Steve Irwin's zoo burial

Showbiz

13:30 11 September 2006

'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin was buried at a private funeral service at his Australia Zoo on Saturday (10.09.06).

The wildlife expert - who was killed last Monday (04.09.06), aged 44, by a stingray - was laid to rest in a campfire service attended by friends and family who shared their favourite stories about him.

Steve's father, Bob Irwin, said: "It was what he would have wanted and it put some final closure to his life."

Wes Mannion, director of the zoo, paid tribute to Steve, who he described as a "100 miles per hour" guy.

Mannion said: "I don't think you can ever fill that void.

"I'll remember Steve as my best mate. He was like my big brother, he was my hero."

A public memorial service for the late TV star will be held either tomorrow (12.09.06) or on Wednesday (13.09.06) at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Steve's friend and manager John Stainton said the remembrance ceremony would be a "celebration" rather than a mourning.

He said: "Steve would not have wanted to have everyone crying and saying how sad it was."

Steve's widow Terri and children, Bindi, eight, and two-year-old Bob, are set to make their first public appearance since the tragedy at the memorial service.

(C) BANG Media International