It’s safe to say that 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 World War II and was also an avgeek?
During his career, Irwin made several episodes visiting and supporting the US military, learning how modern technology coexists with wildlife. It brought together cool planes, people and animals for millions of viewers. Check out some old clips below, enjoying an A-10 and an F-15!
Wildlife in combat
The clip above is from “Crocodile Hunter” season 3, episode 12. It was titled “Wildlife in combat” and aired in 2000, following Steve and his wife Terri at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida to help Army Rangers remove poisonous snakes from a training course.
He didn’t stop at the A-10s either. The episode actually started with Irwin enjoying an F-15. With a rattlesnake (in typical Steve Irwin style).
Seeing nerdy Irwin with jets is something you didn’t know you absolutely needed in your life. Hit play and enjoy.
Irwin even flew in an F-16
In another episode called “Sidewinders of Arizona.” Irwin and his family visited Luke AFB in Arizona, where he was able to fly in an F-16.
The episode was about Crocodile Hunter’s visit to the Barry M. Goldwater Range, to locate rattlesnakes and other reptiles and wildlife, showing how the base and wildlife coexist.
“Gosh, I never thought the day would come when I would fly in an F-16,” Irwin said after the flight. “It was the most exciting feeling of my life. Oh my goodness, those Luke guys took care of us. They know how to treat visitors. They’re good guys and they’re doing everything they can to preserve the wildlife.”
Unfortunately, that episode is not readily available in the US. We were unable to locate any streaming platform or DVD seller for season 4 in the US, nor on YouTube (specifically the visit with Luke).
war ghosts
However, one thing that is easy to find online is the “war ghosts“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 died in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Terri’s father also served on the USS Boone.
Using his classic hands-on approach, Irwin made a two-part television miniseries called Ghosts of War, visiting some of the most notorious bloody battles. It is a fascinating series and of course very entertaining, because at the end of the day it is about Steve Irwin.
Support the conservation work of Dr. Terri Irwin – Wildlife Warrior Worldwide
Dr. Terri Irwin remains very busy and active, honoring her husband and family and carrying out her incredible conservation and education work.
Support your wildlife warriors around the world herethat protects wildlife and wild places.
You can find out more about the various ways you can help on the Australian Zoo website. HERE.
