Everything you need to know about Bindi Irwin

This young wildlife warrior is following in the footsteps of her famous dad, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, pushing a message of wildlife conservation – and winning fans in the process.

Who Is Bindi Irwin?

Bindi Sue Irwin was born in Buderim Queensland on July 24, 1998, to wildlife conservationist couple, Steve and Terri Irwin. Both her parents were already famous worldwide by the time she made her grand entrance, thanks to Steve’s globally-syndicated Crocodile Hunter TV series, a show which reached a staggering 500 million viewers worldwide.

Bindi grew up and was home-schooled at Australia Zoo, which was owned by her famous parents. Tragically, when she was just eight years old, her father was killed in a freak accident after a stingray barb pierced his heart while filming his TV series. Steve’s death shocked the world – and had a lasting effect on young Bindi, who vowed to continue in his footsteps.

How did Bindi first become famous?

At just two years of age, Bindi began appearing on her dad’s TV series, and was regularly by his side as he performed in his Australia Zoo live crocodile shows. A natural in front of the camera, Bindi began guest starring on Wiggles TV specials. But, tragically, it wasn’t until her father passed away that she really gained international notoriety.

On 20 September 2006, Bindi received a standing ovation after delivering a eulogy for her father in front of a crowd of 5,000 people at Australia Zoo. Steve’s funeral was watched by 300 million viewers worldwide.

A year later, Bindi was the star of her own TV series, Bindi The Jungle Girl, for Discovery Kids – and she was an instant hit with young viewers.The series kick-started her career in the media, and she quickly carved a position as worthy successor to her father.

In 2009 she won the TV Week Logie for Best New Talent, and over the years she has also been a global tourism ambassador for Australia. She regularly appears on talk shows, and has an internationally-recognisable name. In 2015, Bindi took part in – and won – the 21st season of the American series of Dancing With The Stars, along with her dance partner Derek Hough.

Who was Bindi Irwin’s Dad?

It’s hard to overestimate just how big a star Bindi’s dad Steve “The Crocodie Hunter” Irwin was. Not only were his TV shows, which he co-hosted with wife Terri, watched by millions around the world, he was a tireless campaigner and conservationist, able to reach a huge global audience through his TV work and through Australia Zoo.

A true expert in Australian animals (in particular, crocodiles – his father Bob taught him all about the species from a young age, and he “wrestled” his first croc at just nine), in 1997, while on a fishing trip his Dad, Irwin discovered a new species of turtle.

Steve always insisted he could spread his conservation message more effectively through enthusiasm rather than preaching, his love-of-life and awe at the beauty of the natural world a genuine pathway for others to engage in his passion – a trait he passed to Bindi.

His enthusiastic catch-cry “Crikey!” became synonymous with the star, who was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018 – Bindi, Terri and Robert were there for the official ceremony.

Did Bindi finish high school?

Because she travelled so much as a child, Bindi was homeschooled, predominantly at her home-base at Australia Zoo. She finished her schooling in 2014, later enrolling at TAFE Queensland East Coast. She recently completed a Certificate III in Business, and is currently studying for a Certificate III in Tourism, fitting her studies between her work at Australia Zoo and her media commitments worldwide. She continues to film the family's reality series, Crikey, It’s the Iwrins!, with her mum Terri and brother, Robert.

Is Bindi Irwin married?

Not quite...but she is engaged, to American professional wakeboarder, Chandler Powell. Bindi and Chandler, who have known one another for six years, became engaged after Chandler popped the question on Bindi’s 21st birthday, which she celebrated at Australia Zoo. Bindi has said she can’t wait to settle down with Chandler and start a family. But, no, before you ask, she’s not pregnant. Babies are a way in the future for the young star!

Just how famous is she?

Um, very, VERY famous! And so’s her brother, Robert. The siblings – who between them have 4.4 million Instagram followers – have carried on their dad’s amazing legacy, and have made it their life’s mission to spread their message of the importance of wildlife conservation to the world - one social media follower at a time.

In 2019, both Bindi and Robert were named in Time Magazine’s ‘Next 100’ list, in recognition of their extraordinary achievements, and the difference they are set to make in the world in the coming years.

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com

Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.