Remembering Steve Irwin: Bindi Shares Heartfelt Message on Dad’s 61st Birthday

On February 21, Bindi Irwin honored her late father, Steve Irwin, on what would have been his 61st birthday. Steve, known as the “Crocodile Hunter,” was a renowned animal conservationist and television personality who passed away 17 years ago.

A Nostalgic Look Back: Lessons from a Father

In her post on social media, Bindi shared some advice that her father gave her during their time together.

“Happy Birthday, Dad,” Bindi greeted her father in the post.

She continued by sharing the lessons he taught her, “Thank you for instilling a love for all species, courage to follow my heart, and determination to make a difference in the world for wildlife and wild places.”

Bindi added, “Your legacy lives on, and the world is forever changed because of your dedication to conservation. Mum, Robert, and I love and miss you so much.”

The post also included a throwback photo of Bindi and Steve holding a small lizard, adding to the nostalgic tribute.

Robert Irwin’s Heartfelt Remembrance

Steve’s son, Robert, also honored his father on his social media page. He wrote, “Happy birthday, Dad ❤️” as the caption for the photo showing Steve holding him as a newborn while Bindi watches.

Robert also posted a photo of himself as a little child on his Instagram Story, gazing into the lens as his father held him and gave him the thumbs-up.

“Happy birthday to the original Wildlife Warrior🐊 Countless wildlife, wild places, and people thank you for your message of love🤎,” wrote the official Australia Zoo account.

The Irwin Legacy: Continuing Steve’s Mission

Steve passed away in 2006 after suffering a severe stingray barb wound while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. He was trying to get footage for Bindi the Jungle Girl, an upcoming children’s nature program that his daughter would host at the time.

Since then, Bindi, Robert, and their mother, Terri, have worked tirelessly at Australia Zoo to carry on Steve’s legacy.

As the Hollywood Walk of Fame paid tribute to the late crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, his family, including his wife Terri and children Bindi and Robert, were present to receive the honor on April 26, 2018 (Credit: Faye Sadou / Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Bindi’s Reflections on Her Father’s Influence

Although she had always known her father had a soft spot for animals, Bindi had just realized the breadth of his influence and the significance of his conservation efforts until after his passing.

She told ABC News, “It wasn’t until he passed away that we were hit with this wave — this tsunami of love and kindness and people sharing their own stories and telling us about how that affected their lives.”

Despite her father’s untimely passing, Bindi has been inspired to carry on his selfless mission, and she believes that her father was aware that his time on earth was limited.

She stated, “As humans, we all say, ‘live each day as if it’s your last,’ and Dad actually did. After any wonderful experience that he had, he would always say, ‘Well, I feel complete. I can die now.’”

Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin’s first child, Bindi Sue Irwin, was born on July 24, 1998, when Steve Irwin was 36 years old and Terri Irwin was 34 years old (Credit: APL / INFGoff)

Celebrating Family Ties and Memories

Bindi celebrated Robert’s birthday in December by telling him how much he reminded her of their late father.

She posted a picture of her and Robert on Instagram, saying, “Happy Birthday to the taller Irwin sibling and greatest brother in the world. You light up our lives with your hilarious sense of humour and kind heart.”

Bindi added a dedication to Steve to the caption, saying, “I see so much of Dad in everything you do, and I know he would be beyond proud of you. We all are. Thank you for being such a good uncle to Grace and fantastic brother to me and Chandler. We love you and can’t wait to celebrate today!”

Teaching the Next Generation: Introducing Grace to Steve’s Legacy

In addition to honoring Steve on his birthday, Bindi paid tribute to him on the anniversary of his passing in September. She shared a heartfelt message on Instagram and a throwback photograph of her holding up a lizard for the camera as her father sat behind her, sporting his iconic khaki shorts ensemble.

In a heartwarming tribute to her father, she said, “Grandpa Crocodile, I know you would’ve been the most incredible grandfather because you were such an extraordinary dad. Thank you for being an amazing guardian angel for Grace.”

Bindi’s daughter, Grace, has also been introduced to her “Grandpa Crocodile,” as Bindi posted a video of Grace identifying her grandfather in a zoo photo. In the adorable clip, Bindi asks Grace, “Do you see him? Is he over here?” Grace sprints over to a picture of Steve, and Bindi exclaims, “Grandpa Crocodile.”

Grace approached another poster of Steve, and Bindi complimented her, “Good girl,” before telling her to wave at the image. Grace did precisely that, and her mother gushed, “I love you, sweetheart. Grandpa Crocodile loves you too.”

Steve’s legacy continues to inspire and touch the lives of many, and his family remains committed to continuing his work in animal conservation.

A Family United in Conservation Efforts

Bindi and Robert are determined to follow in their father’s footsteps and continue to make a difference in the world for wildlife and wild places.