Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin grew up at his parents' reptile park in Queensland, catching crocodiles for relocation from his teens. That hands-on knowledge became The Crocodile Hunter, which from 1996 was shown around the world, and he used the fame to buy land for conservation through his family's Australia Zoo. Some scientists disliked his showmanship, but his enthusiasm turned reptiles into television stars. He died in 2006.