Animal Planet Screens Steve Irwin Marathon

Animal Planet Screens Steve Irwin Marathon For Fans Across New Zealand

This weekend, Animal Planet will run a special programming event in honour of one of the world's greatest wildlife crusaders – Steve Irwin.

Home to Irwin since the beginning of his television career, New Zealanders can see his phenomenal work on Animal Planet in a tribute marathon, Saturday September 9 at 9.30pm through to Sunday 10 at 12.30am (NZST).

The marathon begins with four programs never aired on New Zealand television before: Lights! Croc! Action!, Casper the White Crocodile, Big Croc Diaries Special and Outback to Hollywood. These four premiere episodes will encore on Monday September 11 from 7pm (NZST).

Discovery Communications is saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin. He has graced Animal Planet’s air since October 1996 and was essential in building the channel into a global brand. The Crocodile Hunter is seen in over 160 countries worldwide.

Rebecca Batties, Executive Vice President of Creative Development for Discovery Networks International, overseeing Animal Planet International said, “Steve was a true pioneer and heralded a fresh and innovative approach to wildlife filmmaking. He invigorated the genre and introduced a new generation of viewers to the natural world with his joyful, enthusiastic style. We are celebrating his legacy by showcasing his unforgettable work on Animal Planet.”

Witness the exuberant charm, unconventional style and extraordinary daring that made the world aware of one of the most fair-dinkum Aussies in our history in this tribute to Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter.

Animal Planet is available on Sky on channel 52

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THE CROCODILE HUNTER: NEW ZEALAND TV PREMIERE EPISODES

LIGHTS! CROC! ACTION!
New Zealand TV Premiere: Saturday September 9 at 9.30pm (NZST)
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at Irwin during the making of his first movie, Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course. A very different side of Steve is revealed as he works with animal actors and learns how to follow a script.

CASPER THE WHITE CROCODILE
New Zealand TV Premiere: Saturday September 9 at 10.30pm (NZST)
Casper, a rare white crocodile, is to be the newest edition to Australia Zoo. Watch as the staff fly across the continent to capture Casper and airlift back him back to the zoo. Steve must also relocate eleven resident crocodiles in a massive reshuffling. Over the years, he has devised a unique method of doing this to minimise stress on the reptiles. It does, however, pose many anxious moments for Steve and his crew.

OUTBACK TO HOLLYWOOD
New Zealand TV Premiere: Saturday September 9 at 11.30pm (NZST)
The Irwins began their rise to fame by filming the Australian outback and taking it to audiences in America. Follow Steve, Terri and Bindi as they travel to the US to take their first Hollywood screen test. Also go behind the velvet rope at their movie premiere in L.A.

BIG CROC DIARIES SPECIAL EDITION
New Zealand TV Premiere: Saturday September 9 at 12.30am (NZST)
Watch as the five biggest crocs at Australia Zoo try to get a tasty morsel of Steve as he takes us on a tour to visit his favourite residents, each of whom has their own unique personality. High-speed film sequences reveal the tremendous power and speed of each crocodile, while the slower camera shots display their amazing ability to devour whole pigs in one gulp.

Marathon hours:

Saturday September 9 from 9.30pm
through to Sunday September 10 at 12.30am

Premiere episodes encore Monday September 11 from 7pm to 2am (NZST)

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