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Steve Irwin's dad Bob opens up about the last time he saw his son

The shock of his death brought the world to a standstill.

Ten years on and we're still in disbelief that Steve Irwin is no longer with us.

It's been 10 years since the crocodile hunter's tragic death. Photo: Getty Images
It's been 10 years since the crocodile hunter's tragic death. Photo: Getty Images

For the first time ever, Bob Irwin has opened up on Channel 7’s Sunrise this morning about the last moments he spent with Steve before his tragic death on September 4, 2006.

The father of the wildlife warrior released a tell-all book The Last Crocodile Hunter of the special bond he had with his son and the legacy he left behind.

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Bob, who appeared on the show with a snake wrapped around his neck, was initially reluctant to tell his emotional story but told breakfast hosts Samantha Armytage and David Koch that these stories needed to be shared with the world.

“Some of the stories in that book have never been told… and I thought the younger generation needed to know some of those stories that have come straight from Steve,” the 77-year-old said.

Bob Irwin's first book reveals stories about Steve the world has never heard. Photo: Channel 7
Bob Irwin's first book reveals stories about Steve the world has never heard. Photo: Channel 7

After his son got pierced in the heart by a stingray barb during filming of the documentary Ocean's Deadliest, Bob released a statement: “I’ll remember steve as my best mate, ever, and i'm a lucky, lucky guy that i’ve had the opportunity to have a son like Steve.”

On the show, Bob recalled the last time he saw his son and spoke fondly about their final moments the spent together.

Steve's memory will always live on though his family. Photo: Getty Images
Steve's memory will always live on though his family. Photo: Getty Images

“Steve and I spent that night around the campfire and they were some of the most precious times that i've had in my whole lifetime, was to be able to swap stories and lies like blokes usually do around the campfire they’re times i’ll treasure forever.” the animal conservationist said.

The national icon grew up on his parents' wildlife park in Queensland, where he learnt the ropes and helped his dad re-home crocs.

Terri and Steve took on the wildlife world together. Photo: Getty Images
Terri and Steve took on the wildlife world together. Photo: Getty Images

Bob remembers his energetic son always being on-the-go nonstop and getting up to no good right up until the moment he left the world at 44-years-old.

“He was an amazing little kid even when he was born, he couldn't wait to get into the world,” Bob said.

Steve learned the ropes from his father. Photo: Getty Images
Steve learned the ropes from his father. Photo: Getty Images

“Eight minutes after I got to the hospital they brought out this ugly little thing that turned out to be Steve, and he never stopped from then on.

“He was a hyperactive little kid and got up to mischief doing boy things and nothing ever changed, he was the same when he was an adult,” he said of the Crikey star.

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