Bindi Irwin recently opened up about the lasting impact of her father, Steve Irwin’s, passing, describing it as a permanent scar on her heart. During her heartfelt appearance on the A Life of Greatness podcast, the wildlife conservationist got candid about how she has navigated grief since losing her dad in 2006.
Reflecting on her journey, Bindi shared, “Grief is a very funny thing—it changes over time.” She recalled being just a little girl when her father passed away and how well-meaning people tried to console her by saying that time would heal everything. But as an eight-year-old, that concept was impossible for her to grasp.
Now at 26, Bindi sees things differently. She admitted that, in her experience, time doesn’t heal grief—it simply shifts how a person carries it. The pain of losing her father never faded, but it became a part of her, much like a “scar” etched onto her heart.
Steve Irwin’s death on September 4, 2006, was a devastating loss. The beloved conservationist tragically passed away after a stingray attack while filming in the waters of Batt Reef, off Australia’s coast. At the time, Bindi was overwhelmed by people reassuring her that, in time, she would forget the pain.
“It actually made me a little bit scared because I thought, ‘Does that mean I’m going to forget him?’” she admitted.
Over the years, her way of mourning has evolved. As a child, memories of her dad often left her devastated, but now she finds comfort in them. Rather than focusing on the loss, she chooses to cherish the love, warmth, and incredible moments they shared. More than anything, Bindi is dedicated to keeping her father’s legacy alive, making him proud by continuing his passionate work in wildlife conservation.
Despite the profound loss, she and her family were deeply touched by the global outpouring of love that followed. “It was unbelievable,” she said, reflecting on the overwhelming support they received.