The now-infamous death of animal extraordinaire Steve Irwin had a shocking effect on many people. Whether you were dismayed by his death because of his seemingly unfailing expertise, or the irony of the death of a man who spends life in danger dying from a usually benign stingray, most people were shocked. But sadly, many people are expressing their grief over this unfortunate event in violent, unacceptable ways that Irwin would certainly have disapproved of.
According to a Sept. 12 Associated Press news article, some people are mutilating and killing stingrays on the eastern coast of Australia. Clearly, these people have missed the point of Irwin’s TV programs. Irwin’s goals were to demystify these seemingly scary creatures, explain the motivation behind their actions, and possibly try to illicit respect for seldom-respected animals like crocodiles and other scaly critters.
Instead, these misguided former fans are acting in a way that totally contradicts Irwin’s message. According to the article, “The dead stingrays have been discovered on two beaches in Queensland state, including two with their tails lopped off.” Rather than recognize that even a placid stingray is still a wild animal that will act on instinct when it feels threatened, these people are acting cruelly toward innocent animals, a behavior most unfitting for civilized, rational people.
Aside from the fact that these animals are wild and act purely on instinct, it is ridiculous to punish all stingrays for the actions of one. The reasoning behind seeking revenge against all stingrays, because of the sad fate Irwin faced, is similar to punishing all people of one group because of the actions of one rogue person.
What distinguishes us from animals, generally, is our ability to reason. Animals are often unable to distinguish an innocuous gesture from a threatening move; a trait that has made many innocent fish targets for brutalization.
Animals are not vindictive, spiteful or malicious in their actions. They attack to survive. In this respect, we could learn a lesson from animals and not harbor hate toward them.
Rather than disrespect the now-deceased daredevil, let’s commemorate Irwin’s contributions to wildlife awareness and understanding by being more respectful toward animals. Anyone who has ever seen the quietly majestic and graceful underwater movement of a stingray can’t help but be overwhelmed with awe and respect. Stingrays are amazing, unique creatures whose strange methods of propulsion through water look akin to a bird in the sky. Let’s respect them as the wild, amazing creatures they are.