Remembering Steve Irwin With Last Film

Philippe Cousteau Says The Documentary Irwin Died Making Is a Tribute To Him

(CBS)  Four months ago, Steve Irwin was filming the documentary "Ocean's Deadliest" for Animal Planet when he was fatally wounded by a stingray.

The filmmakers have just completed the documentary, which shows the wildlife expert at his best: strong, vibrant and doing what he did best.

The chief ocean correspondent for Animal Planet, Philippe Cousteau, narrated the film and was there when Irwin died. It was the first time he had ever worked with the crocodile hunter.

"I was amazed by what a great, considerate and sincere guy he was with his work and on and off the camera," Cousteau told The Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. "How much fun he was, what a jokester he was, and how much fun we were having."

Cousteau said there were moments during filming that he sometimes felt cautious and concerned about working with dangerous animals, but he never expected Irwin's life to come to a tragic end.

"It's something that will stay with us for a long time," said Cousteau, who tried to revive Irwin. "It was definitely one of the worst days of my life. It went being from one of the best weeks — we were having such a great time — to, in a heart beat, a terrible tragedy."

After Irwin died, Cousteau and the film's producers decided that they had no choice but to finish the piece as a tribute to Irwin. Even though Cousteau only worked with him for two short weeks, he said he would be inspired by Irwin's passion and commitment forever.

Cousteau said he and Irwin gelled right away, especially over their passion for wildlife. The documentary prompted Cousteau to try things he had never done before, like swim with a great white shark.

"It was incredible. These animals that have such a bad reputation are much more thoughtful and graceful, with such purpose," he said. "That's the theme, all these animals that are deadly and dangerous, they have an important role to play and the deadly creature is really man."

"Ocean's Deadliest" airs on Animal Planet and Discovery on Jan. 21.

[tiger_fairy9]

The best way ever to end. Not only will Irwin be remembered, but I think this was one of the best ways to say, "We miss ya mate."

[ajaxrose1]

An awesome human being who left us way too soon, that's a fact. I'm glad they went ahead and completed the last work that he did. He's seems, by all accounts, to have been the sort of person who would have wanted it that way.

[ampmac]

i fill so sorry for his little girl . and i hope she nows her daddy is up in heven watchin over her . and he will be miss so very much . love , amelia

[earthseed]

He Changed Our World - Steve Irwin Memorial Tribute DVD ~ Steve Irwin
Bee Zeeb "Ministry of Mutation" says:
"The Best Gift for Kids!
Every Young WildLife Warrior in the World Deserves a Copy!

All proceeds go to further the work of the Irwin's Australia Zoo through the Wildlife Warriors foundation."

Get Your Copy at Amazon Now:
http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Treasures-amp-Random-Acts-of-Generosity-@-Ministry-of-Mutants/lm/RSTUILIX0DECB/

ALOHA & Keep the Beauty Alive!
BzB at GalaxyGarden.org

[earthseed]

He Changed Our World - Steve Irwin Memorial Tribute DVD ~ Steve Irwin
Bee Zeeb "Ministry of Mutation" says:
"The Best Gift for Kids!
Every Young WildLife Warrior in the World Deserves a Copy!

All proceeds go to further the work of the Irwin's Australia Zoo through the Wildlife Warriors foundation."

Get it at Amazon Now:
http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Treasures-amp-Random-Acts-of-Generosity-@-Ministry-of-Mutants/lm/RSTUILIX0DECB/

[ladyfox250]

I think it is a wonderful thing that the movie is going on as scheduled.. Steve would have wanted it that way.. He would have wanted everyone to know even in his own death that was what he wanted.. to preserve all wildlife.... I think it is neat.. I praise him .. even in death.. I pray for his family and the courageous Bindi's effort's to keep her entertainment and media roots alive... You go Bindi !!! I loved the Croc Hunter and everything he stood for and had a lot of respect as a nature person and I do & love photography as well.. Rest in peace Steve...