It’s been an incredible journey for Bindi Irwin, who has grown into a remarkable woman dedicated to honoring her late father, Steve Irwin. In an exclusive conversation with Closer, sources reveal how Bindi, now all grown up and married to her soulmate, continues to champion her dad’s mission of wildlife conservation. She’s not just carrying on his legacy—she’s expanding it in ways that would make him proud.
As a little girl, losing her dad at such a young age was heartbreaking, but Bindi has channeled her grief into passion. “Bindi feels the best way to honor her dad is to carry his mission forward,” a close insider shares. “He devoted his life to wildlife conservation, and now she does the same. It’s her way of keeping his spirit alive.”
Leading the Charge: Bindi’s Commitment to Conservation
At just 26 years old, Bindi is already making waves in the world of conservation. Alongside her brother Robert, she runs Australia Zoo, a beloved institution founded by her grandfather Bob Irwin. This iconic zoo became a cornerstone of her father’s work, and now it serves as Bindi’s platform to inspire change. But her efforts don’t stop there. “She’s got her wildlife foundation and she’s got so many projects going on all over the world, not just in Australia,” the source explains. Her reach extends far beyond the borders of her homeland, proving that her dedication knows no limits.
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Love Finds Her in the Most Unexpected Way
Bindi’s story takes another beautiful turn with her marriage to Chandler Powell, a man who shares her passion for wildlife. “She’s sure that her dad pulled some strings in heaven to get her a partner that has so many of his qualities,” the insider adds. The couple tied the knot in 2020, and they welcomed their daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, in March 2021. Their connection began when Chandler, a professional wakeboarder, visited the Irwin family’s zoo during a competition trip to Australia. “She ended up giving me a tour, and we ended up staying in touch ever since,” Chandler recalls fondly.
Their relationship blossomed over shared adventures and a mutual love for the outdoors. As things got serious, Chandler moved to Australia to be with Bindi in 2018. “I’m so lucky that I’ve met someone who is excited and up for the challenge of our wonderful busy life,” Bindi said at the time. “We’re having a great time throwing Chandler into everything.”
A Family Affair: Gaining Robert’s Approval
Of course, winning over Bindi’s younger brother, Robert, wasn’t easy. “I wanted to kind of test him,” Robert admitted. “Just to see what would happen. So we had him feeding alligators, and he did awesome. I’m very impressed. He’s great with wildlife, so I approve.” Now fully embraced by the Irwin family, Chandler is often compared to Steve. “People always comment on how much Chandler is like Steve—he’s so positive and hardworking,” the source notes.
Even after all these years, Bindi still feels the pain of losing her dad when she was just eight years old. But she finds comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through her work. “She still has days where she’s overwhelmed with the pain of the loss. That will never go away,” the source explains. “But most days she’s able to feel close to her dad through her work with wildlife. She knows he’s with her.”
