Bring Steve Irwin "The Crocodile Hunter" Back to Animal Planet

We the undersigned are deeply saddened and upset that Animal Planet USA has decided to remove The Crocodile Hunter and all Steve Irwin shows from your lineup.  The Irwin family shows were hugely popular all in the USA and all over the world. Fans of Steve Irwin young and old and children who don't know or understand that he has passed on greatly love his shows--even knowing that they are reruns. 

So many people have been inspired to help, protect and save wildlife and wild places due to the wonderful conservation message Steve Irwin brought to the Animal Planet screen.    

There are still so many people out there, including young children who have never seen Steve's shows, that need to hear his wildlife conservation message.  

Steve's show helped to make Animal Planet and as they said in a press release on Tuesday, September 6th 2006 quoted from their website:

"Discovery Communications is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced Animal Planet's air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand."

Discovery Networks International President Dawn McCall, said,

"Rarely has the world embraced an animal enthusiast and conservationist as they did Steve Irwin. Steve's passion for animals and leadership in conservation awareness leaves a powerful and lasting legacy across the globe."

Outside the United States, Animal Planet is available in 160 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East with programming customized in 24 languages. --that's allot of Croc Hunter!

It is obvious that the quality programming offered by Steve Irwin and family are still very popular all over the planet so please consider bringing Steve back to Animal Planet so the world can hear, learn and be inspired by Steve's passionate message of the conservation of the wild creatures and wild places of the planet--our Animal Planet. 

NOTE as of 9/9/2008: According to the Discovery Communications/Animal Planet website it appears that AP is bringing Steve Irwin The Crocodile Hunter back to TV!  WOO HOO!! 

NOTE: October 09, 2008 Steve is back on AP!  I just watched an episode of the Crocodile Hunter!  Thank You Animal Planet for bringing our hero back!  I plan to keep this petition open until Steve Irwin Day on November 15.  After that date I will close the petition and send it to AP because I feel that while AP obviously realizes how important Steve has been for the success of their channel--the voice of his fans still need to be heard. 

Thank you to everyone who has signed this petition and thank you to those who plan to sign.  CROCS RULE!!