Irwin's last documentary will be aired

The energetic conservationist was killed by a stingray during the filming of the documentary.
WASHINGTON POST
In his final documentary, Steve Irwin displays the exuberant passion that was as familiar as his trademark khakis. Cradling a 6-foot sea snake and exclaiming over a massive crocodile called Kennedy, Irwin bubbles with enthusiasm for his critters and their conservation.
"He turned up the energy a little bit on camera, but he really was so excited about all these things," said Philippe Cousteau, who was working with Irwin on the program when a stingray barb fatally pierced Irwin's heart Sept. 4.
"Ocean's Deadliest," a 90-minute documentary featuring some of the most dangerous residents off Australia's coast, will be simulcast at 8 tonight on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel and will be followed by "Crikey! What an Adventure," a half-hour program honoring Irwin.
Not just clips
The tribute will include previously unaired footage but "will be something a little more personal than just the clips from shows," said Maureen Smith, general manager of Animal Planet. "People will get more of a sense of Steve, the family man."
Irwin's widow, Terri; his longtime friend and manager, John Stainton; and other family members and friends contributed their personal remembrances to "Crikey!"
Cousteau was among those who tried to resuscitate Irwin after he was struck by the stingray. "One knows that this kind of thing can happen, because you're out in the wild, working with animals in unpredictable circumstances. But it was a shock for us all," Cousteau said.
The final segment shows how whale hunting and pollution destroy sea life, and offers stark visual reminders that fishermen's nets can snare turtles, dolphins and sea birds as well as fish.
"Ocean's Deadliest" does not refer to Irwin's death until its closing shot: a still photo of Irwin, smiling broadly, and the words "In Memory of Steve Irwin."