In 2006, then 8-year-old Bindi Irwin made headlines when she eulogized her father, The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, during a memorial service at the family’s Australia Zoo. Now, Bindi is branching out to become a TV star, actress and recording artist, but she still works at the Zoo with mom, Terri, and 10-year-old brother, Robert, to carry on her dad’s lifelong passion of wildlife conservation.
Star spoke with the 15-year-old about her famous dad and what life is like more than seven years after his passing.
How do you keep the spirit of your beloved dad alive?
I’ve dedicated by life to spreading his message of wildlife conservation to as many people as possible. And our film work will carry it on to future generations.
You’ve been involved in TV, music and movies. What’s the next step in your career?
As I get older, I’d like to tackle bigger issues facing our world today, like human overpopulation and the non-consumptive use of wildlife. If we don’t stop talking about them, there will never be positive change.
You’re so busy; how do you spend your downtime?
I enjoy paddleboarding, hiking and curling up in a chair to read for hours. I especially love reading outside; books seem more real that way.
What’s your single favorite memory of your father?
I have so many amazing memories of my dad. One that stands out is the first time he let me jump on the head of a crocodile, when I was 8 years old! On our annual crocodile research trips, we have to hold them down in order to attach a tracking device before they’re released. The first time is a memory that will live with me forever.
For more of our interview with Bindi, pick up the latest issue of Star, on newsstands now.
