After Steve Irwin, the recognisable star of The Crocodile Hunter, was tragically killed by a stingray, the world lost one of its most adored conservationists and television personalities in 2006.
But his fans who grew up watching his wildlife series and his family, who has continued his significant conservation work at the Australia Zoo to protect native wildlife, have ensured his legacy will live on.
And now, on November 15, the legend has his holiday named in his honour: Steve Irwin Day.
“An international and yearly celebration of the extraordinary life of the one and only Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin,” according to the official description of the day. It includes a day of activities at the Australia Zoo dedicated to celebrating Steve’s life and contributions while also working to support the conservation and preservation efforts of the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
Steve’s children used this moment to post touching tributes to their late “Wildlife Warrior” father on social media in honour of this special occasion.
The 18-year-old son of Steve Irwin, Robert, who is well known for resembling his famous father, posted a throwback photo of himself as a young child holding a baby alligator with his father on Instagram.
In his words, “Steve Irwin Day is a day to remember everything Dad stood for: conservation, commitment, fun, and family. “.
When I see people worldwide commemorating Dad’s life and legacy on this particular day, it never ceases to astound me how much of an impact he had on the planet, Robert wrote.
Bindi, Robert’s sister, who has followed in her father’s footsteps to become one of the world’s most well-known conservationists and animal heroes, also paid tribute.
She posted a video of Steve Irwin discussing his wishes for his legacy and how he wanted to be remembered.
“If there is one thing that Steve Irwin would like to be remembered for, it would be his enthusiasm and passion. My entire identity revolves around conservation, as does that of my friends, family, and coworkers. Everyone I know is involved in conservation. And I have this strong sense that I’m sharing my encounters with wildlife with you, you know. What a gorgeous thing. “.
The video is heartbreaking to watch today. Steve passed away 16 years ago, and he would be overjoyed to know that after all these years, people still think fondly of his life and work and set aside a day each year to honour him.
Wearing “your best khaki and celebrating the greatest Wildlife Warrior the world has ever known,” Bindi urged countless fans to observe the holiday. “.
Bindi has been busy raising her infant daughter Grace and continuing her father’s work, which is crucial for animals worldwide.
Today is Steve Irwin Day, a day we all hold close to our hearts. Steve had a vision for conservation where people and wildlife could live harmoniously alongside one another. Join us in celebrating Steve's passion for conservation as we proudly wear our khakis today! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/boNMkneaZN
— Wildlife Warriors (@wildwarriors) November 15, 2022
Young Grace is already showing traits that her grandpa did, according to the mother, who said she is teaching her daughter to love and value animals and the natural world.
When Steve passed away 15 years ago, Bindi wrote, “This sweetheart lights up seeing her ‘Grandpa Crocodile’ on screen.”.
“I hold onto the idea that Dad is now Grace’s guardian angel, keeping an eye on the most precious part of my life, Grace. I wish he could hug my beautiful girl. “.
Grace has a way with animals, so the youngest, Irwin, already carries on the family tradition. Animals “gravitate” to her granddaughter when they are at the Australia Zoo, according to Terri Irwin, Bindi’s mother and Steve’s widow.
Terri told Entertainment Tonight, “I believe she possesses the same tenacity and affinity for wildlife as Steve did. So when she pushes the stroller outside in the morning, the kangaroos just congregate around her as though they were holding a meeting. “.
Although all will miss the late great Steve Irwin, it is evident that his legacy has significantly endured and that he had a significant impact on his children.
Please spread the word about this tale honouring the legendary Steve Irwin, and don your finest khaki today to commemorate “Steve Irwin Day”!