Fans around the world were left devastated in 2006 after Crocodile Hunter star and beloved conservationist Steve Irwin died in a tragic accident involving a stingray.
His untimely death at age 44 cut short a beautiful love story between him and his wife Terri, who were married for 14 years. The couple would have celebrated their 31st anniversary this week.
In honor of the occasion, their children Bindi and Robert both shared sweet throwback pics paying tribute to their famous parents and their enduring love story.
Bindi shared her photo on Instagram with a caption that conveyed that even 16 years after Steve’s death the love still lives on. “A love like this is eternal,” Bindi wrote. “Happy Anniversary to my extraordinary parents.”
Her younger brother Robert also shared a photo of the couple, calling his parents “forever my biggest inspirations.”
Many fans commented on both photos, wishing them a happy anniversary and sharing their own fond memories of the late Steve Irwin.
On Twitter, Terri retweeted her kids’ anniversary tribute photos: “It makes me happy to remember this special day,” Terri wrote. “It’s been an incredible 31 years…”
Terri shared her own throwback pic last year during the couple’s 30th anniversary: “What an adventure Love and legacy live on,” she wrote.
Terri and Steve had an incredible love story. They fell in love at first sight, sharing a bond over their mutual love for animals.
Terri was born to a family of environmentalists, with a father who was constantly bringing home animals in need, so already had a passion for helping animals before she met Steve. She had her own rehabilitation facility called Cougar Country.
When she met the future “Crocodile Hunter,” she was immediately smitten.
“I wasn’t even dating, I wasn’t even looking,” she recalled on the Australian program Anh’s Brush with Fame, per the Daily Mail. “I was 27-years-old, and figured my life was going to be my work, and met Steve and fell instantly in love.”
She says he was the “most incredible guy,” and was heartbroken to hear he had a girlfriend — only to find out his “girlfriend” was actually his dog.
After a whirlwind romance, the two got engaged and were married in Eugene, Oregon on June 4, 1992.
It was the beginning of a beautiful partnership. The two operated the Australia Zoo together, and became international media celebrities as the stars of the Crocodile Hunter TV series.
Terri was only 42 years old when she lost her husband and there has been speculation as to whether she would find love again.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime romance — so after Steve died in 2006, Terri never had any interest in new love.
“I keep saying this, and I think maybe 15 years later people are finally starting to believe me, Steve was it for me,” she told the Courier Mail in November, per Yahoo Lifestyle. “That’s just the way it is. I had a big, big love and it was enough to last a lifetime.”
“I think when you become a young widow, it can be uncomfortable for other couples, that whole, ‘Oh well, now she’s single, is she looking around?’ And my male friends are more comfortable, they can see I’m not chasing them. I’m too busy to chase anybody.”
“I really don’t think I would have married if I hadn’t met Steve,” she told Access Hollywood in 2017. “And he’s very special to me and continues to be.”
“And I’ve got beautiful kids and a lot of wonderful conservation work. So I’m lonely for Steve, but I’m not a lonely person.”
“Mom had her soul mate, and mom and dad will always be married and will always be together,” Bindi added. “I think that’s a beautiful thing.”
Steve Irwin’s legacy has lived on thanks to his family. Terri has continued to do incredible work at the Australia Zoo, and Bindi and Robert have been following in their father’s footsteps as conservationists and TV personalities.
Bindi got married in 2020 and has a baby girl, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, her “Warrior” middle name given in honor of Steve. Like the rest of her family, baby Grace has already shown a special interest in wildlife and nature.
Steve and Terri Irwin had an incredible love and it’s clear Steve is still with her years after his death 💔 It’s heartwarming to see Bindi and Robert share such sweet tributes to their parents on their anniversary.
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