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Thousands at Irwin memorial event Thousands at Irwin memorial event
(about 3 hours later)
More than 5,000 people have attended a memorial service for the Australian television naturalist, Steve Irwin, who was killed two weeks ago.More than 5,000 people have attended a memorial service for the Australian television naturalist, Steve Irwin, who was killed two weeks ago.
The service, at Mr Irwin's Crocoseum stadium in Queensland, was broadcast by three of Australia's TV networks.The service, at Mr Irwin's Crocoseum stadium in Queensland, was broadcast by three of Australia's TV networks.
The tributes were led by Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who said Mr Irwin had taught people to love and respect all creatures, great and small.The tributes were led by Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who said Mr Irwin had taught people to love and respect all creatures, great and small.
Mr Irwin died after being spiked in the chest by the barb of a stingray.Mr Irwin died after being spiked in the chest by the barb of a stingray.
Mr Howard said: "Steve Irwin touched the hearts of Australians and touched the hearts of millions around the world in a very special way. The one-hour ceremony was set to music as speakers paid tribute to the 44-year-old, who was famous for his stunts with crocodiles and other dangerous reptiles.
"He did that because he had that quality of being genuine and being authentic, of being unconditional of having a great zest for life. Footage was shown of the television presenter falling out of boats, being lunged at by crocodiles and lizards and forgetting his lines.
"And throughout his all too short life, he demonstrated a love for the two things that ought to matter more to all of us than anything else - his love of his family and his love of his country. 'Touched millions'
"He brought to Australians and the world an understanding of nature. He taught our children in particular to love and respect all creatures, great and small. Hollywood actors Russell Crowe and Cameron Diaz were among those paying tribute to the naturalist.
"In everything he did he was direct, he was genuine and oh so Australian - and that is what we loved so much about him." Animals were also present at the memorial service
Hollywood actors Russell Crowe and Cameron Diaz also paid tribute to the naturalist, who was famous for his stunts with crocodiles and other dangerous reptiles. "I know as humble as you always were, you would still be pleased to know that the world sends its love and people all over the planet have been grieving," Mr Crowe said.
One of the most touching speeches was made by Steve Irwin's eight-year-old daughter Bindi.
"My daddy was a hero - he was always there for me when I needed him," said the youngster, who like her mother Terri and two-year-old brother Robert, was wearing Steve Irwin's trademark khaki.
Mr Howard said Steve Irwin had "touched the hearts of Australians and touched the hearts of millions around the world in a very special way".
"He brought to Australians and the world an understanding of nature," the Prime Minister went on.