The Irwins Are Returning to Animal Planet 11 Years After Steve’s Death

Bailey Bennett
Updated
The Crocodile Hunter’s wife and children are coming home to Animal Planet.

The family of the late Steve Irwin announced their return to Animal Planet Wednesday, 11 years after his death.

Discovery Communications announced that Terri, Steve’s widow, and their two teenage children, Bindi and Robert, will work with Animal Planet to develop and produce new television projects on the network and across the network’s platforms. They will also serve as global ambassadors for Discovery Communications.

Terri, Bindi, and Robert have continued their father’s legacy since his sudden deadly encounter with a stingray at the age of 44, and they are maintaining his dedication to conservation and wildlife in Australia and beyond. Together, they run the Australia Zoo and wildlife conservation facility in Beerwah, Queensland and support wildlife research and the protection of endangered species around the world.

“We’re excited to be returning home to Animal Planet and our Discovery Communications family,” Terri said. “We look forward to the year ahead as we embark on new projects and adventures with Animal Planet.”

The family has long had ties with the network, as Steve Irwin’s animal docuseries "The Crocodile Hunter" was a staple on Animal Planet for many years, airing from 1996 through 2007. Terri Irwin also co-hosted many episodes as the husband and wife team cared for and encountered crocodiles and other wild animals around Australia.

The couple’s children are also no strangers to the television world. Their daughter Bindi, now 19, hosted her own series on Discovery Kids entitled "Bindi the Jungle Girl," which premiered in 2007, and also won season 21 of "Dancing with the Stars." Their son Robert, who is 14, also co-hosted a show on Discovery Kids called "Wild But True," and has made appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to show off some of Australia’s animals. Both children possess the same enthusiasm and charisma their father was known for, both on-screen and off.

“Steve Irwin was a champion for all wildlife and he and Terri’s excitement and enthusiasm brought viewers from around the world in touch with nature,” said Patrice Andrews, general manager of Animal Planet. “Their passion for animals, love for their family, and leadership in conservation awareness left a strong legacy that continues today. We are thrilled to have Terri, Bindi, and Robert back in the Animal Planet family.”