The Unforgettable Legacy: Bindi and Robert Irwin's Heartfelt Homage to their Beloved Father, Steve Irwin
Bindi and Robert Irwin honor their late father, Steve Irwin, with heartfelt tributes From continuing his conservation work to celebrating milestones, their touching gestures showcase the enduring legacy of the beloved 'Crocodile Hunter'
Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin have continuously honored the memory of their late father, Steve Irwin, who tragically passed away. Steve, known for his passion for wildlife conservation and as a cherished TV figure, sadly lost his life at the age of 44 in September 2006, when he was struck by a stingray barb. Survived by his devoted wife, Terri Irwin, and their children, Bindi and Robert, Steve remains forever in their hearts.
Bindi and Robert, who were just 8 and 2 years old respectively when their father passed away, have embraced his legacy and are now actively involved in running the Australia Zoo, which was initially established by Steve's parents in the 1970s. Additionally, individuals who have entered the siblings' lives following Steve's demise also have a profound appreciation for the cherished zookeeper and enjoy honoring him at the zoo.
"Thank you for your inspiration, which has touched not only me but also the entire world, to embrace and cherish all wildlife," Chandler Powell, Bindi's husband, wrote as a caption for a photo of Steve holding a crocodile, commemorating the late naturalist's birthday in February 2020. "You would feel immense pride in seeing Bindi, Terri, and Robert continuing the incredible work that you initiated. We are determined to ensure that your message endures for generations to come️."
In a conversation with We magazine in September 2019, Bindi and Chandler shared their plan to pay tribute to Steve by incorporating khaki attire and animals into their wedding ceremony.
"I was eager for Dad to have a significant role in the day, so I'm thrilled that we can include him in both the ceremony and reception. I truly believe that his spirit continues to live on in us, making it an incredibly special occasion. Our wedding will be a celebration of not only our family and friends but also our shared love for wildlife. It will symbolize the union of our families and the beautiful life we have created together." Terri shared that she frequently reminisced about Steve during the wedding preparations alongside her daughter and Powell.
"I often ponder what Steve would be doing. As we discuss the intricacies of wedding planning and the specifics, I can envision him shedding tears of joy, as he possessed a tender heart and adored Bindi, Robert, and yourself, Chandler. Undoubtedly, he would have shed tears at the wedding and perhaps been unable to deliver a speech. It would have been an extraordinarily meaningful moment," she shared with Us.
In March 2020, the couple exchanged vows at the Australia Zoo. Exactly a year later, they joyfully welcomed their first daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell.
Scroll to see more of Bindi and Robert’s sweetest tributes to their late father:
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Bindi and Robert Irwin’s Most Touching Tributes to Late Dad Steve Irwin
Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin, the children of Steve Irwin, have consistently honored their father's memory following his untimely passing. Steve, a revered television figure and advocate for wildlife preservation, tragically lost his life at the age of 44 in September 2006, when he was struck by a stingray barb. His legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Terri Irwin, and their resilient children.
Bindi and Robert, who were just 8 and 2 respectively when their father passed away, have taken up the mantle of preserving his legacy, both on a grand scale and in smaller ways. Presently, the family remains actively involved in operating the Australia Zoo, a venture that Steve's parents originally initiated during the 1970s.
Furthermore, individuals who have entered the siblings' lives subsequent to Steve's demise also demonstrate a profound admiration for the esteemed zookeeper by honoring him at the cherished zoo.
Bindi's husband, Chandler Powell, expressed his gratitude for Steve and his dedication to wildlife, captioning a photo of Steve with a crocodile on his birthday in February 2020. He praised Bindi, Terri, and Robert for continuing Steve's remarkable work and ensured that his message would endure for future generations. In a September 2019 interview with We magazine, Bindi and Chandler disclosed their intention to pay tribute to Steve by incorporating khaki attire and animals into their wedding.
Bindi expressed her desire for her father to play a significant role in the day, and she is thrilled to include his presence in both the ceremony and the reception. She believes that it will be a truly special experience, as she feels his spirit continues to live on within her. Bindi shared with Us that the wedding will be a celebration of their family, friends, and the remarkable wildlife they cherish. She believes that the evening will symbolize the blending of their lives and the coming together of their families, creating a beautiful event. Terri mentioned that she frequently reminisces about Steve as she plans the wedding with her daughter and Powell.
Thinking about Steve, I imagine him being emotional and shedding tears of love for Bindi, Robert, and you, Chandler, during discussions about wedding planning and details. It's clear how much he adored them and would have been overwhelmed with happiness at the thought of your wedding. He would have been unable to give a speech at the wedding because of his emotions. The occasion would have held incredible significance to him," she shared with Us.
They got married at the Australia Zoo in March 2020, and a year later, they joyfully welcomed their first daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell.
Scroll to see more of Bindi and Robert’s sweetest tributes to their late father:
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Credit: Adam Taylor/ABC
Taking the Stage
Bindi dedicated a dance to her father while competing on Dancing With the Stars in 2015.
“What had the greatest impact on my life was undoubtedly the passing of my father,” she disclosed in a prerecorded segment prior to her performance. “From now on, there will always be a part of me that anticipates his return home.”
Credit: Courtesy of Bindi Irwin/Instagram
Driver's License
Bindi expressed her joy on Instagram in March 2016, sharing her experience of taking her driver's test in her father's aging pickup truck in St George and passing on her first attempt.
Credit: James D Morgan/Shutterstock
A Hard Anniversary
The sibling duo often honors their father on the anniversary of his death.
“You will forever be the hero of my life. I adore you beyond measure,” Bindi expressed on Instagram in September 2016, commemorating the 10th year since Steve’s departure.
Credit: Discovery
Continuing His Work
In May 2019, Bindi expressed that being part of her family's reality show, Crikey! It's the Irwins, brought her a sense of closeness to her late father. Despite facing the challenges of his passing at a young age, she found comfort in the familiarity of filming and the support of her mother during their time of grief.
Robert is dedicated to preserving his father's legacy through his own conservation efforts. In September 2020, he shared on Instagram that their annual crocodile research trip to the #SteveIrwinWildlifeReserve had come to an end. During this trip, they captured 39 crocodiles, ranging in size from 'Ryan', who tied for the largest croc at over 15 feet long, to little 'Pingu', who measured just under 3 feet. This year's research brought the total number of tagged crocs in the study to 213. Robert emphasized that their research began 17 years ago when Australia Zoo collaborated with the University of Queensland to conduct groundbreaking scientific research and spearhead crocodile conservation efforts. With the help of cutting-edge solar tracking technology, they are continuing their crucial work to gain further insights into these remarkable animals and ensure the continuation of his father's mission and passion for crocodile conservation.
Credit: Jeff Christensen
The Wedding
In September 2019, Powell revealed exclusively to Us that they intended to honor Steve by including khaki in their wedding. True to their word, Terri later shared the heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
"I adore the fact that both Steve and Robert chose to don khaki attire. It warms my heart to know that Steve would have also opted for khaki at Bindi & Chandler's wedding," she expressed in a heartfelt letter penned in March 2020. "It saddens me deeply that he couldn't be present to witness this momentous day in his daughter's life. Our longing for him is immeasurable."
Credit: Australia Zoo via Getty Images
Bindi’s Sweet Words
"Dad, Today is your birthday," Bindi expressed in a heartfelt Instagram post in February 2020. Alongside a nostalgic photo of her and her father embracing a porcupine, she shared, "I savored an extra strong cup of tea, just the way you liked it. I embraced Mum tightly, ensuring she felt our immense love for her. Robert and I embarked on a hike through the cherished mountains that held a special place in your heart. Chandler joined me in watching one of your captivating documentaries, as we reminisced and exchanged stories about you. As I walked through your office at the zoo, my heart filled with joy as I smiled at the familiar sight of our cherished family photographs."
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Baby Grace’s Name
Bindi’s first daughter, Grace Warrior, was named in honor of Steve.
“My dad was the first person to coin the term ’Wildlife Warrior,’” Bindi described during an interview with The Bump in February 2021. “Being a Wildlife Warrior entails advocating and voicing the concerns of those who lack the ability to express themselves. We’ve affectionately been referring to our daughter as our Baby Wildlife Warrior. I wholeheartedly believe that she will carve her own path to contribute towards a better world for our planet.”
Credit: Discovery+
Family Legacy
Bindi expressed her joy in February 2021 over the opportunity to acquaint her daughter with her father through his documentaries. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, she reflected, "He would've been an amazing grandpa. I believe that our daughter would've never left his side; he would have eagerly taken her to the zoo, creating countless cherished memories together."
Credit: Courtesy of Robert Irwin Photography/Instagram
Ride On
Robert shared in February 2021 that he had refurbished his father's old motorcycle. He expressed his sentimental attachment to the bike, recounting cherished memories of riding around the zoo with his sister, Bindi, alongside their father. After spending several years in the shed, the motorcycle has been fully restored and is now operational. For Robert, the experience of riding it once again holds immense value and significance.
Credit: Courtesy of Bindi Irwin/Instagram
Baby Grace's Guardian Angel
The Dancing With the Stars alum shared a sweet snap of her daughter in September 2021, noting that the little one had been watching old footage of her late grandfather.
“This little angel has been mesmerized by her ‘Grandpa Crocodile’ on the projection screen at our campsite here on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve,” Bindi expressed on Instagram. “Her face instantly lights up whenever she catches sight of him on the screen. My heartfelt wish is for Dad to be able to embrace my beautiful daughter. It has been 15 years since he left us, but I cling to the belief that he now serves as her guiding spirit, diligently looking after the most precious part of my life, Grace Warrior. ️”
Credit: Bei/Shutterstock
Steve Irwin’s Lasting Legacy
On November 15, 2021, Bindi honored her late father, Steve Irwin, on Steve Irwin Day, an international celebration dedicated to his life and achievements. Via Instagram, she expressed, "Your legacy will endure eternally, and my love for you will surpass time." Bindi's brother, Robert, also expressed gratitude towards fans who continuously acknowledge their father's dedication to conservation. He shared on Instagram, "Witnessing numerous individuals recounting stories and memories of how my dad transformed their lives and ignited inspiration means the world to me. Continuing his mission is the greatest privilege of my life."
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Milestone Birthday
"On what would have been my dad's 60th birthday, I want to wish a very Happy Birthday to the most amazing father and Wildlife Warrior. Today, I will be watching The Crocodile Hunter with Grace Warrior, and we will be sharing stories about her incredible Grandpa Crocodile," Bindi expressed on Instagram in February 2022. "You hold a special place in my heart, and your legacy continues to thrive."
Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/Shutterstock; Moviestore/Shutterstock
A Lover of Elephants
Bindi paid tribute to her father's memory on World Elephant Day in August 2022 by sharing an old photograph of him capturing breathtaking footage alongside the majestic pachyderms. "Here's Dad in Africa, documenting The Crocodile Hunter during the early 2000s," she captioned on Instagram. "Being in the presence of these magnificent creatures feels like encountering enchantment. On this #WorldElephantDay, as well as every day, it is crucial to reflect upon our impact on the planet and how it resonates with other species. Their future relies on our actions."
Credit: Stephen Barker/Shutterstock
Honoring ‘Grandpa Crocodile’
Bindi and Robert honored their father on the 16th anniversary of his passing by sharing heartfelt messages on social media. In her Instagram post, Bindi expressed her belief that Steve would have been an extraordinary grandfather, just as he was an exceptional father. Alongside the message, she shared a picture of herself as a child, holding a baby crocodile with Steve. Bindi also expressed her gratitude for Steve's presence as a guardian angel for her daughter Grace.
Robert, on the other hand, posted a heartwarming photo of himself as a young boy being embraced by the late Crocodile Hunter star. "Today is Father's Day in Australia, and my thoughts are with those who are missing their dad. I treasure all the precious moments I had with my father and I feel grateful that I can continue to honor his memory and legacy," he wrote alongside the post.
Credit: Courtesy of Robert Irwin/TikTok
Irwin’s Turtle
In October 2023, Robert shared a heartfelt TikTok video featuring the Elseya irwini, also known as Irwin's turtle, the latest addition to Australia Zoo.
This marked a significant milestone as it was the first successful breeding of Irwin's turtle in a zoo setting ever since his father's discovery of this rare freshwater species in 1990 while on a crocodile-hunting expedition along Queensland's Burdekin River in Australia.
