Bindi Irwin reveals meaning behind new tattoo tribute to late dad Steve Irwin

Bindi Irwin has revealed a touching tribute to her late dad, Steve Irwin, in the form of a poignant tattoo.

The 23-year-old wildlife conservationist took to her Instagram to share an adorable picture of her nine-month-old daughter, Grace Warrior, alongside her own arm, which shows off the new artwork by Brisbane artist Kelly McQuirk.

It shows a crocodile on the back of the Australia Zoo star’s forearm, along with the words ‘graceful warrior’ in her late dad’s handwriting.

Steve Irwin was of course famous by his nickname ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ and Grace Warrior is the name of Bindi’s daughter.

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“The words I spoke to our daughter as I held her for the first time in my arms were, “My graceful warrior”. That’s how her name was born,” Bindi wrote in the caption.

“This is my dad’s handwriting to keep him with me, always. Our dear alligator, Daisy, is next to these words to represent our conservation work as Wildlife Warriors.

“And my beautiful wedding ring in bloom. Validation every day of the three most important things in my life: family, purpose and unconditional love.

“Since Grace’s breastfeeding journey ended, now felt like the perfect time for this empowering artwork.”

The Australian star also showed off her floral wedding band tattoo, which Grace Warrior seemed enthralled by.

Bindi’s husband, Chandler Powell commented on the photo saying: “Such gorgeous artwork. You amaze me every day. Each one is meaningful to mark this special time in our life together. Also, the Florida in me loves the alligator. Love you so much.”

Her brother, Robert Irwin, also commented with a stream of praising hands emojis.

Bindi was just eight-year-old when her beloved dad passed away after being pierced by a stingray while filming a documentary.

Since then, Bindi, her brother Robert and their mother, Terri, have worked tirelessly to continue on his conservation work.

Just last week, Bindi opened up about losing her father at the age of 8 and how it became a “turning point” in her life.

She spoke candidly on a recent episode of the podcast What About Death?! and shared a private diary entry she wrote just a few days after Steve’s passing.

“There was this very vivid time where I was on my own, sitting there and thinking about everything that had happened,” she told Australian Buddhist nun Tsultrim.

“I can remember I was really, really emotional. Dad had just passed away and [her family was] trying to figure out where we go from here.

“One day - I wrote it in my journal, actually - I was like, ‘This is it, I am choosing not to wallow in the sadness anymore. I am choosing to find the strength that dad had and continue on’.”

Bindi went on to describe the experience as “the hardest thing” she and her family have ever gone through, and their grief “walks beside us every day”.

“I remember thinking, this emotion is going to shape me. This is going to be a real turning point on how I continue on with the rest of my life and I want to be strong for my family,” she added.

“And I want to help my family, but also let people know that it’s going to be okay and we’re okay and everything that dad worked for will continue.”

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