Stephen Robert Irwin (22 February 1962 - 4 September 2006), known simply as Steve Irwin and nicknamed "The Crocodile Hunter", was an iconic Australian television personality, wildlife expert, and conservationist. Irwin achieved worldwide fame from the television series The Crocodile Hunter, an internationally broadcast wildlife documentary (nature documentary) series co-hosted with his wife Terri (Terri Irwin) (n�e (Married and maiden names) Raines). Together, the couple also co-owned and operated Australia Zoo, founded by Irwins parents in Beerwah (Beerwah, Queensland), Queensland.

Irwin died on 4 September 2006 after being fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming in Australias Great Barrier Reef. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship MV Steve Irwin (MV Steve Irwin) was named in his honour, christened by his widow, who stated: "If Steve were alive, hed be aboard with them!"