Why did Steve Irwin go snorkeling when he knew there were bull rays there?

Answer 1

They were sting rays, and it wasn't the first time Steve Irwin swam near and with this type of sea/ocean life. Sting Rays don't discriminate between non-human and human prey. One speculation was that Steve, being above the ray, cast a shadow that the ray noticed and struck out at. Another speculation was that the ray simply flicked its tail and Steve happened to be within striking range. According to the camera man swimming with Steve, it happened so fast...there was nothing anyone could do. However, Steve also reacted instinctively by pulling the stinger out of his chest; some medical personnel speculated that had he left it in, left it alone, he might have been saved. The reasoning is that any time there is an impalement---something that pierces a vital organ--it is better to leave it in until the person gets to an E.R. The stinger went into his heart, so pulling it out tore apart the heart muscle. BUT, sting rays pump poison, so that poison would have continually been pumped directly into the heart and circulated through the body; his death was inevitable, regardless of what he or others did or did not do. The footage taken that day was reviewed by the authorities, but was never / will never be released. From memory, I believe I read that the film was given to Terri Irwin, who did not watch it and chose to destroy the footage. Whether that is true or not, authorities determined nothing would have saved Steve.

We lost a passionate ecologist/conservationist/biologist/researcher, and fine Aussie when Steve Irwin died. He was loved and respected by many worldwide. (I remember crying with the news.) He was equally criticized for his conservation efforts, and blamed for his own death--many people didn't understand that behind his boyish enthusiasm was an educated and experienced researcher dedicated to saving many species, as also his wife. Steve Irwin was taken too soon. I miss his shows, which are still shown from time to time. His wife, Terri, his daughter Bindi and son, Robert, continue Steve's legacy. I always hoped one day I'd get to visit his zoo....to meet him... Now, all we can do is honor his memory in our own communities with helping animals and donating to organizations focused on animal and ocean welfare. Watch Jan 2014 Interview with Terri and Bindi