I write this in response to an article by Germaine Greer and to a few others who have accused Steve of man handling animals.
"Every creature he brandished at the camera was in distress. Every snake badgered by Irwin was at a huge disadvantage, with only a single possible reaction to its terrifying situation, which was to strike. Easy enough to avoid if you know what's coming. EVEN MY CAT KNEW THAT MUCH. Those of us who live with snakes, as I do with no fewer than 12 front-fanged venomous snake species in my bit of Queensland rainforest, know that they will get out of our way if we leave them a choice....etc..etc" The Age September 6.
I doubt very much that her cat knew that much.......how much wildlife does her cat kill on her bit of Queensland rainforest.......she may have seen it turn away from a snake once but what does it kill when she's not around?(and don't we all just wish that her and her cat were not around!!) Have a look at the 2 green tree snakes on Steves website Wildlife Warriors that have been chewed up by a cat!! In Peter Mirtschins article "the big conservation facade" (a very worthwhile read) he estimated that 1 feral cat kills around 800 native animals a year!! So her cat is not feral....but there is no doubt that her cat would kill dozens of small animals each year.......that's dozens of small animals each year in her bit of Queensland rainforest!!! So what is her stand on wildlife conservation!!!!!!!!
She is obviously coming from an animal libertarian front.........the ones that say no animals should be killed or suffer!!!! These people usually have little grasp of the idea of conservation..........conservation is about preservation of the species as whole........not just the well being of one or two individuals.
When wild animals are handled.....they stress!!! Even just observing them or filming them from a distance can stress many animals. Is she advocating we don't show them at all? Stress is part of everyday life in one way or another.....both us and other animals suffer it!!
Steve has done an amazing job bringing wildlife into the homes of ordinary people. Through this and his outgoing enthusiasm he has reintroduced generations to something they have lost. Most of us now live in cities and are far removed from wild places. If we don't know what's out there why would we want to conserve it. By bringing these animals and wild places into our homes and teaching us about them our appreciation of and concern for these animals and their disappearing habitats has grown enormously. We now know a little about these animals, we begin to understand them, we want to be able to see them...well into the future......we want to conserve them!!!!
There is no denying that people like David Attenborough and David Bellamy have also done an amazing job in this area.......but who tunes into their programs?........well me for one and all those that were already converts(a very small minority of our population)! Steve came along and converted the masses creating a groundswell in the environmental movement. Read the forums and tributes......how many have taken up an interest in animals due to him......how many have changed their course of studies to ones with an environmental perspective...his effect has been truly incredible.
Yes handling wild animals does stress them!.....but how many countless animals lives have been saved by the changed attitude of society that has come about through his television series? I have only ever seen him handle animals with respect and care......and no doubt when they were released again they went on to lead normal lives.
As for the size of his shorts being 7 sizes too small.....they didn't look like that to me......perhaps she would prefer us to follow the american example where men can't decide between shorts and trousers so wear something in between......something completely impractical. Anyone who has worked out bush would know that his style of dress is completely practical and commonplace. From pyjamas to swimwear to workwear ....the khaki has it all covered......simple choice so you can get on with more important things in your life......Steve brought Australianisms back to life.....crikey, ripper.....fair dinkum.........sayings we lost to globalisation......replaced by americanisms.....awesome, cool, sweet.....Good on you Steve!
Steve will be remembered for his infectious enthusiasm and his passion for wildlife. But Steve will never be just a memory......his work lives on in the enthusiasm he has inspired in a whole new generation of wildlife warriors!
Germaine Greer....what will you be remembered for?.......a bitter twisted woman with ignorant opinions......perhaps!
I prefer to think that you just won't be remembered!!!
