Steve Irwin's daughter Bindi, 8 years old, said: "My daddy was my hero, he was always there for me when I needed him ... but most of all he was fun. He took me and my brother and mum with him all the time. We filmed together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in the bush together. I have the best daddy in the whole world. I miss him every day."

"I know Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did. I don't want Daddy's passion to ever end. I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did. When I see a crocodile, I will always think of him and I know Daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals.

"Daddy made this place his whole life and now it's our turn to help Daddy."

Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, said: "Steve Irwin touched the hearts of Australians and of millions around the world in a very special way," he said. "He did that because he had that quality of being genuine, of being authentic."