Steve Irwin Would Have Turned 60 This Week — Meet His Children Bindi and Robert

Steve Irwin would have been incredibly proud of his wife, Terri, and two kids, Bindi and Robert, for continuing his legacy and growing into strong and well-rounded individuals. In recent months, Bindi became a parent and paid tribute to her father through her daughter.

Many remember Steve Irwin as the Crocodile Hunter, but he was just a dad to Bindi and Robert Irwin. Steve was a dedicated conservationist and zookeeper who taught his children how to love animals. Sadly, their time as a family was cut short when Steve died in September 2006 at age 44.

The wildlife expert would have turned 60 this week. Nevertheless, he is undoubtedly proud of his family, who have followed in his footsteps and gone above and beyond to continue his legacy.

STEVE AND TERRI START A FAMILY

As cliche as it sounds, Steve and Terri felt love at first sight while she was visiting Australia Zoo, a known wildlife park that he owned and managed.

Steve was swept off his feet at first glance by his wife, and she was in awe of his passion for all animals. In particular, she loved how he fed crocodiles without hesitation and found them beautiful. Steve once said:

"I know this sounds like it's coming out of some Mills & Boon love novel, but it's true."

On June 4, 1992, six months after the first meeting, the couple tied the knot and later welcomed Bindi and Robert. Terri revealed that she wanted to have more children with him after his demise.

According to the mother-of-two, Steve was the one, and if it weren't for him, she probably wouldn't have married.

However, their short time together made it impossible. Terri's two children have since kept her company and happy in the years that followed.

WELCOMING BINDI

The couple's older daughter was born on July 24, 1998, in Queensland, Australia. Named after Steve's favorite female crocodile, Bindi grew up watching her father advocate for animal life on national television. It didn't take long before she made her on-screen debut as well.

At two, she appeared alongside Steve on "The Crocodile Hunter Diaries," which aired from 1996 to 2004. Three years later, Bindi starred in her own show, "Bindi the Jungle Girl," where she used her voice "to help educate others, both young and old, about the importance of caring for wildlife."

Bindi's show aired on Discovery Kids and had regular appearances from her mom and dad. In 2012, she became host to a nature-themed game show, "Bindi's Bootcamp," and in 2015 competed on "Dancing with the Stars."

KEEPING STEVE'S LEGACY

Since Steve's passing, the Australian conservationist committed to continuing her dad's advocacy by protecting wildlife and all other animals. Together with her family, she helps run the Australia Zoo and even stars in a hit television show with her family, "Crikey! It's the Irwins."

In November 2018, Bindi shared how her father played a role in shaping the person she is today. "Dad always encouraged us to do what we love," she said. Bindi paid tribute to her father for his birthday in a recent post. She said:

"Today I'll watch 'The Crocodile Hunter' with Grace Warrior and share stories about her incredible Grandpa Crocodile. I love you with all my heart. Your legacy lives on."

BECOMING A MOTHER

Apart from work, Bindi is also a loving wife and a mother. She married her long-time boyfriend, Chandler Powell, and together they share a beautiful daughter, Grace. In naming her daughter Warrior, she found another way to honor her father and his legacy. Steve was an incredible Wildlife Warrior.

Although their little one never met Irwin, Bindi makes Grace watch videos of her grandfather. Previously, Bindi shared that her daughter's face always lights up when she sees clips of Irwin on the projector at Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

The proud mom also believes that her father is her daughter's guardian angel, always watching over and protecting Grace.

WELCOMING ROBERT

After Steve and Terri had Bindi, the Crocodile Hunter could not help but feel overjoyed, so much so that he immediately asked if they could have a son next. His wish came true some years later when Robert joined the family on December 1, 2003.

Like his sister and father, Robert has the same love and passion for wildlife conservation and appeared on television. In 2014, he hosted "Wild But True" and later had guest appearances on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon." Robert previously shared about his father's teachings:

"He said to treat animals the way you'd want to be treated. That's always stayed with us. Of course, that's applicable to people as well [...]."

ROBERT'S WORK AS A CONSERVATIONIST

Along with his family, Robert helps manage the Australia Zoo, where he "enjoys wildlife photography, feeding crocodiles, and learning about the world around him."

He undoubtedly has a knack for photography and was previously recognized for The Catch photograph. The picture showed a huntsman spider clutching a dead frog and was commended in the National History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

He also partakes in the Australia Zoo crocodile research trip on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve. The annual event gathers researchers and professional crocodile experts to catch and tag the reptiles with tracking devices.

TERRI, AFTER STEVE'S DEATH

Terri undoubtedly still feels a strong connection with her husband, even after his passing. According to the mother-of-two, Steve was the one, and if it weren't for him, she probably wouldn't have married. She said:

"I'm just lonely for Steve. I feel that we had that soulmate thing, and in the ten years since, I haven't dated or even thought about it. Because I'm not afraid to be on my own."

Although it has been nearly two decades since his passing, Terri and her children still terribly miss the family patriarch.