Crikey! Steve Irwin’s Kids Are Keeping His Legacy Alive
Before his life was cut short, Steve Irwin made a living working with wildlife. The Crocodile Hunter icon was a zookeeper and an animal expert. Since his passing in 2006, Irwin's legacy has been carried on in so many ways and allowed the public to see what life was really like in the wilderness.
Whether it was yelling "Crikey!" or holding an animal while talking to the audience about the beauty behind it, Irwin was passionate about what he did. There are many things most people might not remember about Irwin, although his kids are working to keep his legacy alive. Here are some little-known facts about Steve Irwin.
Austrailian Zoo
Steve was around animals since he was young. Irwin's father was a wildlife expert in herpetology, and his mother was a wildlife rehabilitator. The family moved to Beerwah, just near Queensland, Australia, where they opened the Beerwah Reptile Park in 1970, but it's now called the Australian Zoo.
For His 6th Birthday, He Got A Python
The Australia Zoo became Irwin's home for good when he took over in 1991. Before all that, what started his love for the wildlife was a present on his sixth birthday. Irwin received a scrub python, and by the time he was nine-years-old, his father taught him how to handle crocodiles.
How He Met Terri
Much like her husband, Terri had a love for animals at a young age. She grew up in Oregon and focused on animal rehabilitation. Terri first met Steve in 1991 when she took a trip to Australia and visited the Australia Zoo. Four months later, the pair got engaged.
Crikey! That's Quite The Passion
Steve made the wildlife much more fascinating when his series became popular. The show's success had nothing to do with Irwin's looks; it had to do with his enthusiasm. His passion for wildlife will forever be one of the great things about the Aussie icon.
An Irrational Fear
Crocodiles, snakes, spiders, those didn't bother Steve one bit. However, there was one particular animal that gave Irwin the shivers. The biggest fear of the Crocodile Hunter was a parrot. Of course, the man who lived by the edge was afraid a bird who mocks people.
Not An Ideal Honeymoon
Steve and Terri's honeymoon wasn't an ideal one for many. Instead of laying on a beach, they traveled around Australia trapping crocodiles. After seeing video of the couple doing this, along with Steve's enthusiasm, Animal Planet picked up The Crocodile Hunter.
Wide Spread Of Success
The Crocodile Hunter was a major hit in Australia. It became a hit in America as well, and the show's popularity continued to grow. By 1999, Steve's show ended up being broadcast in over 130 different countries around the world. There aren't many shows that had such a strong global appeal.
From The Small Screen To The Big Screen
2002 was the year Steve made the jump from the small screen to the big screen. The Aussie starred in his only feature film, along with Terri, in The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course. The film won Irwin a Young Artist Award for the Best Family Feature Film in Comedy.
How Bindi Sue Got Her Name
Bindi is a cool, yet unique name. The name was actually inspired by an animal that lived in Steve's zoo. Bindi was the name of a female crocodile that Steve kept very close, like a pet. Bindi's middle name is Sue, which comes from their family dog, Sui.
Queensland Reptile & Fauna Park
It's obvious that Steve looked up to his parents as both Bob and Lyn Irwin loved the wildlife. It also came as no surprise that Steve grew up around crocodiles and other reptiles. Bob and Lyn founded the small Reptile and Fauna Park in Queensland to share their love with others.
Wildlife Warriors
Photo Credit: David Hardenberg/Stringer/Getty Images
Terri and Steve passed down their fascination with wildlife to their kids, as they have both taken a strong interest in what is now three generations of wildlife lovers. The family founded a charity in 2002 called Wildlife Warriors. The international non-profit organization educates people about threatened and endangered wildlife. Terri, Bindi, and Robert are key advisors to the foundation.
A Dream Desire
In an interview before his unfortunate death, Steve opened up about his kids. Not only he did love them deeply, but the Aussie icon hoped the legacy he made will carry on to his children. Both of his kids looked up to their Dad and saw him as their number one role model.
Best Mates Forever
Wes Mannion was the best friend of Steve. Mannion even managed the zoo when Steve and Terri were away. Steve actually saved Wes' life when he was attacked by a crocodile during a flood at the Australia Zoo. Thank goodness Steve was there to save his best mate.
Possible Expansion
Terri and Steve had conversations about growing their family. After he passed, Terri discussed in an interview with E! News that Steve was excited when Bindi was born. They had Robert, but they never got around to expanding the Irwin clan before his tragic death in 2006.
Like Father, Like Son
The controversial moment when Steve fed a crocodile while holding his infant son didn't seem to frighten Robert. Much like Bindi, Robert is following in their father's footsteps. The younger Irwin even appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he introduced Jimmy to a cute sloth.
In Irwin's Honor
Steve's passing left us his legacy, which even included a ship named after him. The MY Stever Irwin is a 194-foot flagship of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The group stands for aquatic wildlife and Irwin would be over the moon with their efforts to protect Australia's sea creatures.
Irwin's Turtle.... They Bite.
A ship was named after Steve, and there's also a species of a snapping turtle named in his honor. Irwin's turtle is a species found in Australia. Steve was actually one of the people who discovered it. Unfortunately, their personality isn't as friendly as Steve.
Keeping The Family Name Alive
After his death in 2006, Terri, Bindi, and Robert are joining forces to keep the family name alive. All three will be returning to the small screen for a new nature show on Animal Planet. Bindi is now 19 years old while Robert is 14. The show will air in late 2018.
Not Afraid Of The Crocodiles
Steve faced countless dangerous moments during his illustrious career. His kids? Well, they're just as fearless as their father was. At the Zoo, both Robert and Bindi do shows for audiences to see. Oh, and they also have their birthdays celebrated there too.
Creating Awareness
Jacques Costeau was a hero to Steve. Irwin wanted to be much like his idol, and he had a purpose for people to watch The Crocodile Hunter. Irwin wanted to educate the public about the animals they were around, along with the many myths and facts surrounding them.
