The Crocodile Hunter lives on........
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Crocodile Hunter's widow Terri Irwin to launch whale research
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26 Dec, 8:39 PM
SYDNEY, Australia - The widow of TV "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin announced Thursday she will launch non-lethal research of whales in Antarctic waters next year in hopes of showing Japan's scientific whale kill is a sham.
Tokyo has staunchly defended its annual cull of more than 1,000 whales as crucial for research, saying it is necessary to kill the whales to properly gather information about their eating, breeding and migratory habits.
Environmentalists and anti-whaling countries say the slaughter is commercial whaling in disguise, because much of the meat from the whales ends up being sold commercially.
Terri Irwin said a whale-watching program she started to honour her late husband will expand into scientific research in 2008. Steve Irwin, the high-profile wildlife show host and environmental campaigner, was killed by a stingray last year off Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
"We are working with Oregon State University to do formalized research in the southern hemisphere," Terri Irwin told the Nine Network television.
"We can actually learn everything the Japanese are learning with lethal research by using non-lethal research."
Japan's whaling fleet is run by a government-backed research institute and operates under a clause in International Whaling Commission rules that allows whales to be killed for scientific purposes.
Japan had planned to kill up to 50 endangered humpback whales this season but backed away from the plan in the face of strong international condemnation.
"We are determined to show the Japanese they can stop all whaling, not just humpbacks," Irwin said.
Further details of Irwin's planned research program were not immediately available.
Earlier this month, Irwin threw her support behind a radical conservation group that has threatened to disrupt Japan's annual whale hunt, allowing the U.S.-based Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to rename one of its flagship vessels after her late husband.
Sea Shepherd has come under heavy criticism in recent years for engaging in violent confrontation with the Japanese whaling fleet in Antarctic waters.
I love whales, though I've only ever seen them on TV. In fact that embarassing guitar song with about 3 chords that we all write at about age 15 was about whales. I hope they prove that we can learn without harming them, let alone killing.
I'm glad to see Terri Irwin continuing Steve's efforts. I sometimes watch Crocodile Hunter repeats and he is still greatly missed. Even though he was a bit controversial for the way he handled animals, you can always tell that he cared deeply for them and believed 100% in his work.
On a side note, am I the only one that gets teary remembering the end of Free Willy? I'm afraid to rewatch it again because I know I'll just bawl seeing that glorious jump to freedom in action (I haven't watched it in years).
"Tokyo has staunchly defended its annual cull of more than 1,000 whales as crucial for research, saying it is necessary to kill the whales to properly gather information about their eating, breeding and migratory habits."
Who are they kidding with this? Gee...hmmm...I really want to study my next door neighbours eating habits so I better go kill them? What? This logic is crazy! I truly hope we will see the end of this horrific tradtion soon! I'm glad Terri is seeking ways to help.
I'm glad to see Terri Irwin continuing Steve's efforts. I sometimes watch Crocodile Hunter repeats and he is still greatly missed. Even though he was a bit controversial for the way he handled animals, you can always tell that he cared deeply for them and believed 100% in his work.
On a side note, am I the only one that gets teary remembering the end of Free Willy? I'm afraid to rewatch it again because I know I'll just bawl seeing that glorious jump to freedom in action (I haven't watched it in years).
I have watched Free Willy so many times. I own it and yet still watch it every time it is on TV. I always cry at the end and I stand up and cheer Willy on to jump over that wall. I scream go Wee Wee (long story) with tears streaming down my face. It is not like I don't know he is going to make the jump as he has made it the 30 or so times I have watched the movie! ;D
I also really miss Steve Irwin. I agree with you that many thought he was controversial in his handling of animals but there is no doubt he loved them and made a huge effort in making people see the beauty in the 'not so beautiful' animals.
My sister gave me the newly published book, 'Steve & Me' by Terri Irwin for Christmas. I am so glad Terri is continuing his work as is his daughter Bindi (my goodness, she looks like Steve).
I'm glad to see Terri Irwin continuing Steve's efforts. I sometimes watch Crocodile Hunter repeats and he is still greatly missed. Even though he was a bit controversial for the way he handled animals, you can always tell that he cared deeply for them and believed 100% in his work.
On a side note, am I the only one that gets teary remembering the end of Free Willy? I'm afraid to rewatch it again because I know I'll just bawl seeing that glorious jump to freedom in action (I haven't watched it in years).
I have watched Free Willy so many times. I own it and yet still watch it every time it is on TV. I always cry at the end and I stand up and cheer Willy on to jump over that wall. I scream go Wee Wee (long story) with tears streaming down my face. It is not like I don't know he is going to make the jump as he has made it the 30 or so times I have watched the movie! ;D
Glad to see another Free Willy fan! The only downside is that that sh!tty Michael Jackson song always gets stuck in my head when I think of the film. I gotta watch that movie again though. I think I saw it at Wally World for $5; maybe I'll go pick it up. I always like the part where they take Willy through the car wash to keep him wet.