Steve Irwin was born in 1962 to Lyn and Bob Irwin, who were wildlife naturalists. He carried a love of animals throughout his life, which began in childhood spent at the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park. There he took part in daily duties feeding and caring for the animals. He quickly established himself with the Queensland government in the process of implementing the state's crocodile relocation program, under which reptiles could be moved and relocated to suitable areas in the most humane way possible, without the use of tranquilizers.

He often applies the no-tranquilizer factor in his television show "The Crocodile Hunter" (1999). In 1992 Steve married fellow naturalist Terri Irwin (Baines). She joined his adventures and endeavors in almost every episode of his show. They had one daughter, Bindi Sue Irwin, who was born on July 24, 1998. He died in September 2006 after being attacked by a stingray at the Great Barrier Reef.