Irwin also took on smaller projects, such as working with farmers to save an endangered species of python called the woma. His zoo actually paid farmers to report information about the snakes rather than kill them, as was once widely done.
Irwin described himself as "a man in a hurry" who wanted to accomplish as much as he could in his lifetime to save wildlife and support environmental causes.
During a 2003 interview with The Age in Australia, he said, "I consider myself a wildlife warrior. My mission is to save the world's endangered species."
Although his life was cut short by Monday's tragic accident, Irwin's work will continue, according to an announcement today by Michael Hornby, executive director of the Australia Zoo.
"We have an obligation now to do more, and through his legacy we hope more Australians and more people around the world will get into conservation," Hornby said on Australia's Channel 9 Today program.
He added, "Things like the culling of wildlife, which Steve was very passionate (against). That has to stop. We've got to create safer habitats. We've got to carry on the mantle."
