Remembering her late father steve bindi irwin why every day is earth day at her family’s australia zoo

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

B indi Irwin has always hoped that her late father, “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve, would be proud of everything their family has achieved at his 700-acre Australia Zoo.

And now, to mark Earth Day this weekend and in an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Bindi fondly remembers her dad and champions his mission – continued internationally by his Wildlife Warriors charity – to protect animals.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been over 16 years since he passed away,” says the conservationist, who lives at the famous zoo in Queensland.

Steve was killed by a stingray while filming in the Great Barrier Reef in 2006, but not a day goes by when Bindi, 24, doesn’t think of him.

“In some ways, it still feels like yesterday that we were on our last crocodile research trip together,” she says. “I know in my heart that his love and enthusiasm will live on and that brings me great comfort.”

Indeed, Steve still inspires Bindi every day and she named her daughter Grace in his honour. The zookeeper recently celebrated her daughter’s second birthday with husband Chandler Powell, whom she met in 2013.

“When Grace was born, my first words as I held her in my arms were that she’s our ‘graceful warrior’. Chandler and I immediately knew that should be her name,” Bindi says. “The name Grace Warrior suits our daughter perfectly and feels like the perfect way to honour the greatest Wildlife Warrior ever to have lived – my dad.”

It was a special moment for Bindi, who adds: “My pregnancy was difficult and we feel very, very lucky to have Grace. We count our blessings every day to have her in our lives.”

PASSING THE BATON

Now, Bindi wants her conservation efforts and love of nature to inspire her daughter. “My hope is that Grace has empathy for all species and a genuine appreciation for our Earth,” she says. “It makes my heart happy seeing her admire an ant, gently pat a koala or try to feed a tiny tortoise with her spoon. She’s such a strong girl, with a real softness towards the natural world.”

Proud of her family, she adds: “Chandler is an extraordinary husband and watching him become a dad has filled my heart with joy. He is such a kind-hearted,