Thousands of fans have flocked to Irwin’s Australia Zoo wildlife park in Queensland state, creating a shrine of flowers, candles and written tributes. Stuffed animals poke out from between flags of Australia, the United States and England, and some visitors signed and left khaki shirts similar to those worn by Irwin in lieu of a condolences book.

Bob Irwin, 66, thanked fans for their messages of support and reassured them his son had died doing what he loved.

A private funeral will be held at an undisclosed location within seven days, and a public memorial service will be held within two weeks, Bob Irwin said Thursday.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie had offered a state funeral, and Prime Minister John Howard said that would be appropriate, calling Irwin a great ambassador for Australia. But Bob Irwin said Wednesday it wouldn’t be what Steve wanted.

“He’s an ordinary guy, and he wants to be remembered as an ordinary bloke,” he said.