I am saddened but not shocked to have found out that Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray this weekend.

Read more about Steve Irwin’s death.

My big gripe with Steve’s view of animals was that he saw them as many people from the East see them; as fluffy toys. Wild animals (be that a hedgehog or a fully grown male lion) are brilliant for the same reason that they are dangerous; they are NOT fluffy toys.

I have often said that Steve doesn’t treat animals with enough respect and it wouldn’t surprise me that this is how he got into trouble.

While I didn’t agree with the way that Steve “worked” with wildlife, his enthusiasm was genuine and it generated a lot of interest in all sorts of wildlife. I would much rather have him around than not.

My thoughts are with his family.