With the 20th anniversary of Steve Irwin’s death just days away, it’s incredible to see how much his family has grown in that time.
Terri, Robert, and Bindi have not only continued his wildlife and conservation mission but amplified his message to millions of people around the globe.
Media commentator Jo Casamento told Yahoo Lifestyle that what has been so impressive to see is that his kids haven’t just coasted on their dad’s coattails but have carved out their own success stories.
Steve Irwin died in 2006, but in the two decades since his death his family has kept his legacy alive.
(Getty)
“Steve Irwin wasn’t just famous; he was one of the most loved Australians in the world,” she said.
“But a famous surname only opens the door; it doesn’t keep you in the room.”
There are plenty of TV and film dynasties that have captured the world’s attention over the years. However, the Irwins are something very different.
They’ve worked hard ever since that tragic September 4 day in 2006 to get people to care about animals, the environment, health care, and the world we are leaving for our children.
Bindi praised for championing endometriosis in decade-long struggle
Bindi Irwin was just eight when her dad died on September 4, 2006, and while she has been a staple part of Australia Zoo, the 28-year-old has also loaned her voice to another massive cause – endometriosis.
The disease impacts one in seven women in Australia, and Bindi spent 10 years fighting for a diagnosis.
She’s been candid about her struggles and campaigned for better health care access for those living with the condition.
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Kate Fisher, manager of strategy and operations at Qendo, which provides free help for Aussies with endometriosis, told Yahoo Lifestyle that Bindi speaking out in this space has been “so important”.
“Not just in terms of impacts on fertility,” she said. “But also the impact on quality of life – so the pelvic pain, the nausea, the fact that Bindi hasn’t been able to work in the way that she’d hoped.”
Kate added that Robert and her husband Chandler have also echoed Bindi’s pleas for change, which has further raised awareness of how it can “impact a whole family structure, not just the person experiencing it”.
Bindi Irwin has used her voice to fight for better endometriosis care in Australia.
(Instagram/@bindisueirwin)
Since Steve passed, Bindi and Chandler have raised a now-five-year-old daughter, Grace, who seems just as passionate about wildlife as her late grandad.
She’s also won the American version of Dancing With The Stars, had her own wildlife TV show called Bindi the Jungle Girl, released a kids’ fitness DVD and two studio albums, won the TV Week Logie for Best New Talent, and appeared in a few Hollywood movies.
The 28-year-old sits on the board of Wildlife Warriors, the Irwin family’s non‑profit conservation organisation that was founded by her parents, and continues her dad’s legacy as CEO of Australia Zoo.
Robert has become a mini Steve as he echoes conservation across the globe
There’s no denying that Robert has become one of Australia’s biggest recent exports.
Like Bindi, he also won Dancing With The Stars, has rubbed shoulders with Prince William to promote conservation, and has been a regular face on American talk shows.
Back home, he’s hosted I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here and the 2026 Logie Awards, and will soon head up Australia Ninja Warrior.
Despite getting a huge taste of fame, he hasn’t been steered off course from promoting wildlife.
He continues to host shows at Australia Zoo in between his busy schedule.
(TikTok/giannamerian)
He is still heavily involved with Australia Zoo and hosts croc shows just like his dad, and always tries to chat about conservation whenever he’s in front of a camera, big or small.
He even used a slot at the Logies to showcase a series of animals when he knew millions of Aussies would be tuning in.
Jo Casamento told Yahoo Lifestyle he has helped breathe life into Steve’s mission for a much younger audience.
“Gen Z in particular seems to have really embraced him because they value authenticity, kindness and people who seem genuinely passionate,” the UNSW lecturer said.
“And Robert ticks all of those boxes.”
Robert Irwin has followed in his dad’s footsteps, becoming a natural presenter.
(Getty)
While Steve could spread his message through talk shows, interviews, and movies, Robert has a completely different type of access to people.
He boasts 20 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, and his content is almost exclusively about wildlife and conservation.
Whether it’s rescuing animals at the Zoo, dramatic encounters with wildlife, or photographing incredible beasts in their natural habitat, he’s constantly trying to get millions to care more about the world around us.
Terri is the family North Star and Australia Zoo legend
The family’s matriarch, Terri, has been the one keeping Australia Zoo and its conservation efforts in full swing.
The Zoo now employs more than 500 staff members and encompasses nearly 300 hectares, making it an operation far larger than it was a few decades ago.
Terri and Steve Irwin had a 10-year plan for Australia Zoo
(Instagram/Terri Irwin)
In addition to welcoming thousands of visitors who get to learn about local Aussie wildlife, the Zoo has a dedicated hospital that cares for up to 10,000 animals every year.
Terri has also been instrumental in introducing the Zoo’s Crocodile Hunter Lodge and the Warrior Restaurant & Bar.
They both opened in 2022 and brought in another revenue stream that’s allowed Terri to be “completely debt-free”.
“I pay my bills when they come in…and overall, my head’s above water,” she told the Australian Financial Review.
The Irwin matriarch also continues her late husband’s crocodile research through the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve on the Cape York Peninsula.
The Zoo and Irwin family are in charge of managing the 135,000 hectares of wetlands, rainforests and savannas, which are home to more than 40 threatened species.
Every year, the family embarks on a research trip to collect information about crocodiles and tag them using Steve’s techniques.
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