Australia lost an icon on September 4, 2006, when Steve Irwin tragically died after a stingray’s barb pierced his chest; but his children, Bindi and Robert Irwin, lost their father.
Despite it being over 18 years since Steve’s passing, it’s clear that Bindi and Robert (along with the rest of Australia) still miss their dear old dad.
The two regularly use social media to pay tribute to Steve and every single time, it’s ever so sweet.
Read on to see every time Bindi and Robert have paid tribute to Steve Irwin…
01
Robert marks his 21st
On December 1, Robert turned 21. He marked the occasion by sharing a photo of his father on his 21st to his Instagram page.
” I was looking through the archives a few days ago and I found these pictures of my dad on his 21st,” he said in the caption. “It can be hard to celebrate the milestones when there’s someone missing, but I will carry his memory and passion with me in this new chapter of life. I am one lucky guy to be surrounded by my amazing family today.
02
Robert unveils his wax figure at Madame Tussauds Sydney
On November 28, 2024, Robert Irwin attended the unveiling of his wax figure at Madame Tussauds Sydney.
But while there, Robert also came face to face with his late dad’s wax figure and, understandably, became emotional.
“It’s a lot to take in,” Robert said.
“Honestly, that actually, actually hit me … that’s weird, that’s pretty spot on — that’s actually really spot on … That is amazing, it’s the first time in a long time he’s not just a picture.”
Tears welled in the 20-year-old’s eyes and he asked for a moment to compose himself.
“Wow, [I] haven’t seen him in 18 years,” Robert said.
“Sorry, wow, [I] wasn’t expecting that.”
03
Steve Irwin Day 2024
In honour of Steve Irwin Day — held annually on November 15 — Bindi took to Instagram to share several throwback images of her and her dad.
“Please wear some khaki today and remember the greatest Wildlife Warrior. We miss you so much, Dad. It is an honour to help carry on your legacy,” Bindi wrote.
04
Steve Irwin Anniversary, 2024
Bindi paid tribute to her father on September 4, 2024 — to mark the 18th anniversary of the day Steve died in 2006.
She shared a throwback photo of Steve with a crocodile on Instagram and wrote, “It is an honour to help continue the work you started. Your legacy lives on in our family, our team, Australia Zoo, Wildlife Warriors and The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. Hope to make you proud.”
05
2024 TV Week Logies
Ahead of the 2024 TV Week Logies, Robert Irwin spoke to The Weekly about his Gold Logie nomination on the red carpet. And the 20-year-old sweetly said:
“It’d be an incredible honour to take home the Gold Logie tonight. To be honest, just to be here, to be nominated, to be recognised in this way is big for my mission and my message. I take a lot of pride in the message that I have and I take inspiration from something my dad used to say.
“He used to say, ‘I don’t care if people remember me. But I do care if people remember my message.’ This is a great platform to spread positivity, to hopefully lead by example, and to show other young people to follow your dreams, and follow your passion.
“It’s funny to think that all this all started with one bloke in Beerwah in the 70s, who then started Australia Zoo and then created a legacy. To be up for [the Gold Logie] is very meaningful and it’s a win for conservation either way.”
06
Wildlife Warriors Worldwide
Robert Irwin, Bindi Irwin and Terri Irwin attended the Steve Irwin gala to support the Wildlife Warriors conservationist organization at Bellagio Resort & Casino on May 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Malcom in the Middle star and recent I’m A Celeb contestant Frankie Muniz, Australian country singer Lee Kernaghan, and comedian Rove McManus, were among the celebrity attendees, while Prince William delivered a surprise video message showing support for the conservation gala.
“Tonight is all about conservation and continuing Steve’s global mission to protect life on our planet,” William stated.
“His dream was to have the cleanest water, the freshest air and wildlife in abundance. But most of all, he wanted a future for our children. Advocating for the preservation of life on our planet.
“It is a passion I share and it is why I launched the Earthshot Prize, to search for and scale the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges,” he continued.
“Our mission is to protect and restore our planet in this critical decade leading up to 2030.”
07
Interview with Courier Mail
In a November 2023 interview with The Courier Mail, Robert explained how photography makes him feel connected to his father, Steve Irwin. “You know, all my life all I’ve ever wanted was to be exactly like dad, but also to find my own place in his world. I was just itching to find that place and photography gave me that. But it also gave me a connection to dad, and a purpose,” he said.
“Everything he did, everything he recorded, everything he documented, well, it kind of stopped, and it stopped abruptly, which is what happens when someone dies unexpectedly. And this is one of my ways of continuing his work.”
08
Father’s Day 2023
For Father’s Day 2023, both Bindi and Robert took to Instagram. Bindi posted this adorable throwback picture, captioned with a single love-heart emoji. Robert posted a video montage of old home videos of Steve playing with a young Bindi and Robert. He captioned his video with:
“Today is Father’s Day here in Australia. Days like this are filled with so many different emotions, but above all, I choose to make it a happy day to remember the best moments with the best Dad.”
09
Crocodile tracking recreation
On August 18, 2023, Robert recreated a photo of his dad tracking crocodiles. He captioned the images with, “Since the early days when Dad was catching wild crocs — finding the signs of where they’ve been is the most important skill. My dad was the greatest in the world when it came to tracking these elusive creatures. Proud to continue his legacy.”
10
Steve and Terri’s 31st wedding anniversary
Bindi posted a lovely image of her parents Steve and Terri on what would have been their 31st wedding anniversary (June 4, 2023). “A love like this is eternal. Happy Anniversary to my extraordinary parents,” she wrote.
11
Steve’s 61st birthday
On what would have been his 61st birthday, both of Steve Irwin’s children took to Instagram. On February 22, 2023, Bindi posted a picture of her and Steve and wrote:
“Happy Birthday, Dad. Thank you for instilling a love for all species, courage to follow my heart and determination to make a difference in the world for wildlife and wild places. Your legacy lives on and the world is forever changed because of your dedication to conservation. Mum, Robert and I love and miss you so much.”
Similarly, Robert posted this picture of himself, Bindi and Steve along with the caption, “Happy birthday, Dad.”
12
Sui love on Instagram
Bindi wrote on Instagram, “Best friends. Soulmates. True love. The most incredible parents. And of course, Sui,” alongside a sweet picture of Steve, Terri and their dog Sui on February 3, 2023. As far as we can tell, that date bears no significance, so Bindi must’ve just been missing her dad that day.
Understandably so. If you’re wondering, how old were Steve Irwin’s children when he died — Bindi was eight years old and Robert was just two years old when Steve died.
What does Steve Irwin’s family do now?
Terri Irwin, Steve’s wife, took over Australia Zoo following Steve’s death. Now that Bindi and Robert are all grown up (Bindi is 26 years old and Robert is 20 years old), they are both wildlife conservationists like their late father and help their mother run Australia Zoo. Robert is also the new co-host of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!