Twenty years after his death, the family of Steve Irwin is celebrating the life and enduring legacy of the beloved wildlife expert. Irwin's daughter, Bindi, shared reflections on social media, describing her father as a "superhero" and a "guardian angel."
"My mum lost the love of her life; my brother and I lost the greatest dad," Bindi wrote, acknowledging that grief is a constant companion. "Grief never truly leaves us; we walk alongside it every day."
Bindi also noted how her own daughter, Grace, who is five years old, connects with her grandfather through his documentaries. "She feels utterly loved by her 'grandpa crocodile' without ever having met him," Bindi shared.
Steve Irwin died in 2006 after a stingray barb pierced his chest while he was filming in the Great Barrier Reef. His family has continued to operate Australia Zoo in Queensland, carrying on his conservation work.
"My dad left a lasting impact so poignant that it will ripple out for generations to come," Bindi added, emphasizing that his life and legacy are "worth celebrating."
Steve's wife, Terri, marked the occasion by posting an interview clip where Steve spoke about the profound impact of Bindi's birth. "The most incredible wildlife encounter of my life was the birth of my daughter, Bindi," he said, recalling how her name was inspired by his favorite crocodile.
Robert Irwin, Steve's son, also paid tribute to his father with a photograph of Steve holding him as a baby. He captioned the image, "Your legacy is forever."
In related news, Robert Irwin was crowned the winner of the U.S. dance competition "Dancing with the Stars" last November, a decade after his sister Bindi won the same title. Robert's win further highlighted the family's continued presence in the public eye, honoring the spirit of his father.