Bindi Irwin biography

Synopsis

A devoted wildlife supporter, Bindi Irwin was born on July 24, 1998. She grew up at the Australia Zoo, which her parents ran. Irwin also appeared on her father's wildlife program, The Crocodile Hunter, during her early years. After her father's death in 2006, Irwin launched her own show, Bindi: The Crocodile Hunter. She also launched a fictional book series for young readers in 2011.

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.

Personal Life

Irwin lives at the Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland, Australia, with her mother and her brother. There, they celebrate the memory of Bindi's father every year with an annual "Steve Irwin Day." She also works at the zoo, doing chores related to many of the animals, including the shingle-back skinks—one of her favorites.

Carrying on her father's legacy, Irwin supports the Wildlife Warriors Worldwide charity, an organization that her parents founded in 2002.