Despite the tragedy the stingray has brought to her life, Terri Irwin says that people should love the animal.

The widow of "The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin has revealed to the Nine Network's "Today Show" that despite their current reputation, stingrays should be loved.

Terri, who recently gave tribute to her late husband at a G'Day U.S.A. function in Los Angeles, revealed that Steve would have shown the stingray footage if he had survived.

She said, "If Steve had come out the other side, I am sure he would have used it (the footage) as an educational tool. But everybody understands the rules of rays, now."

And despite Steve, who frequently wrestled with crocodiles and held poisonous snakes, dying from a stingray's barb going through his heart, Terri says she has no ill-feeling towards them.

She said, "I think people should love rays. They are cute little pancakes in the ocean and their only defense is that incredible barb."

The mother of two is now spreading to message of conservation with her daughter, Bindi.

The footage of Steve's death has been destroyed since it was given to his family.

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