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Steve Irwin went through "a lot of pain and suffering", according to his father Bob.
Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC), Irwin said his son's jovial personality masked his true feelings.
"People don't realise just how much he gave of himself," Bob said.
"He was always very good in front of the media, and a lot of the pain and the suffering didn't show through."
Bob, who founded the Australia Zoo, said he was just as passionate about wildlife as his son but chose to stay out of the public eye.
"I don't have the talent with the media that Steve had. To be perfectly honest with you, the media frighten me. I would much rather catch crocodiles than sit here talking to the camera."
Bob, 68, recently left the zoo amid rumours that he had been arguing with his son's widow, Terri. He admitted his reasons for leaving the show were down to his becoming a "disruptive influence".
Steve Irwin died in September 2006 at the age of 44 after being struck in the chest by a stingray barb.
Showbiz - News - Irwin had 'a lot of pain and suffering' - Digital Spy
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