Steve Irwin Signature Uniform Worn During Toolakea Crocodile Bite Incident at the Australia Zoo (January 18, 2001). ....

Description

Steve Irwin Signature Uniform Worn During Toolakea Crocodile Bite Incident at the Australia Zoo (January 18, 2001). Original (2) piece ensemble worn by Australian zookeeper, television personality, and wildlife educator Steve Irwin on January 18, 2001, during which the so-called "Crocodile Hunter" was bitten by Toolakea, a 176-pound female crocodile, while attempting to relocate her to a new habitat within the zoo he operated near Brisbane, Australia. The signature ensemble worn on this specific day consists of (1) King Gee brand khaki short-sleeved button up thick cotton work shirt with 2-chest flap pockets, and (1) pair of matching khaki shorts by King Gee with front pleat, zipper and button closure, and waist cinches. As these clothes were worn both for work inside the zoo and during an incident that resulted in Irwin needing stitches for the wound he suffered, the clothes exhibit wear and age, including stains (possibly including blood), several tears from wear including a 1.5" seam split under the right arm sleeve, toning, and general soiling from use. Accompanied by a color photo scan from the day of the incident as well as a letter of provenance from Australia Zoo gifting the original recipient, a donor to the Zoo, the ensemble. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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