Bold opening: A family’s message after a legend’s passing continues to echo, showing how Steve Irwin’s influence lives on through Bindi and Robert. And this is the part most people miss: his legacy feels as present as ever in the everyday lives they lead.
Bindi Irwin and her younger brother Robert publicly honored their father, Steve Irwin, on what would have been his 64th birthday. Sharing on social media, they posted heartfelt birthday wishes to the late wildlife conservationist, who passed away nearly two decades ago.
Bindi marked the day with an Instagram carousel of throwback photos and wrote, “Happy Birthday, Dad. We miss you so much.” She added, “Grace is so proud to tell everyone that Grandpa Crocodile is her guardian angel. Love you. Forever.” In a separate post, Robert expressed his own grief and gratitude, writing, “Would have been your birthday today. Love you, miss you… thank you for being a guiding light and inspiration every day.”
Fans flooded the comment sections with messages of support, praising the Irwin family for carrying forward Steve’s passion for wildlife and love for each other. One admirer noted that much of what people admired about Steve lives on in his children, expressing confidence that he would be proud of the men and women they have become. Others highlighted how Steve’s spirit for wildlife and family shines through Bindi and Robert.
Steve Irwin—often called “The Crocodile Hunter”—died in 2006 after a stingray incident while filming a documentary at the Great Barrier Reef. At that time, Robert was two years old and Bindi was eight. Steve and his wife Terri had been married for 14 years.
Robert has continued Steve’s legacy in a modern arena as well. In a conversation with Men’s Health, Robert discussed winning Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, where he and partner Witney Carson earned the Mirrorball Trophy. He reflected on carrying a “legacy” that began with his parents, and he shared how America’s warm reception reinforced the broader mission he represents.
“I came from Australia not knowing how far I’d get,” Robert said. “I didn’t realize how incredibly supportive America would be. It’s hard to put into words how much that has meant because what I represent is more than just a dance.” He added that stepping into the ballroom means representing Steve and Terri Irwin’s shared vision—beyond wildlife conservation to positivity, passion, and becoming a role model for young people.
Robert also expressed gratitude for the American audience’s ongoing encouragement, noting that the weekly support felt like gaining a second family. He acknowledged the hard work of rehearsals and new routines but emphasized that hearing how his dancing resonates with people makes every challenge worthwhile. The opportunity to share his heart and soul on such a platform has been a profoundly meaningful experience for him, one that he believes extends Steve’s message of compassion and stewardship to a broader audience.
