The late conversationalist’s love for animals lives on through his wife and children, who have embraced his passion. His eldest child, now a family woman, honors his memory by leading projects that reflect his devotion to animals.

The Australian zookeeper Steve was married to a fellow conservationist, Terri, until his untimely death. The couple had two children, including a daughter who was eight years old at the time of his passing. Now 26, she continues his legacy.

Steve and Terri’s commitment to wildlife conservation not only defined their relationship but also laid the foundation for a family dedicated to preserving nature.

After meeting at the Australia Zoo, where they took their first photograph together, the couple married in June 1992. They welcomed their daughter in July 1998 and their son, Robert, in December 2003.

Life at the Australia Zoo provided a unique upbringing for their children, blending everyday chores with extraordinary experiences. In an interview, their daughter described her childhood as far from typical.

“My chores weren’t normal chores like loading the dishwasher,” she explained, describing how her responsibilities included both cleaning up elephant waste and assisting at the zoo’s wildlife hospital.

Over time, she transitioned from these early tasks to taking on a significant leadership role, working closely with her mother and the zoo’s director to advance their conservation efforts.

Steve’s daughter was eight years old when he passed away in September 2006 at the age of 44. Known worldwide as the khaki-clad crocodile expert, he captivated audiences through daring stunts showcased in shows like “The Crocodile Hunter,” which aired in over 100 countries.

During filming for “The Ocean’s Deadliest” near the Great Barrier Reef, a stingray fatally pierced Steve’s chest, causing cardiac arrest. Prime Minister at the time, John Howard, described him as “a wonderful character” and “a passionate environmentalist.” The naturalist’s untimely death brought to light his belief that his time might be short—a notion his wife shared during an interview over a year later.

“He wasn’t morbid about it, or awful about it, he was open and earnest about it. We’ve got to accomplish everything we can,” she stated. She described his exceptional intuition with wildlife and people as nothing short of remarkable.

While Steve’s work often involved dangerous encounters with animals, Terri also revealed that her worries stemmed more from his travels, unpredictable circumstances, and health risks. However, after becoming a father, her husband grew increasingly aware of these challenges, particularly as his responsibilities expanded.

After years of grappling with her father’s loss, his daughter shared how deeply it continues to affect her, describing it as “like losing a part of your heart” that can never be replaced.

The TV personality recalled a moment during a routine crocodile show at the Australia Zoo, where footage of her father triggered an emotional response, even after countless viewings.

Though pride and purpose in continuing his mission often sustain her, the pain can resurface in quiet, personal moments—whether celebrating her brother’s achievements or laughing at the dinner table. Those times leave her longing for her father’s presence, a reminder of his enduring absence.

Despite this ongoing grief, the family—her younger brother, mother, and herself—remains steadfast in continuing Steve’s work for wildlife conservation. They dedicate their efforts to making him proud, continuing the work that was central to his life.

As her brother, who was two years old when their dad died, reflected on their collective commitment, he emphasized the unbreakable connection to their roots. Robert affirmed that the Australia Zoo is more than a workplace—it is their passion and forever home.

This deep-rooted passion for conservation continues to guide their efforts, now led by Steve’s daughter as CEO of the Australia Zoo. During an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Bindi Irwin highlighted the family’s extensive work to honor his legacy.

“We have conservation projects all over the globe so we help with rhinos and cheetahs in Africa,” the zookeeper revealed. She also highlighted the role of their wildlife hospital, which has rescued and rehabilitated over 80,000 animals to return them to the wild.

Moreover, the family’s commitment to honoring Steve’s legacy carries into their personal lives, including Bindi’s wedding to wakeboarder Chandler Powell in March 2020—a love story that began at the Australia Zoo, much like her parents’.

Though bittersweet without the environmentalist’s presence, the family reflected on how he would have embraced the day with his signature enthusiasm.

Terri humorously imagined him tackling the helicopter that disrupted their outdoor plans or building a chapel in an hour. She described Steve as both emotionally tough and deeply sensitive, traits mirrored in Robert as he walked his sister down the aisle.

Overwhelmed with joy, Robert, a wildlife photographer, admitted that the moment brought thoughts of their dad, making the day both emotional and joyous, filled with “happy tears.”

Meanwhile, Chandler credited Steve’s documentaries for inspiring his love of wildlife and leading him to Australia Zoo, where he met Bindi. Reflecting on their shared story, Bindi noted the parallels with her parents’ romance, from meeting at the zoo to adventurous honeymoons, adding a lighthearted touch to their connection.

Bindi, who participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” chose to keep her last name after marrying Chandler, explaining it helps her feel connected to her father. Chandler fully supported her decision, calling her “an Irwin through and through,” with her joking that he has now become an Irwin as well.

The actress’s decision to honor her father’s legacy through her name is reflected in how she keeps his memory alive for her daughter, Grace. She and Chandler welcomed their only child in 2021.

Grace affectionately refers to Steve as “Grandpa Crocodile,” with Bindi introducing her to his documentaries. Through these films, the mother of one shared, “I feel like she is able to grow up knowing him.”

Bindi’s commitment to sharing her father’s legacy with her daughter mirrors her openness about her own personal challenges. In March 2023, she took to Instagram to reveal her ten-year struggle with endometriosis, a journey marked by pain, misdiagnoses, and eventual surgery.

The surgery uncovered 37 lesions and a chocolate cyst. Grateful for her recovery and her “miracle” daughter, Grace, she urged others to seek help, validated the experiences of women facing similar struggles, and called for greater compassion and awareness around the disease.

Now 26, Bindi’s openness about her struggle with endometriosis sheds light on the physical and emotional toll it took on her life. Starting in her teens, she endured severe pain and underwent countless tests, only to be dismissed by doctors. During her pregnancy with Grace, the pain was so intense that she feared she would miscarry.

Following her surgery, Bindi expressed how transformative the experience has been, “Now, I’m a completely new person.” She can now enjoy simple joys like walking with her family, among other things.

Bindi Irwin’s journey of honoring her father’s legacy, embracing motherhood, and overcoming personal health challenges exemplifies her unwavering dedication to family, wildlife conservation, and advocacy. Her resilience serves as an inspiration, reminding others to seek help, cherish loved ones, and continue fighting for what truly matters.