The Crocodile Hunter Diaries Season 1 Episode 3 Steve's Birthday
- February 27, 2002
Steve Irwin, popularly known as the Crocodile Hunter, is one of the most iconic and charismatic figures in the world of wildlife conservation. The show, The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, gives us an intimate look at Steve's life and work, both on and off camera. In the third episode of the first season, titled "Steve's Birthday," we see Steve celebrating his 36th birthday in a unique way - by indulging in his love for animals.
The episode begins with Steve in good spirits as he heads into work on his birthday. He greets his co-workers at the Australia Zoo with a cheerful "G'day" as he makes his way to his office. Once there, he is surprised by his wife Terri, who has made a special cake for him. The cake is in the shape of a crocodile, and Steve is delighted by it. He jokes that he's been waiting his whole life to eat a crocodile.
But Steve's celebration doesn't end there. He has planned a personal birthday present for himself - a trip to the remote wilderness of Australia's Northern Territory. His mission - to study and capture a massive saltwater crocodile, which he believes to be one of the largest in the world. The crocodile has been reported to be living in the Mary River, which is known for its abundance of crocodiles.
Steve's team sets off on a riverboat towards the Mary River, and they soon come across a large male crocodile basking in the sun on the river bank. Steve's excitement is palpable as he watches the crocodile with binoculars. He marvels at the animal's size and strength, and he is determined to capture it. But this is easier said than done - the crocodile is smart and dangerous, and it won't be captured without a fight.
Steve and his team set up a trap for the crocodile, using a large cage and bait. They wait patiently for the crocodile to take the bait, but it doesn't take the bait for several hours. Meanwhile, Steve explores the surrounding area, looking for other crocodiles to study. He comes across several crocodiles, including a female with her young hatchlings. Steve is thrilled to see the mother crocodile fiercely protecting her babies, and he takes careful notes on their behavior.
As the day wears on, the team begins to worry that the crocodile they are after won't take the bait. But just as they are about to give up, the crocodile suddenly appears, lured in by the smell of the bait. Steve's team quickly pulls the rope, trapping the crocodile inside the cage. Steve jumps into the water to wrestle the crocodile into a safe position, so that the team can take measurements and study the animal. The crocodile fights back, and Steve is nearly pulled under water several times. But he persists, and eventually manages to subdue the crocodile. The team takes measurements of the animal, discovering that it is indeed one of the largest crocodiles ever recorded.
Back at the Australia Zoo, Steve is surprised by another birthday gift from his wife Terri. She has arranged for a group of children to come to the zoo and meet Steve, as he is one of their heroes. Steve is touched by the gesture, and takes the children on a tour of the zoo. He introduces them to a variety of animals, including snakes, lizards, and a kangaroo.
Throughout the episode, we see the passion and enthusiasm that Steve has for wildlife conservation. He is a man who loves animals deeply, and who is willing to risk his own safety to study and protect them. His birthday celebration is not an extravagant affair, but a testament to his commitment to his work. We see a man who is not only dedicated to his craft, but who is also deeply grateful for the support and love of his family and colleagues.