

Well, let's not even waste our time or energy on people so full of hate and ignorance. Time will take care of them in the end. Let's focus on what a decidedly unique and extraordinary individual Steve Irwin was and reflect on all things positive that he contributed to our world. Surely the poor stingray would regret its actions if it could. My sincerest sympathies to his family.

Irwin brought joy and energy to the small screen, and an awareness of nature to people who would have otherwise flicked past the channel. His methods were unorthodox, to be sure, but he knew what he was doing. He died from such a fluke accident and he would be the first to be concerned that these harmless sea creatures will not suffer from retribution as a result of his unfortunate death.

Bad enough these insensitive boobs comments were published, must they receive more than five minutes of fame? I've always loved watching Steve do his thing, "I'm gonna jump on his head" always cracked me up. God bless you Steve, keep an eye on the wife and kids.

It saddens me to think that people are rejoicing in the death of a man who cared so much about all living things.

I think those people should be ashamed of themselves. I'm deeply saddened by this. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. To Teri and his children, I'm so sorry. God bless you.

As a far right Republican, I think that the guy was great and he wasn't an idiot. He didn't have fear, he just had respect. It is extremely sad that we lost such a truly amazing individual. He really made nature shows extremely exciting, sometimes too exciting as he was wrangling cobras.

It is really sad that he died from such an odd occurance. It is almost as ironic as him dying in a car accident after surviving all of his dangerous feats.

When I think of Steve Irwin, I think of the family time we spent watching his TV show. It was one of the few shows that the adults and the kids could enjoy together. When we heard the news, we felt like we lost a friend we hadn't seen in a while. We even told, "Remember the time..." stories.