But while his sentences might not be punctuated with ''Crikey'', when it comes to talking about wildlife the passion and enthusiasm which made his son a household name also shine through.

''I don't pretend to be half as good as Steve was at it, but if I didn't step up to the plate he would give me a good kick in the bum,'' he said. ''He would expect me to get out there and at least give it a go.''

Mr Irwin has spent the past two days in Canberra talking to politicians about Australia's fauna. He believes many native animals such as the koala are in imminent danger because of habitat destruction and that kangaroos are being killed at unsustainable numbers.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times