His life may have been tragically cut short, but 8-year-old Bindi Irwin does not want the world to forget her late father “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin. That’s why she is making the decision to continue the educational and conservation work he worked tirelessly to promote.
Hence the creation of “Bindi: The Jungle Girl.” The series, which will air on the Discovery Kids Channel in the United States and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation beginning next month is an attempt to show kids that they can make a difference in the wild.
“I’m proud to be showing kids that conservation and helping wildlife is a stack of fun,” Bindi told reporters at the Australian launch of her show. “It’s just the most amazing thing that we could ever do,” she said.
Viewers will notice the “Croc Hunter’s” familiar face in some of the first episodes. Producers say Steve Irwin appears in scenes shot before a stingray killed him last fall.
Much has been made of the speculation by some critics that it was inappropriate for a child who has suffered a major tragedy like Bindi to appear on television trying to pick up where her famous father left off. But, Irwin’s widow Terri, says she tries to block out the negativity others are spreading about Bindi’s new show. She says her husband would have been very proud of his daughter’s debut.
“I think he would have said, ‘Crikey mate, I couldn’t wait for Bindi to take over,'” Terri Irwin said.
What’s more, Bindi’s mom says her young daughter was being groomed as Irwin’s successor in his TV and conservation business, which includes a family run animal park, long before the died.
“Bindi’s been filming with us since she first hatched,” Terri Irwin told reporters. “It was a natural progression to be doing her own shows, and Steve was involved with the first seven episodes.”
Terri Irwin says that her husband took “great pleasure” in watching Bindi showcase the wildlife that he worked so hard to preserve. And who could blame him? As a parent I know how much joy I would get from seeing my daughter express interest in a subject close to my own heart?
In addition to “Bindi: The Jungle Girl,” the Irwin’s pride and joy will also host “My Daddy the Croc Hunter,” a one-hour special scheduled to air June 8th on the Animal Planet.
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