Hi everyone! I am Jocelyn, a Psychology student from Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

A couple of months back, I visited Western Australia and it was my first time coming into close contact with the native animals, like kangaroos, koalas and wombats. Being a little fearful of animals, I was initially apprehensive to approach the kangaroos which were hopping around freely in the large enclosure. However, after interacting with the kangaroos, I grew so fond of them that I spent over an hour in the enclosure just stroking and feeding them, and watching them hop and play around with each other. I was overjoyed when some of them even held my hands with their forelegs to get me to continue feeding them. It was then I realised how experiences can change our initial perceptions and attitudes; having experienced these kangaroos at first-hand has changed my initial fear to love for these amazingly cute animals!

Steve Irwin was an avid conservationist who firmly believed that people’s experiences with wildlife animals could change their nonchalant attitudes toward wildlife conservation, and be inspired thereafter to protect wildlife. Like many others, I came to know of Steve Irwin through his wildlife documentary “The Crocodile Hunter”. It really amazed me then, how someone could be so passionate and fearless of wildlife, and be willing to dedicate almost his entire life to improving the bleak future of wildlife. Thus, I wanted to write this blog to hopefully share with you snippets of his life and how he has made a tremendous difference in wildlife conservation. Of course though, it would not be possible to document every thing Steve Irwin did for wildlife conservation, given his countless contributions, small and large.

Finally, I would like to share with you a quote that I think aptly describes why I wish to share Steve Irwin’s story with you.

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”

– Shannon L. Alder