Bindi and Robert Irwin’s Touching Tributes to Late Dad Steve Irwin

Always 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.

Always 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.

Bindi dedicated a performance to her father during her stint on Dancing With the Stars in 2015.

“My dad’s passing shaped me the most, ” she reflected in a package preceding her performance. “I’ll always feel like he’ll come home one day.”

Bindi and Robert frequently remember their father on the milestone of his passing.

“You’ll be my hero forever. My love for you is beyond words,” Bindi shared on Instagram to commemorate the tenth year since Steve’s departure.

Bindi shared with Us in May 2019 that filming for her family’s reality series, Crikey! It’s the Irwins, allowed her to feel connected to her father.

“It feels natural. When Dad left us, it was a tough time, and I was just a child. It’s a bit daunting at that age when dealing with grief, but I remember telling Mom, ‘When can we resume filming?’ because it was familiar to me.”

Robert similarly dedicates himself to conservation, echoing their father’s mission.

“Today marks the conclusion of our annual crocodile research expedition to the #SteveIrwinWildlifeReserve. We tagged 39 crocodiles this year, including ‘Ryan,’ the largest at over 15 feet, and ‘Pingu,’ just under 3 feet. To date, we’ve tagged 213 crocodiles for our study, using the same capture methods Dad pioneered,” Robert noted on his Instagram in September 2020. “Seventeen years ago, the collaboration began between Australia Zoo and the University of Queensland to push forward crocodile conservation in a world-class capacity, and we continue with cutting-edge solar tracking technology to further our knowledge of these magnificent creatures and fulfill Dad’s dream for croc conservation! 🐊.”

Powell shared exclusively with Us in September 2019 about incorporating khaki into their wedding, paying homage to Steve. They honored this promise, and Terri commented on Instagram about this heartfelt homage, stating, “I love that Steve and Robert wore khaki, knowing he’d have too on the special day.”

“It’s heart-wrenching knowing Steve wasn’t there to witness Bindi’s special day. We miss him dearly,” she added in March 2020.

“Dad, today is your birthday,” Bindi said via Instagram in February 2020, posting a nostalgic image of herself with her father. “I made an extra strong cup of tea just like you loved it. I hugged Mum on your behalf and let her know how much we cherish her. Robert and I hiked through the mountains you loved dearly. I watched one of your documentaries with Chandler and shared tales of you. I strolled through your zoo office and smiled at our family photos.”

Bindi shared that her first daughter, Grace Warrior, was named in honor of Steve.

“Dad was the first to coin the term ‘Wildlife Warrior,’” Bindi revealed in February 2021. “Being a Wildlife Warrior means advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. We love calling our daughter our Baby Wildlife Warrior. I’m sure she will find her own way to improve our world.”

In February 2021, Robert noted that he had restored his father’s vintage motorcycle.

“I have countless memories of riding Dad’s motorcycle, Bindi and I often clung to the front as we cruised around the zoo together,” he recalled on Instagram. “It was parked for a few years, but now it’s restored and I’m able to ride it. It feels incredibly special to be back on it after all this time!”

In September 2021, Bindi posted a touching photo of her daughter, noting how Grace had been captivated by her grandfather’s old footage.

“This little one has been watching her ‘Grandpa Crocodile’ on the projector here at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve,” Bindi wrote on Instagram. “She brightens up at the sight of him. I long for the day when Dad could embrace my little girl. It’s been 15 years since he left us, but I cherish the thought of him being her guardian angel now, watching over my treasured Grace Warrior. ❤️”

“Happy Birthday to the most amazing dad and Wildlife Warrior. Today, I’ll watch The Crocodile Hunter with Grace Warrior and share stories about her incredible Grandpa Crocodile,” Bindi posted on Instagram in February 2022, commemorating what would have been her father’s 60th birthday. “I love you with all my heart. Your legacy is eternal.”