Adorable Google Doodle Honors The Life Of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin (Photos)

Celebrity | Television

Adorable Google Doodle Honors The Life Of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin (Photos)

Australia Zoo / Google

Every second, the search engine Google handles around 40,000 questions from curious people around the world.

With all that Googling going on, you've probably seen a few of Google's daily illustrations, cartoons, and interactive games that they call Google Doodles.

These little tributes mark holidays, honor celebrity birthdays, or just give people with too much free time a chance to distract themselves.

Steve Irwin Google Doodle
The Google Doodle is a trip through Irwin's career.Google

But on Friday, Google outdid themselves with an adorable illustrated tribute to the "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin.

The Australian TV host and zookeeper was famous for hosting nature documentaries like Crocodile Hunter - which aired in more than 100 countries - before his untimely death at age 44, when a stingray barb pierced his heart.

This Friday, the 22nd, which is Australia's National Wildlife Day and would have been Irwin's 57th birthday, Google paid tribute to his lasting legacy with a children's book-style journey through his life.

Steve Irwin
The Crocodile Hunter has a lifetime of special moments to include in the tribute to his life.Google

In the illustrations, Irwin wrangles a hungry crocodile, films a nature documentary, entertains audiences at the Australia Zoo, marries his wife Terri, and welcomes his two children Bindi and Robert.

Some of the most memorable moments from his TV career, like his impromptu snuggle session with a mother orangutan, are featured in the adorable artwork.

Steve Irwin Google Doodle
Irwin's wife, Terri, and their children, Bindi and Robert, were also featured in the animated doodle.Google

The story ends without Irwin, but on a happy note, as the rest of his family continue to run the Australia Zoo while honoring his legacy.

In a blog post about the Google Doodle, Terri called losing her husband "a real crossroads" for his entire family, "but together we decided to continue his mission."

Steve Irwin
The other Irwins continue to run their family business, the Australia Zoo.Google

"Bindi, Robert and I have dedicated our lives to the wildlife conservation work that Steve began."

She also shared a quote from the late TV host that perfectly captured his personality and approach to wildlife conservation: "I don't care if I'm remembered, as long as my message is remembered."

You can watch the full Google Doodle here.

[H/T: ABC News]

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