Google marks ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin’s birthday with doodles

MANILA, Philippines — Google marks the 57th birthday of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin with a series of doodles.

The slideshow of illustrations shows Irwin holding a crocodile, exploring the wildlife and bonding with his wife Terri and kids Bindi and Robert.

“Today’s Google Doodle acknowledges the life and achievements of my husband Steve Irwin, whose efforts to protect wildlife and wild places have been recognized as the most extensive of any conservationist,” Terri wrote in a blog post for Google published on Thursday.

“We are so proud that his legacy lives on, as that was his greatest wish. He once said, ‘I don’t care if I’m remembered, as long as my message is remembered,’” she added.

Irwin would have been 57 on Friday, Feb. 22, which also marks Australia’s National Wildlife Day.

The Australian wildlife conservationist died in September 2006 after he was stabbed in the chest by a stingray’s barbed tail while filming a documentary.

Irwin was known worldwide as a passionate conservationist who co-founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation with his wife. The organization was later renamed as “Wildlife Warriors” with Irwin’s widow acting as chair.

“As Wildlife Warriors, we continue the battle to protect wilderness areas just like Steve did. Our global conservation programs protect many vulnerable and critically endangered species including rhinos in Kenya, tigers in Sumatra, elephants in Cambodia, crocodiles home in Australia and many more,” Terri wrote.

She added, “We’ve also continued the longest running and most comprehensive crocodile research program in the world. We do this work every day to honor Steve’s memory, and now today’s Doodle honors him, too.” /muf