Steve Irwin’s childhood friend says he was always fearless and had ‘uncanny ability to read wildlife’

CROCODILE Hunter Steve Irwin’s manager has revealed how the wildlife warrior twice saved his life — by stepping between him and rampaging animals. He shares his memories in an exclusive interview to mark 10 years since Irwin was killed.

A HEARTBREAKING note written by legendary conservationist Steve Irwin has been uncovered ahead of the 10th anniversary of his death this Sunday.

The poignant letter that the late TV personality wrote to his parents Lyn and Bob at the age of 32 reveals a man just beginning to understand the true purpose of life and find joy.

10 YEARS ON: OUR SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO STEVE IRWIN THIS WEEKEND

“Probably one of the most unfortunate things in a ‘Bloke’s Life’ is that it takes over 30 years to realise how essential you have been to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my HAPPINESS,” the Crocodile Hunter reflected.

“At 32, I am finally starting to figure it out. In good times and in bad, you were there. Your strength and endurance to raise me will not go unrewarded. My love for you is my strength! For the rest of my life I will reflect on the unbelievably GREAT times we’ve shared and will continue to share. You’re my best friends!”

John Stainton with a portrait of Steve Irwin. PIC: Darren England.

Steve, who signs off with a thank you, was to find even more joy with the birth of his daughter Bindi four years later, followed by son Robert.

Tragically, he was killed by a stingray 10 years ago this Sunday, when his children with wife Terri were eight and two.

Bob Irwin Sr only discovered the unopened letter earlier this year, when it fell out of a book. On the envelope was a brief message from his lost son: “Please be happy to know that your strength and wisdom have been passed on.”

Steve’s manager says The Crocodile Hunter saved his life when he pushed him out of the path of a charging komodo dragon in Indonesia.

With the imminent anniversary of the fearless wildlife warrior’s death, friends have said his sixth sense with dangerous animals saved lives in a number of close shaves.

Manager and director John Stainton said Steve often shielded him and documentary co-workers from peril.

One drama saw the film crew running for their lives soon after going ashore at a remote Indonesian island to film komodo dragons.

They had taken chicken for lunch and when two massive dragons in the mangroves “sniffed it’’, the fearsome 2.5-metre creatures charged.

A terrified Stainton was in the firing line, but Steve leapt up and shoved him out of the way. He threw a camera in front of them and one dragon “just tore into it’’.

“That camera could have been me,’’ Stainton said.

“This is the sort of thing Steve would do. Our crew, which became like family over the years, had so much faith in him. They knew that Steve would protect them.’’

Steve saved Stainton again in Zambia when a venomous Egyptian cobra reared.

“Just as it was about to strike, Steve jumped in front of me. His back hit my chest, sending me flying.”

Tony Frisby (left) says Steve Irwin was ‘the best in the world’ at what he did.

Steve’s friend since childhood, Tony Frisby, told The Courier-Mail Steve seemed to know exactly what an animal was going to do.

“Steve had an uncanny ability to read wildlife … the best I’ve ever seen,’’ he said. “Bob, his father, is a legend, but Steve was even more amazing.”

Mr Frisby said Steve was even more intuitive with snakes and goannas than with crocodiles. He said one of his most enduring memories was Steve on the black soil plains of western Queensland with an inland taipan — the deadliest snake in the world — in each hand, saying: “Fris, have a look at this.’’

“Steve was confident in his ability and wasn’t scared. That’s what made him so great — the best in the world.’’

Mr Frisby, 52, now works as a senior wildlife officer with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, and says he still uses the skills taught to him by Steve.

The boys met aged about 12 and their teen years revolved around surfing, fishing and playing rugby league.

The pair developed their wildlife skills with Steve’s dad, Bob, and they dreamt big — but not too big — about the future of the reptile park.

“We would sit and have a drink in the garage of the old house at Beerwah (on the site of the park) and say to each other, ‘One day this will be bigger than the Big Pineapple’,’’ Mr Frisby said.

“That was our benchmark for big then. We had no idea it would develop into the world-renowned attraction Australia Zoo is now — or how famous Steve would become.’’