On November 15, Australia once again paused to honor Steve Irwin — the larger-than-life conservationist the world came to know as the “Crocodile Hunter.” For Robert and Bindi Irwin, however, Steve Irwin Day was not just a national remembrance but a deeply personal moment to reflect on the father they lost too soon.
Robert, now 21, shared a tender throwback photo of himself as a toddler in a boat with his dad, Steve gently watching over him as he clutched a toy. “November 15 is Steve Irwin Day and it’s so wonderful that Dad’s life and legacy is remembered and celebrated on this day,” Robert wrote, a simple yet powerful reminder of how much the day means to their family.
Bindi, 26, offered her own moving tribute with a childhood picture of Steve crouched beside her, smiling as he held a small snake up to her face. “It’s Steve Irwin Day, and we’re celebrating the life and legacy of the original Wildlife Warrior,” she captioned. “How incredible that one man changed the world, igniting a passion for wildlife conservation across the globe.”
The annual day of remembrance comes 18 years after Steve’s tragic passing on September 4, 2006, when he was pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. He was just 44. At the time, Bindi was six years old and Robert was only months away from his third birthday — yet his presence and influence still guide them to this day.
In the years since, the Irwin family — Terri, Bindi, Robert, and now Bindi’s husband Chandler Powell — have carried on his mission with Australia Zoo, Wildlife Warriors, and the Animal Planet series Crikey! It’s the Irwins. Each project reflects Steve’s vision of connecting people with animals and inspiring future generations to protect the planet’s wild places.
Tributes this year extended beyond social media posts. At Australia Zoo, fans gathered wearing khaki in Steve’s honor, celebrating his contributions to conservation and the lasting global impact of his work. For many, it was a reminder that Steve’s message was never just about adventure or crocodiles — it was about love, respect, and responsibility for the natural world.
Steve’s widow, Terri Irwin, also marked the occasion by sharing heartfelt words about her late husband. “Steve had so much love for Robert and Bindi. He was the best dad,” she wrote alongside photos of Steve with their children. “It warms my heart to see how much they always wanted to be just like him.”
Though he has been gone for nearly two decades, Steve Irwin’s legacy lives on in every crocodile release, every rescued animal, and every child inspired by his passion. On Steve Irwin Day, his family reminded the world that while the Crocodile Hunter may no longer walk among us, his wild spirit will never fade.
