Push to put croc hunter on Australian currency underway

An Australian man has started a petition to put the late wildlife expert, crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin on the nation's currency, local media reported on Wednesday.

Kyle Ryan initiated the idea by setting up a petition on change.org last week to show his appreciation for Irwin whom he describes as "the all time greatest Australian bloke" and has garnered 5,820 supporters so far.

"It's been ten years without the Aussie icon and although he's been recognized in many ways I'd imagine we could all support the idea of going one step further (well deserved)," Ryan wrote.

"With a list a mile long of all the good Steve had accomplished in our world let's show our appreciation to a great true blue Australian by putting Stephen 'Steve' Irwin on our country's currency," he said.

So far the petition has gained 2,177 signatures.

Those who signed the petition wrote that Irwin was viewed as a hero to them and that he deserved a place on the nations's currency.

On Tuesday Ryan updated his post and said that a design for a 100-dollar note was currently underway.

The Royal Australian Mint, a coin manufacturer based in the Australian Capital Territory, has also invited those who signed the petition to write a proposal to them directly for further consideration.

Irwin's only daughter Bindi was thrilled with the intentions of the petition.

"It is such an honour that Dad is being considered to be remembered forever on Australian currency," Bindi told News Corp.

"His legacy will continue to inspire us all, he truly changed the world," she said.

Irwin died on Sept. 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary film titled "Ocean's Deadliest." Enditem