Bindi Irwin is thinking of her late dad, Steve, in a unique way.
The 24-year-old, who has followed the path of her late father, paid tribute to him during the 2022 World Elephant Day celebrations moments ago. Steve died in September 2006 after getting stung multiple times by a stingray.
Steve Irwin’s Presence Remains Felt In His Daughter, Bindi’s Life Years Later
Although he’s been gone for several years, Steve has continuously found a way into his family’s experiences. This happened again when Bindi posted a picture that featured the late 44-year-old on Instagram.
In the throwback photo, the “Crocodile Hunter” star is seen sitting cross-legged on some barren land with a herd of elephants — both adult and babies — in front of him as he stares up at the cloudy sky. The image used to mark this year’s World Elephant Day was captured when Steve traveled to Africa to film “The Crocodile Hunter” in the early 2000s. Bindi’s touching message in the caption read:
“To be in the presence of these giant angels is to know you’ve experienced magic. This #WorldElephantDay and every day we must think about our impacts on the planet and how they ripple out towards our fellow species. Their future depends on us.”
Fans and followers could feel the emotion in the post, and they applauded the “Crikey! It’s the Irwins” star’s family in the comments. One person acknowledged, “I miss him. What an incredible man. This world is blessed to have his family following in his footsteps.”
A second person commented, “What a true life legend your Dad was,” and a third added, “I loved watching him when I was a little kid. He made the early 2000s so special!” Someone even recalled that the late Steve saved a baby elephant on that episode of his hit show, and many more sent their love to Bindi and her family.
It is noteworthy to mention that Economic Times shared that World Elephant Day is celebrated on the 12th of August to raise awareness about the preservation and protection of elephants worldwide. Over the years, elephants have suffered the loss of habitat, mistreatment by humans, human-elephant conflict, and even captivity. Thus, August 12 is set aside to highlight these issues and teach people the importance of protecting the “memorable” animal.
World Elephant Day, which was first observed in 2012, started thanks to the efforts of Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand. Ten years later, conservationists like Bindi all over the world want to raise awareness about the state of African and Asian elephants.
The “Dancing with the Stars” Season 21 Winner Marked Dad’s Posthumous Birthday
Bindi made it a point to celebrate her father’s posthumous birthday in February. The Blast reported at the time that the zookeeper posted a touching tribute to the “greatest dad” via her Instagram page. The mother-of-one wrote:
“Happy Birthday to the greatest dad and Wildlife Warrior. Today I’ll watch ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ with Grace Warrior and share stories about her incredible Grandpa Crocodile. I love you with all my heart. Your legacy lives on.”
The sweet caption included a photo of a young Bindi posing next to her dad as he held up a snake. The duo is on barren land with hills and the sky behind them. In addition to the nearly 500k likes the post got, it also received more than 3k comments. While most of the responses were an adulation of Steve, this user had nothing but kind words for his daughter:
“Bindi you were the cutest child and loveliest beautiful woman today. Touch my heart how strong and positive you are. You are most definitely a spiritual influence to all who know your story.”
Another reminded Bindi, “He is always with you, Bindi. His spirit lives on in you, your mom and brother, and now your husband and daughter. What a beautiful legacy. Much love to you.” Steve died over a decade ago after he got pierced in the chest by a stingray barb when he was filming on the Great Barrier Reef. The TV personality was at Batt Reef, near Port Douglas, Queensland, partaking in the production of the documentary “Ocean’s Deadliest.”
Bindi’s family — including her brother Robert and their mother Terri — opened up Crocodile Lodge at the Australia Zoo. The family works and lives at the lodge in honor of the late conservationist.