Steve Irwin Honored in Special Night of Programming on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel
- Tribute Followed by Irwin's Last Documentary, Ocean's Deadliest, With
Philippe Cousteau -
SILVER SPRING, Md., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Early this fall, the
international community mourned the premature loss of animal expert and
conservationist Steve Irwin, "The Crocodile Hunter." The world was stunned
and the outpouring of condolences was immeasurable. Irwin touched so many
lives -- adults and children alike -- and his impact on conservation
efforts worldwide will last for years to come.
On Sunday, January 21, 2007 from 8-10 PM, fans can both reflect on
Irwin's legacy with the STEVE IRWIN TRIBUTE and marvel at the premiere of
his last television project, OCEAN'S DEADLIEST. The two-hour television
event will be broadcast simultaneously on The Discovery Channel and Animal
Planet.
"Steve has been such an icon for our entire family of networks,
including Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel," noted Billy Campbell,
president, Discovery Networks, U.S. "This exclusive evening of programming
on both networks will honor both his past accomplishments and his continued
dream of showcasing the wildlife kingdom in order to preserve it."
Beginning the evening of programming at 8 PM (ET/PT) is Steve Irwin's
last documentary, OCEAN'S DEADLIEST. Lurking only a few feet below the
surface of eastern Australia's crystalline ocean are some of the most
dangerous animals on the planet. For thousands of years, venomous snakes,
salt-water crocodiles and immense sharks have patrolled these waters. Now,
in the hope of studying nature's most dangerous creations, two adventurers
of legendary reputation and pedigree embark on an epic mission that
requires leadership of an experienced, knowledgeable and fearless crew.
Irwin is joined by oceanographer and adventurer Philippe Cousteau,
grandson of the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, in OCEAN'S DEADLIEST
as they explore the waters between Australia's Gold Coast and the Great
Barrier Reef. Throughout this expedition, Philippe and Steve come face to
face with venomous fish, huge great white sharks and amazing saltwater
crocodiles as they search for the region's most dangerous animal. Along the
way, they will meet the scientific experts who work with these creatures on
a regular basis, learning the reason why they have evolved with such
dangerous defenses and also learning that in truth, they fill a role in the
overall ecosystem that is vital and cannot be overlooked. Their adventure
features amazing and breathtaking moments, including subduing a giant croc
in order to attach a satellite tracking device; observing the feeding
behavior of the great white shark while safely tucked away inside a dive
cage; and working with the Australian experts who capture deadly sea snakes
in order to supply anti-venom to the rest of the world. Cousteau, who was
aboard Croc One with Irwin during the expedition when he was struck and
killed by a stingray, narrates the 90- minute documentary.
At 9:30 PM (ET/PT) is the STEVE IRWIN TRIBUTE, an intimate look at the
life of Steve Irwin -- husband, father, friend, icon, and conservationist
-- through the eyes of those who knew him best. Terri Irwin, family and
friends share personal stories about the incredible man the world came to
know and love as the Croc Hunter. Through exhilarating adventure moments
and never- before-seen footage, the STEVE IRWIN TRIBUTE recognizes,
celebrates and honors Steve's passion and enthusiasm for spreading wildlife
conservation. His untimely and tragic passing away put our world in a state
of shock and mourning. His imprint and legacy will live on through his
non-profit organization Wildlife Warriors
(http://www.wildlifewarriors.com), dedicated to continuous efforts to
embrace and spread animal conservation.
A rich interactive experience awaits visitors online at
AnimalPlanet.com. In addition to a timeline of Irwin's life, favorite
moments selected by Terri and daughter Bindi, and a photo gallery,
AnimalPlanet.com also profiles the prominent sea creatures from OCEAN'S
DEADLIEST, features interactive interviews with Cousteau, and provides
puzzles and games related to the documentary.
STEVE IRWIN TRIBUTE and OCEAN'S DEADLIEST are both productions of Best
Picture Show for Discovery Communications, Inc. John Stainton is the
executive producer for Best Picture Show. For Discovery Communications,
Inc., Wendy Douglas is the executive producer of the STEVE IRWIN TRIBUTE,
and Jason Carey is executive producer for OCEAN'S DEADLIEST. Both specials
are part of Animal Planet Media Enterprises' ROAR public affairs campaign
and initiative (http://www.animalplanet.com/roar).
Discovery Communications, Inc., is the leading global real-world media
company with operations in 170 countries and territories reaching 1.4
billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive
programming represent 28 trusted brands including Discovery Channel, TLC
and Animal Planet. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education
and COSMEO, a revolutionary online homework help service, as well as
Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores
in the U.S. Discovery brings the real world to the whole world through its
global multiplatform initiatives including Discovery Travel Media,
Discovery Mobile and multiple broadband services. DCI's ownership consists
of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB), Cox
Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S.
Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman. More information about
Discovery and its businesses can be found at http://www.discovery.com.
