Why Steve Irwin hid in his own zoo

STEVE Irwin was an excitable, larger than life larrikin. But he became “withdrawn” leading up to his death, his right-hand man has revealed, going as far as wearing a disguise at his popular zoo.

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FAME forced Steve Irwin to wear a disguise so he wouldn’t be mobbed in his own zoo, his right-hand man has revealed.

Today marks 10 years since The Crocodile Hunter died, aged 44, after being struck by a stingray’s barbed tail while filming on the Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas.

Steve’s trusted lieutenant in the croc team, Brian Coulter, told The Sunday Mail international stardom never sat comfortably with the legendary conservationist.

He said he had noticed his mentor had become “withdrawn’’ leading up to his death.

Steve Irwin: Crocodile Hunter’s life in pictures

“Around the zoo, Steve started to wear a disguise. He would put on a floppy hat, put in fake teeth and wear a Hawaiian or old T-shirt with some boardshorts that his mum made him,’’ he said.

“Steve was an out-there guy who usually liked being the centre of attention … but it had reached the point where he did withdraw … everyone wanted a piece of him. It became a bit much. I would never want to be famous, having seen what I saw with Steve.’’

Steve Irwin with his family - son Robert, wife Terri and daughter Bindi.

Mr Coulter, who was there when Steve died, said he would remember the great times he had with The Crocodile Hunter, particularly in his last month – the team’s most exciting mission as far as catching and tagging crocodiles went.

“We caught 49 crocs – all monsters. It was like one 15-footer after another. Steve was over the moon.’’

Mr Coulter first met Steve in 1995 as a volunteer at what was then the Queensland Reptile Park at Beerwah, which would become Australia Zoo. The Croc Hunter told him he wanted him as an apprentice but had a stark warning for his protege: “If you get bitten, you’re out!’’

ONE OF A KIND

Steve drew millions of people close to the wildest and rarest creatures, but the most unique specimen was him, his long-time friend and manager has revealed.

Brisbane’s John Stainton said the decade since Steve’s death had made it even more apparent what the world lost.

Stainton said after Steve died, he was approached by “a rash of people who thought they would be good replacements’’.

“None came anywhere near it. They were nice people and have gone on to do good stuff, but it became very clear that there was only ever going to be one Steve Irwin. He was unique.’’

CONTROVERSY REARS UP

A “dark period’’ for Steve came in 2004 when he hit the headlines after being accused of putting his baby son Robert’s life at risk by cradling him while he fed a giant croc at Australia Zoo.

The international media attention was overpowering and Stainton said “the baby Bob affair’’ really affected Steve – “probably the most hurt he had ever been”.

To escape the controversy, they organised a trip to Antarctica, but this would only end in more drama. While Steve was sitting on a chunk of floating ice, he was circled by two southern right whales.

A US tourist on a distant cruise ship reported to media she had seen The Crocodile Hunter “riding a whale’’.

“This really blew up and we were investigated,’’ Stainton said. “Fortunately, the truth came out.’’

Brian Coulter was Steve Irwin’s right-hand man.

OUT OF THE KHAKI

After the controversies, it was considered pertinent to take some of the adrenaline out of Steve’s image. He was cast into a much tamer series that focused on new-age vets. The khaki had to go and he was asked to choose from a range of more fashionable apparel.

“This was his worst nightmare,’’ Stainton said. “He begrudgingly settled on a lime Hilfiger shirt, but would call it his ‘Hellfinger’, and whenever he could he would slip back into the khakis.’’

The show had a lukewarm response and was cancelled after six episodes.

CRIKEY, WE’RE FAMOUS

Stainton said fame was never a big deal for Steve, who was “nonplussed’’ about stardom.

Steve was invited to be part of the 78th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York in 2005. He was on a float, standing on the head of a huge fake croc and the crowd was yelling “crikey’’ as he pulled into Times Square.

Steve Irwin, pictured with Dame Edna Everage during a promotion on pay TV's Discovery Channel, became a household name around the world. Pic: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

“I said to him: ‘How amazing was that? Here we are, two boys from Beerwah and Brisbane, going along the main streets of New York with people screaming your name like The Beatles. How do you feel?’

“Steve was less than impressed: ‘How would you feel if you were stuck on a float for three hours with nowhere to take a leak?’.’’

Steve Irwin — his life in pictures

VIEW GALLERY

THE LEGEND

Stainton and many of the crew will gather in Brisbane today for a private function where they will share stories and remember their mate.

Widow Terri, 52, and children Bindi, 18, and Robert, 12, will host celebrations of Steve’s life later in the year. Steve Irwin Day is held on November 15 with a family fun day at Australia Zoo, and a gala dinner will be held on November 26, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Steve’s father, Bob Irwin, is set to release a memoir. The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy will be launched on October 25.

Originally published as Why Steve Irwin hid in his own zoo