From Crocodile Hunter's Daughter to Conservation CEO Bindi Irwin's Global Mission to Save Our Planet
Written byTimes Magazine
Born into the heart of the wild, Bindi Sue Irwin, the daughter of the legendary Steve Irwin and her mother Terri Irwin, has not merely inherited a family business but a burning, generational passion for saving the planet. Her heart truly beats for protecting our beautiful Earth, embodying the title her father coined: Wildlife Warrior. This lifelong dedication, nurtured within the vibrant ecosystem of the Australia Zoo, has propelled her to become one of the most visible and effective global advocates for conservation, a mission she now shares with her husband, Chandler Powell, and their daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. Bindi is a determined soul, destined to make a positive difference by speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Bindi's work is channeled primarily through two powerful entities: Australia Zoo, where she serves as CEO, and the family’s non profit organization, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. The Zoo acts as a crucial headquarters for this global effort, housing numerous endangered species, running vital breeding programs, and serving as an educational hub that connects millions of visitors annually with the wonder of the natural world. The adjoining Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital stands as a testament to their commitment, having treated over 130,000 native Australian animals that have been injured, orphaned, or fallen ill. Through Wildlife Warriors, the conservation footprint extends globally, funding projects from employing anti poaching patrols to protect endangered Sumatran tigers to aiding cheetah conservation efforts in Africa, demonstrating a commitment that transcends national borders.
Beyond managing the infrastructure of the family empire, Bindi and her family are deeply involved in critical scientific research and direct advocacy. She actively participates in the ongoing saltwater crocodile telemetry study with the University of Queensland, which has become one of the longest running individual animal tracking studies in the world. This work is not just symbolic; it yields real data crucial for habitat protection and species management. Her public platform is consistently used to address pressing environmental issues like habitat destruction and the effects of climate change, urging society to recognize the interconnectedness of all life. She views conservation not just as protecting cute animals, but as ultimately protecting humanity's own future.
With the birth of her daughter, Grace Warrior, Bindi’s focus has sharpened on securing a bright future for the next generation. This commitment is vividly captured in her recent efforts to inspire children, including her debut picture book, You Are a Wildlife Warrior! Saving Animals & The Planet. Through playful rhymes and exclusive family photos, the book directly engages young readers, encouraging them to discover their inner conservationist and fostering the fundamental values of kindness and respect for nature. By ensuring that her daughter and future generations live in a world with clean air, fresh water, and an abundance of wildlife, Bindi Irwin continues to build on her father’s legacy, proving that the most profound conservation work is born from a genuine, unwavering love for the planet.
