Thousands of people dropped by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s wildlife park today to bring cards, flowers, stuffed toys and animals, proof that the Australian will be terribly missed.

Irwin, famous for wrestling crocodiles and other nasty reptiles on camera, died while filming a scene for his daughter’s new Discovery Channel wildlife show. He was underwater off Australia’s coast when a stingray barb punctured him in the chest

His park decided to open today as usual.

Staff there described Irwin as a “great boss and great friend who treated us like family” and pledged to keep the theme park stores open indefinitely, reports Australia’s Herald Sun.

Park spokeswoman Louise Martin said staff were overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring support from the public.

“It’s so nice to see them showing their support even if they didn’t know Steve,” she said. “It’s good that they feel like they can connect with him. It’s just amazing.”






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