We were all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Irwin, who was killed in a freak accident off the Queensland coastline this month.

Steve will be fondly remembered by many as the Aussie Larkin and wildlife warrior whose unconventional style endeared him to millions around the world.

On behalf of the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation industry we send this message of support and our deepest condolences to his family (father Bob, wife Terri and his two children Bindi and Bob) and all the staff at Australia Zoo.

Steve was a passionate environmentalist who used his television programmes and the award-winning Australia Zoo wildlife park to promote to the world both the conservation of native animals and the natural beauty of Australia.

The Crocodile Hunter programme in which Steve Irwin starred was first broadcast in 1992 and has been shown around the world on the Discovery cable network with an estimated audience of over 500 million.

Michael Collins

AALARA President