Terri Irwin

Terri Irwin AM (née Raines; born July 20, 1964)[3] is an American–Australian[1] naturalist, conservationist, author, and the owner of Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland. Born in Oregon, United States, she began working for an independent animal rehabilitation center for injured predator mammals at the age of 22 while working for her family's trucking business.

For the American entomologist, see Terry Erwin. For the American designer, see Terry Irwin (designer).

Terri Irwin

AM
Irwin at Australia Zoo, 2000
Born
Terri Raines

(1964-07-20) July 20, 1964
Eugene, Oregon, U.S.
NationalityAmerican, Australian[1][2]
OccupationNaturalist, conservationist, author
Years active1987–present
Notable work
The Crocodile Hunter
Spouse(s)
​
​
(m. 1992; died 2006)​
ChildrenBindi Irwin
Robert Irwin
Websitecrocodilehunter.com.au

While touring wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Australia in 1991, she had a chance meeting with naturalist Steve Irwin, whose father founded Australia Zoo. The two married in 1992, and went on to co-star in The Crocodile Hunter, their unconventional television nature documentary series and its spin-off series, Croc Files, The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, and Crikey! It's the Irwins. They had two children, Bindi and Robert, before Steve Irwin's death in 2006 due to a stingray accident. She became a naturalised Australian citizen in 2009.

Early life

Terri Raines was born in Eugene, Oregon, United States,[4] the youngest of three daughters of "environmentalist" parents[5] Clarence and Judy Raines. Commenting on her childhood, she said: "My friends and I were truly 'free-range kids.'" Summers were spent bicycling around Alton Baker Park or hiking up Spencer Butte in the hopes of catching a glimpse of one of the shy rattlesnakes that sought refuge in the rock escarpments. Winters were spent hoping the Willamette Valley would get snow."[6]

Her family owned a long-haul trucking business and, during her childhood, her father constantly brought home injured animals from the highways on which his trucks travelled; this eventually instilled in her an ongoing commitment to saving and rehabilitating wild animals.[4] While working in the family business in 1986, she started a rehabilitation facility called Cougar Country[5] to re-educate and release predator mammals such as foxes, raccoons, bears, bobcats, and cougars back into the wild.[4][7] Soon she was handling 300 animals each year.[8]

Career

Terri joined an emergency veterinary hospital in 1989 as a veterinary technician to gain further knowledge on the care and support to all kinds of animals. Her life was very busy, as she was still helping her father run the family business, rehabilitating animals through her "Cougar Country", and working at the vet hospital. In addition, she had fifteen cats of her own, several birds and a dog.[8]

In 1991, Terri went on a tour of Australia, and while visiting wildlife rehabilitation facilities, she had a chance meeting with Steve Irwin, whose father had founded the Australia Zoo (as Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park).[5] Steve would later say that "it was love at first sight."[9] A "whirlwind romance" followed: They were engaged after only four months, and eight months later, on June 4, 1992, they married in Eugene, Oregon.[10] Their first television documentary was filmed on their honeymoon. The footage, shot by John Stainton, became the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter,[11] which later became successful in the United States.

The couple settled in Australia shortly after their wedding, Terri leaving her Cougar Country project behind in the United States. However, as a partner in their wildlife enterprises and television shows, she believes she was able to do far greater work on behalf of wildlife conservation.[8]

In addition to their two popular television programs shown on the Animal Planet television network in the United States, in 2002, the Irwins released a feature film, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.[12]

The Irwins had two children: daughter Bindi Sue on July 24, 1998, and son Robert Clarence on December 1, 2003.[13]

In an interview before the birth of their second child, Terri Irwin had this to say about her marriage and working with her husband Steve:

We don't drink, we don't smoke, and we are actually in love and happily married. We love our little girl, we go home to each other at night, and we believe in what we are doing. Say my husband had a dangerous job and I wasn't with him; I don't know how you go, 'Oh honey, how was it with the police department today? You got all your fingers and toes today?' It would scare me. I'd have to become a police officer and work with him; I couldn't do it.[14]

Personal life

Marriage to Steve Irwin
Terri (right) and Steve Irwin (left) with Wes Mannion (centre)

Terri met Steve Irwin in Australia in 1991.[5] The couple married in her home state of Oregon in 1992 before returning to live in Australia.[5] She and her children were reportedly trekking in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, on the morning of September 4, 2006, when Steve died after sustaining heart injuries from a short-tail stingray barb which pierced his chest.[5] He was filming an underwater documentary at the time at Batt Reef near Port Douglas in Queensland.[15]

In her first statement since her husband's death, Irwin announced the Australian memorial service (on September 20, 2006, at Australia Zoo in Queensland) would be open to the public, and that people who wished to attend should make a donation to Irwin's "Wildlife Warriors" fund. The service was held at the "Crocoseum," a 5,500-seat open-air amphitheater, which Steve built at the zoo and which she chose over any larger facility. She also thanked well-wishers for their "overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers for [her] family".[16] Terri herself was seemingly too upset to speak at the ceremony. She remained with her son, Robert, during the proceedings, but daughter Bindi spoke about her love for her father, for which she received a standing ovation.

Irwin with daughter Bindi and son Robert, 2011

Australian TV network Channel 9 screened an interview between Irwin and local presenter Ray Martin, on September 27, at 8:30pm on the station. During the interview, she said "And I'll make Australia Zoo bigger. I'll make it bigger... because I promised." Barbara Walters held an interview with Irwin on The View, which aired September 27 in the US.

On October 31, 2006, Irwin was invited to the Royal Albert Hall to award a Special Recognition Award to Sir David Attenborough at the British National Television Awards.[17] When she came on stage, the entire audience gave her a standing ovation. Irwin fought back tears, while the camera cut to Neighbours star Alan Fletcher, who was shown to be also fighting back tears. She cited Attenborough as a great inspiration for her husband, saying "If there's one person, other than his father, who directly inspired my husband, it's the person being honoured tonight." and going on to say "[Steve's] real, true love was conservation – and the influence of tonight's recipient in preserving the natural world has been immense."[17]

Attenborough reciprocated by praising her husband for introducing many to the natural world, saying "He taught them how wonderful and exciting it was; he was a born communicator."[18] Terri published a memoir, My Steve, about her relationship and marriage with Steve Irwin, in 2007.[19]

On January 3, 2007, the only video footage showing the events that led to Steve Irwin's death was handed over to Terri, who said the video would never become public, and noted her family has not seen the video either. In a January 11, 2007 interview with Access Hollywood, Terri said "all footage has been destroyed." On March 2, 2008 it was announced that Bob Irwin, father of Steve Irwin, had resigned from Australia Zoo, of which he was the founder, in order to "keep his son's dream alive" on a different property with his wife. In a statement to the press, the elder Irwin thanked the staff for all their help but made no mention of Terri. At the same time, the zoo was being sued for $2.5 million by a debt collection agency,[20] but the lawsuit was later dropped in an out-of-court settlement.[21]

In a 2018 interview, Terri told People magazine that she hadn't dated or had a relationship since her husband's death.[22] "There's always the potential to find love again, and that's a beautiful thing...but I had my happily ever after," she said, "[So] I'm doing okay."[22]

Citizenship

Terri, American by birth, became an Australian citizen on November 15, 2009. In a tribute to her husband Steve, the citizenship ceremony was held during the Steve Irwin Day celebrations in Australia Zoo's Crocoseum.[1][2]

Conservation support

Irwin has expressed support for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and was present at the launching of one of the organization's vessels which was renamed after her husband.[23][24]

In 2008, she signed on to a three-year research program in correspondence with Australia Zoo supporting the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University, funding two US$250,000 research projects on humpback whales.[25] "Learning about whales is part of a bigger picture," she said of the project. "Our oceans are in jeopardy and the more research we gather about whales, the more knowledge we have to help us save, protect and preserve our delicate oceans."[25]

Honours

In 2006, Irwin was made an honorary Member of the Order of Australia for services to wildlife conservation and the tourism industry.[26][27][28] (Honorary of the Order of Australia is the appointment rank to non-citizens of Australia; this became a substantive appointment when she became an Australian citizen in 2009.)[29]

Irwin won the 2007 Queensland Telstra Business Women's Award.[30]

She has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Queensland for her work in conservation and support of high-quality research.[31]

In 2014, Irwin was a Queensland finalist for Australian of the Year.[32]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1997–2004The Crocodile HunterHerselfSeries regular
1999–2001Croc FilesHerselfSeries regular
2002The Crocodile Hunter: Collision CourseHerselfComedy film
2002The Wiggles: Wiggly SafariHerself
2002–06The Crocodile Hunter DiariesHerselfSeries regular
2003–07Australian StoryHerself2 episodes
2007My Daddy, the Crocodile HunterHerselfTelevision documentary
2007Ocean's DeadliestHerselfTelevision documentary
2011Eco-Pirate: The Story of Paul WatsonHerselfDocumentary film
2017KangarooHerselfDocumentary film
2018Crikey! It's the IrwinsHerselfSeries regular

Bibliography
  • Irwin, Terri; Irwin, Steve (2002). The Crocodile Hunter: The Incredible Life and Adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin. Penguin. ISBN 978-1-101-22009-2.
  • Irwin, Terri (2007). My Steve. Simon & Schuster Australia. ISBN 978-0-731-81413-8.

References
  1. Brown, Ann-Louise (November 16, 2009). "Citizenship Terri Irwin's gift to Steve". Brisbane Times. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  2. "Terri calls Australia home - officially!". australiazoo.com. Australia Zoo. November 20, 2009. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  3. Terri Irwin official biography
  4. Arnold, Gary (July 12, 2002). "The Steve and Terri Show; Crocodile Hunters Move to the Big screen". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2017 – via HighBeam Research.
  5. Courier Mail Staff (September 8, 2006). "Mess on his wedding day". The Courier Mail. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  6. Kennedy, William (January 2017). "Before They Were Stars". EugeneMagazine. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  7. Gire, Dann (July 5, 2002). "Animal Attraction for Wildlife Lovers Steve and Terri Irwin, Life's Greatest Hunt Led to Romance". Daily Herald. Archived from the original on April 24, 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2017 – via HighBeam Research. The former Terri Raines grew up in Eugene, Ore., where she started a rehab facility for injured bears, cougars, raccoons and bobcats so they could be safely set free in the wild.
  8. "About Steve & Terri". The Crocodile Hunter. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  9. "Steve and Terri Irwin". Enough Rope with Andrew Denton. March 22, 2004. Archived from the original on May 12, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
  10. Hogue, Theresa (September 22, 2006). "'Crocodile Hunter' wed by local pastor". Corvallis Gazette-Times. Retrieved May 12, 2017.
  11. Mann, Simon (September 5, 2006). "Crocodile Hunter died as he lived in nature's danger zone". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  12. "The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course". boxofficemojo.com. Box Office Mojo. December 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  13. Mann, Simon (September 5, 2006). "Call of the wild". The Age. Retrieved March 1, 2016.
  14. Murray, Rebecca. ""Crocodile Hunter - Collision Course" Interview". About.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  15. Staines, Jason (September 4, 2006). "Crocodile man, Steve Irwin, dies". The Age. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  16. "'Crocoseum' tribute set for Irwin". BBC News. September 13, 2006. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  17. "Wildlife legend honoured". ITN News. ITN. November 1, 2006. Retrieved November 1, 2006.
  18. "Terri Irwin presents award to Attenborough". The Australian. News.com.au. November 2, 2006. Archived from the original on November 1, 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2006.
  19. Irwin, Terri (2008). My Steve. Simon & Schuster Australia. ISBN 978-0-731-81413-8.
  20. "Bob Irwin quits Steve's zoo". The Courier-Mail. March 1, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
  21. Ross, Norrie (May 8, 2008). "Terri Irwin and Australia Zoo defeat huge lawsuit". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  22. "Terri Irwin Hasn't Been On A Date Since Losing Steve: 'Already Had My Happily Ever After'". People TV. January 31, 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2018 – via YouTube.
  23. "Steve Irwin had can-opener plan to take on whalers". The Courier-Mail. November 6, 2008. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  24. Environment News Service – Sea Shepherd Heads for Antarctic Battle With Japanese Whalers
  25. Associated Press (June 25, 2008). "Irwin, OSU announce funding for whale studies". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  26. It's an Honour – Honours – Search Australian Honours
  27. Australia Zoo – In The News – Terri Irwin appointed Order of Australia Archived August 31, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  28. Australia Zoo – In The News – Terri becomes a casual honorary Aussie for a day Archived August 30, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  29. It's an Honour – Honours – Awards – Honorary Awards
  30. "2007 Telstra Business Women's Awards". Telstra Business Women's Awards. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  31. Cameron Atfield (July 24, 2015). "Terri Irwin awarded an honorary doctorate at the University of Queensland". Brisbane Times.
  32. "State Finalist Australian of the Year 2015: Terri Irwin". Australian of the Year. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014.
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