It’s safe to say most people loved Steve Irwin, known worldwide as the Crocodile Hunter. If you didn’t, then you have some screws loose! Of course he was best known as an animal lover and conservationist, but did you know he had personal ties to WWII and was an avgeek too?
During his career, Irwin made several episodes visiting and supporting the U.S. military, learning how modern tech co-exists with wildlife. He brought cool planes, people, and animals together for millions of viewers. Check out some old clips below, geeking out with an A-10 and F-15!
Wildlife in Combat
The above clip is from Season 3, episode 12 of “Crocodile Hunter”. It was titled “Wildlife in Combat” and aired in 2000, following Steve and his wife Terri around Eglin AFB in Florida to help Army Rangers remove venomous snakes from a training course.
He didn’t stop at A-10s either. The episode actually started with Irwin geeking out over an F-15. With a rattlesnake (in typical Steve Irwin fashion).
Watching Irwin nerd-out with jets is something you didn’t know you absolutely need in your life. Hit play and enjoy.
Irwin got to fly in a F-16
In another episode named “Sidewinders of Arizona”. Irwin and his family visited Luke AFB in Arizona, where he got to fly in a F-16!
The episode was about Crocodile Hunter’s visit to the Barry M. Goldwater Range, to locate sidewinder rattlers and other reptiles and wildlife, showing how the base and wildlife coexist.
“Geez, I never thought I’d see the day I’d be flying in an F-16,” said Irwin after the flight. “It was the most exhilarating feeling in my life. By crikey, those guys at Luke took care of us. They know how to treat visitors. They’re nice guys and they’re doing their absolute best to preserve the wildlife.”
Unfortunately, that episode is not easily available in the USA. We could not locate any streaming platform or DVD seller for season 4 in the states, nor is it on YouTube (specifically the visit to Luke).
Ghosts of War
One thing however that is easy to find online is Irwin’s “Ghosts of War”. He was not just an avgeek, but he had a tremendous passion and respect for military history that shaped our modern way of life. His grandfather and great-grandfather both died in WWII Pacific Theatre. Terri’s father also served on the USS Boone.
With his classic hands-on approach, Irwin made a two-part TV mini-series called Ghosts of War, visiting some of the notorious bloody battles. It is a fascinating series and of course very entertaining, because after all it’s Steve Irwin.
Support Dr Terri Irwin’s Conservation Work – Wildlife Warrior Worldwide
Dr Terri Irwin is still very busy and active, honoring her husband and family and carrying on their incredible conservation and education work.
