In Pictures: Steve Irwin memorial service

More than 5,000 people attended a memorial service for Australian naturalist Steve Irwin, who was killed two weeks ago after being spiked in the chest by a stingray.

Steve Irwin's wife, Terri, and his two children, Bindi (left) and Robert (right), looked on as friends and colleagues paid tribute to the environmentalist.

The tributes were led by Australian Prime Minister John Howard, who said Irwin had taught people to love and respect all creatures, great and small.

Aboriginal performers made a traditional call in honour of Irwin, and said: "We and our land are crying for you".

Zoo keepers brought animals along to watch the service, which was held at Irwin's Crocoseum stadium in Queensland.

Irwin was dubbed "the Crocodile Hunter", so it was only fitting that some of the zoo's reptiles turned out for the memorial, much to the consternation of the koalas.

"I have the best daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day," said Irwin's eight-year-old daughter Bindi. "When I see a crocodile, I will always think of him."

Zoo workers staged a guard of honour around Irwin's truck, which was loaded with the naturalist's personal belongings, including his "swag" (bed roll).

The employees then laid yellow flowers on the ground of the stadium, spelling out Irwin's catchphrase, "Crikey".

Many of the mourners who attended the service brought along home-made signs and messages of tribute.

Australian musician John Williamson sang Irwin's favourite song, True Blue, as part of the service.

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