Bindi Irwin biography

Synopsis

Early Years

Named after one of her father's favorite crocodiles, Bindi Sue Irwin first appeared in front of the cameras when she was only a few weeks old. Her father, Steve Irwin, was the star of the popular nature program, The Crocodile Hunter. Both he and her mother, Terri, worked on the show.

Irwin shared her parents' passion for wildlife. Home-schooled, she grew up surrounded by the animals at the Australia Zoo, which is owned and operated by her family. Irwin became a big sister in 2003, with the arrival of her brother Robert.

Just as Irwin was to branch out on her own, she experienced a terrible loss, in 2006. Her father died after being stung by a stingray while snorkeling on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. He had been filming for Bindi Irwin's new television series. At Steve Irwin's memorial service, held at the Australia Zoo, his then-8-year-old daughter spoke warmly of her father, calling him "her hero."

Television Work

In memory of her father, Irwin starred in the 2007 television documentary My Daddy the Crocodile Hunter. She also continued to work on her new wildlife series for American television, Bindi: The Jungle Girl, which debuted that same year with the young wildlife enthusiast educating and entertaining viewers with stories about animals. She rode an elephant, played with a python and introduced her audience to her pet rat, Candy. Irwin even sang and danced on the show with her back-up group, known as the Crocmen. Along with her mother, Irwin also appeared in the documentary series, Planet's Best with Terri and Bindi, around this time.

Though the show only lasted for 26 episodes, Bindi: The Jungle Girl found a second life on Australian television. The series aired there in 2009. Back in the states, Irwin has made appearances on such talk shows as The Oprah Winfrey Show in recent years.

Other Projects

The multitalented Irwin has released an exercise video, Bindi Kidfitness, and even has her own clothing line, "Bindi Wear." Capitalizing on her musical talents, she has also released several songs and toured with the Wiggles, a popular children's band.

In recent years, the now teenaged Irwin has tackled new challenges. She has tried her hand at acting, appearing the 2010 straight-to-DVD release, Free Willy: Escape from Pirate's Cove. This latest installment in the Free Willy franchise featured Irwin as a young Australian girl who tries to help a stranded baby Orca. Actor Beau Bridges played her grandfather in the film.

Irwin has also turned author. In 2011, she made her fictional debut with a book series for young readers, Bindi Wildlife Adventures.