Melbourne, Apr 7 : Bob Irwin, father of Australian crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, has said that his son hid pain and suffering behind bubbly personality.

Steve went through "a lot of pain and suffering" behind the scenes of his public life, he said.

Bob Irwin (68) ended his role with Australia Zoo, which he founded 36 years ago, and which son Steve made into an international draw card before his death in 2006.

"People don't realise just how much he gave of himself. Steve wouldn't mind his split with zoo," he said.

Bob Irwin and his wife Judy plan to continue their conservation work on a property near Kingaroy, north of Brisbane.

There was speculation he was upset with the career of Steve Irwin's nine-year-old daughter Bindi, and also the direction of the Sunshine Coast-based zoo.

Steve's widow Terri plans to turn it into an international tourist mecca comparable to Disneyland.

Bob admitted that he was frightened by the media, but said as long as he continued his conservation work, Steve would be happy with him, news.com.au reported.

ANI