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Bindi Irwin Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Dad Steve on Irwin Day

The late wildlife star would be so proud

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A lot of people idolised Steve Irwin – but none more so than the late conservationist and TV presenter’s daughter Bindi.

She was just eight years old when, in 2006, the swashbuckling star was killed by a stingray while filming underwater.

But 11 years on, he clearly still has a very important place in Bindi’s heart.

As wildlife fans and fellow Australians celebrated Steve Irwin Day yesterday (no, we didn’t know it was a thing either), she posted an incredibly touching tribute to her dad on Instagram – and her followers LOVED it.

Bindi uploaded an adorable picture of the two of them together. In the photo, Steve is holding a wombat.

And the 19-year-old, who’s obviously inherited her old man’s love of creatures great and small, wrote: “Steve Irwin Day. Today we remember all that Dad achieved for wildlife and wild places around the world.

“He taught me that we must all treat animals the way we wish to be treated. I think that his advice applies to both animals and people.

“In order to protect our planet, we must first learn to be kind in every part of life. If we are able to show kindness for each other, we can be kind to our wildlife and, in turn, our planet.

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“I strive to encourage people to remember that conservation is not only about the cute and cuddly creatures, but also our crocodilians, snakes and sharks. We are all connected in some way.”

And fans of the late star were quite taken by Bindi’s comments, sharing the love in her comments section.

One wrote: “Such a beautiful post, Bindi. Your dad is forever proud of you for everything you’re doing for animals.”

Another gushed: “You are such an inspiration to us all. I know that you must make your dad so proud every day.”

And a third fan added: “I never met your dad but I miss him – can’t imagine how terribly painful it feels for you that he’s not here.”

Irwin – who found fame presenting TV wildlife series The Crocodile Hunter – was renowned for his daring approach to dangerous animals.

Whether it was crocs, snakes or spiders, the blond adventurer seemed to hold no fear.

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But he met his match while attempting to film scenes for his daughter’s then-upcoming TV show Bindi The Jungle Girl. As he swam close to a stingray in Queensland, Irwin was attacked, with the creature’s barb puncturing his heart. He was 44.

One thing’s for sure, though – his legacy lives on and he’ll always be missed. Not least by his daughter.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor