Forever in their hearts. Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin have paid tribute to their father, Steve Irwin, many times in the years since his heartbreaking death.
Steve — a wildlife conservationist and beloved television personality — died at age 44 after being pierced by a stingray barb in September 2006. He was survived by his children and his wife, Terri Irwin.
Although Bindi and Robert were only 8 and 2 at the time of their father’s passing, they’ve grown to carry on his legacy in ways both big and small. Today, the family continues to run the Australia Zoo, which Steve’s parents started in the 1970s. They have also honored Steve during important moments in their lives, such as Bindi’s wedding to Chandler Powell in 2020 and Robert’s Dancing With the Stars debut in 2025.
Taking the Stage
Bindi dedicated a dance to her father while competing on Dancing With the Stars in 2015.
“What shaped me the most would probably be when my dad passed away,” she revealed in a pre-taped package before the performance. “For the rest of my life, I’ll kind of feel like he’s going to come home.”
Driver’s License
Bindi received her driver’s license after taking the test in her father’s old truck.
“It was wonderful to take my test in St George and pass the first time and in my Dad’s giant old ute!” she wrote via Instagram in March 2016.
A Hard Anniversary
The sibling duo often honors their father on the anniversary of his death.
“You’ll be my hero for my entire existence. I love you more than words can describe,” Bindi wrote via Instagram in September 2016 to mark the 10th anniversary of Steve’s passing.
Continuing His Work
Bindi told Us in May 2019 that filming her family’s reality show, Crikey! It’s the Irwins, made her feel close to her father.
“It just feels right. I know when Dad passed away, it was a really challenging time and I was quite little,” she said. “I was really, really young and when you’re at that age, everything’s a little scary and unknown territory and we’re all dealing with grief and I remember saying to my mom, ‘When can we start filming again?’ Because it was something that I knew and I was used to.”
Robert also works hard to continue his father’s legacy through his own conservation efforts.
“Today marks the end of our annual crocodile research trip to the #SteveIrwinWildlifeReserve. Over the last month we caught 39 crocodiles, from ‘Ryan’ who tied for being the largest croc in the system at over 15 feet long to little ‘Pingu’ at just under 3 feet. This year brought the total crocs tagged to 213 in the study. This research was all started by Dad and to this day we still use the same methods of capture that he created,” the wildlife photographer wrote via Instagram in September 2020. “Our crocodile research began 17 years ago when Australia Zoo joined forces with the University of Queensland to conduct world leading science and lead the charge in crocodile conservation. And today we get to keep this vital work going, using state of the art solar tracking technology to learn even more about these amazing animals make sure Dad’s mission and passion for croc conservation continues! 🐊.”
The Wedding
Powell told Us exclusively in September 2019 that the pair planned to incorporate khaki into their wedding in honor of Steve. After they stuck to their word, Terri opened up about the pair’s sweet nod on Instagram.
“I love that Steve and Robert both wore khaki. I know Steve would have worn khaki to Bindi & Chandler’s wedding, too,” she wrote in March 2020. “I wish he could have been there to see the most special day in his daughter’s life. We miss him so much.”
Bindi’s Sweet Words
“Dad, Today is your birthday,” Bindi wrote via Instagram in February 2020 alongside a throwback of herself and her dad holding a porcupine together. “I had an extra strong cup of tea just how you liked it. I hugged Mum for you and told her how much we love her. Robert and I went on a hike through the mountains you cherished. I watched one of your documentaries with Chandler and shared stories about you. I walked through your office in the zoo and smiled at our old family photographs.”
Baby Grace’s Name
Bindi’s first daughter, Grace Warrior, was named in honor of Steve.
“My dad was the first person to create the term ’Wildlife Warrior,’” Bindi explained in a February 2021 interview with The Bump. “Being a Wildlife Warrior means to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We’ve been referring to our daughter as our Baby Wildlife Warrior. I know in my heart that she will forge her own path to make our planet a better place.”
Family Legacy
Bindi noted in February 2021 that she’s happy she can introduce her daughter to her father through his documentaries. “[He] would’ve been a good grandpa,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I don’t think we would’ve ever seen our daughter. He would’ve just whisked her away into the zoo and it would’ve been perfect.”
Ride On
Robert revealed in February 2021 that he’d fixed up his father’s old motorcycle.
“I have so many memories of Dad’s old motorbike — hanging on to the front with Bindi as we’d ride around the zoo with Dad,” he wrote via Instagram. “And now after being in the shed for a few years, it’s all fixed up and running again. It’s so special to be riding it after all this time!”
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 sweetheart has been watching her ‘Grandpa Crocodile’ on the projector at our camp here on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve,” Bindi wrote via Instagram. “She lights up when she sees him on screen. I wish with all my heart that Dad could hug my beautiful girl. It’s been 15 years since he passed away. I hold on to the thought that he’s her guardian angel now, watching over the most special part of my life, Grace Warrior. ❤️”
Steve Irwin’s Lasting Legacy
Bindi paid a special tribute to her late dad on November 15, 2021, which is Steve Irwin Day, an international celebration of his life and career. “Your legacy will live on forever,” she wrote via Instagram. “I love you for even longer.” Her brother, Robert, also thanked the fans who celebrate his father’s commitment to conservation all year round. “It means the world to see so many people sharing stories and memories of how my dad changed their lives and inspired them,” he posted on Instagram. “It is the honor of my life to get to continue his mission.”
Milestone Birthday
“Happy Birthday to the greatest dad and Wildlife Warrior. Today I’ll watch The Crocodile Hunter with Grace Warrior and share stories about her incredible Grandpa Crocodile,” Bindi wrote via Instagram in February 2022 on what would have been her dad’s 60th birthday. “I love you with all my heart. Your legacy lives on.”
A Lover of Elephants
Bindi honored her dad’s memory on World Elephant Day in August 2022, sharing a throwback photo of him filming with the huge mammals. “Dad in Africa, filming for The Crocodile Hunter in the early 2000s,” she wrote via Instagram. “To be in the presence of these giant angels is to know you’ve experienced magic. This #WorldElephantDay and every day we must think about our impacts on the planet and how they ripple out towards our fellow species. Their future depends on us.”
Honoring ‘Grandpa Crocodile’
Bindi and Robert took to social media on Sunday, September 4, 2022, to pay tribute to their late father on the 16th anniversary of this death.
“Grandpa Crocodile, I know you would’ve been the most incredible grandfather because you were such an extraordinary dad,” Bindi wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of herself as a kid grabbing a baby crocodile with Steve. “Thank you for being an amazing guardian angel for Grace.”
Robert, for his part, shared a sweet snap of the Crocodile Hunter star holding him as a little boy. “It’s Father’s Day today in Australia, and I am sending my love to those who are missing their dad today. I cherish all the good times with my dad and feel grateful to be able to keep his memory and legacy alive,” he captioned the post.
Irwin’s Turtle
Robert posted an emotional TikTok video in October 2023 of the newest Australia Zoo resident: the Elseya irwini, or Irwin’s turtle.
This was the first time that Irwin’s turtle was bred in a zoo since his late father discovered the rare freshwater species in 1990 during a crocodile-hunting trip on the Burdekin River in Queensland, Australia.
“It’s just so surreal,” he said. “And all those stories from Dad about just how amazing and beautiful they are… I don’t get emotional that much, but I just know Dad would be really proud, Dad would be stoked.”
A Reminder of His Absence
Robert remembered his dad on his 21st birthday on December 1, writing on Instagram that “it can be hard to celebrate the milestones when there’s someone missing.”
“Today I turn 21,” Robert’s post, which featured throwback photos of Steve, began. “I was looking through the archives a few days ago and I found these pictures of my dad on his 21st. It can be hard to celebrate the milestones when there’s someone missing, but I will carry his memory and passion with me in this new chapter of life. I am one lucky guy to be surrounded by my amazing family today. Time to celebrate!”
Bindi commented, “Dad is so proud of you.”
She also posted a birthday message for her brother on her Instagram page, sharing, “HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, @robertirwinphotography! Best brother, best uncle, best friend. Here’s to every incredible adventure on the horizon. Love you so much and beyond proud of you.”
‘Our Family’s Guiding Light’
Bindi paid tribute to Steve on what would have been his 63rd birthday on February 22, 2025. “Happy Birthday, Dad,” she wrote via Instagram alongside a sweet throwback photo of her and her dad.
“To the world, you will forever be remembered as the greatest Wildlife Warrior,” she continued. “To me, you’ll always be the most incredible dad and now our family’s guiding light. I love you and I miss you every day.”
Robert’s ‘DWTS’ Debut
Robert paid tribute to Steve by throwing his fists up in the air, mimicking his father’s signature pose, during the premiere of Dancing With the Stars season 34 on September 16, 2025. His “Born to Be Wild” dance with partner Witney Carson was filled with several other nods to Steve and the Australia Zoo, including a khaki uniform and howler monkey sound effects.
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