(left) The outside of the Australia Zoo, the day after Steve Irwin's death. Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo began as a Beewah reptile road stop by Steve's father and mother.

Steve Irwin and his enthusiasm and passion found nearly instant success on Animal Planet, and as the world discovered him, he suddenly became as equally popular in his native land. He used the money he made on the television series and specials to improve the zoo, and buy conservation land.

The photo on the left is reminscent of the front of Buckingham Palace, covered in floral memorials, after Princess Diana died. When the memorial service was over and Steve's truck was driven off the zoo property, that indelible image reminded some of when Diana's hearse drove towards Althorp.


Most Irwin memorial photos by photographer Steve Holland.