Terri Irwin has candidly reflected on her marriage to the late Steve Irwin almost 20 years after he died.
“I think the best part [of our marriage] was just the fun and the adventure. Literally every day I didn’t know what it was going to hold,” Terri told US Weekly in May 2025.
“Steve was probably the most spontaneous person. Everyone says live every day to its fullest, but we never quite do that every day. And Steve really, really did,” she continued.
Terri went on to say that while she considers herself “lucky” she does miss Steve.
“I have my wonderful kids. I’m a grandmother now, and I have such a great team around me… My life is very full and very rich, and every day I wish Steve was here, but I’m so lucky.”
How did Terri Irwin and Steve Irwin meet?
Terri Irwin née Raines met Steve Irwin in 1991 during a trip to Australia.
The American attended one of Steve’s wildlife demonstrations at the Australia Zoo (then called the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park) and the two felt an instant connection.
Steve recalled how he and Terri first met in an episode of Crocodile Hunter and said:
“When I saw Terri in the crowd, I looked up and our eyes met. And my heart just went ‘bang, bang, bang, bang,’ just started thumping.
“It was love at first sight.
“I know this sounds like it’s coming out of some Mills and Boon love novel, but it’s true!”
When did they get married?
Terri and Steve Irwin were married on June 4, 1992, in Eugene, Oregon – Terri’s hometown.
Shortly after their wedding, they returned to Australia and began working together at the zoo Steve’s parents had founded.
Their honeymoon became the start of The Crocodile Hunter franchise, as they filmed crocodile relocations for what would eventually become a globally successful wildlife documentary series.
On July 24, 1998, Terri and Steve welcomed their daughter Bindi into the world.
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And on December 1, 2003, they welcomed their son Robert.
What does Terri Irwin do now?
After Steve’s untimely death – he was fatally stung by a stingray on September 4, 2006 – Terri became the sole owner and operator of Australia Zoo
Today, she continues to run the zoo to preserve Steve’s legacy.
Terri also oversees numerous wildlife protection programs and environmental initiatives through Wildlife Warriors, a charity she and Steve co-founded in 2002.
