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Bindi Irwin described her late father Steve Irwin as a superhero in an Instagram post marking two decades since his passing, BBC News reported. The 28-year-old wrote that the world lost its most passionate and dedicated wildlife conservationist on that day while her family lost their superhero, her mother lost the love of her life and she and her brother lost the greatest dad. Bindi Irwin added that grief never truly leaves the family as they walk alongside it every day yet where there is enormous grief there is even greater love. She noted that her five-year-old daughter Grace watches his nature shows every morning and feels loved by her grandpa crocodile without having met him.
Bindi Irwin stated in the post that she had always thought her father’s legacy was wildlife conservation but realised it is love for the planet and for each other, according to coverage by ABC News. She expressed her love for him with her whole heart and thanked him for being their guardian angel while watching over her daughter. The tribute came as part of a series of family messages shared on the anniversary date.
Robert Irwin posted a childhood photo of himself with his father and wrote that his legacy is forever, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Terri Irwin shared an archival interview in which Steve Irwin recounted the birth of Bindi as the most incredible wildlife encounter of his life and explained how her name came from his favourite crocodile. Terri Irwin has continued to run Australia Zoo alongside her children while advancing the conservation work her husband championed.
Steve Irwin died on September 4 2006 at age 44 after a stingray barb pierced his chest while he filmed a documentary at the Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas, multiple outlets including ABC News and SBS News confirmed. The incident occurred during a snorkelling segment in north Queensland and resulted in massive trauma that led to his death at Cairns Base Hospital. His passing sent shockwaves globally given the popularity of his Crocodile Hunter television programmes that aired in more than 100 countries.
Before achieving international fame Steve Irwin worked as a dedicated wildlife researcher carrying a tatty green backpack and collaborating on crocodile studies in north Queensland, SBS News reported. He partnered with experts on projects including the Crocs in Space satellite-tracking initiative involving Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Australia Zoo and the University of Queensland. Friends recalled his unashamed enthusiasm for conservation that helped bridge scientific work with public engagement long before his on-screen persona took hold.
Australia Zoo has expanded the conservation properties first developed by Steve and Terri Irwin to protect more than 450,000 acres of habitat across Queensland, according to figures published by the organisation. In 1994 the couple purchased 3,500 acres to restore koala habitat, planted 44,000 eucalyptus trees and later added 1,630 acres while tackling invasive species, The Times of India reported based on Australia Zoo records. Surveys cited in a conservation analysis found that 72 percent of children who watched his programmes reported greater interest in wildlife protection while regions featured in his shows saw average tourism revenue increases of 23 percent that created incentives for habitat safeguards.
