Steve Irwin, popularly known and lovingly remembered as the one and only “Crocodile Hunter,” would have celebrated his 58th birthday on Saturday.
The Irwin family took to social media sites to honor the life he passionately led.
The 21-year-old Bindi Irwin, posted an endearing photo of herself and her father on Instagram, with a heart-wrenching letter to him.
Her caption wrote:
“Dad, Today is your birthday. I had an extra-strong cup of tea just how you liked it.”
“I hugged Mum for you and told her how much we love her. Robert and I went on a hike through the mountains you cherished. I watched one of your documentaries with Chandler and shared stories about you. I walked through your office in the zoo and smiled at our old family photographs. Today and every day I miss you and love you beyond description. You’re always with me.”
Irwin’s other half, Terri Irwin, posted her own tribute on Twitter to honor her late husband.
“Today would’ve been Steve’s 58th birthday.”
“While my heart aches missing him every day, I’m determined to celebrate what he loved the most. He was happiest spending time [at the] Australia Zoo w/ Bind Irwin & Robert Irwin. He was my best friend, best dad, & built the best Zoo. I love you.”
Her son, Robert Irwin, was almost 3 years old when his father died. He posted his own tribute on Saturday with a black-and-white photo of the family.
Robert captioned on his Instagram post:
“Family always.”
Irwin found worldwide fame as an enthusiastic conservationist over the course of his life. His immense passion for wildlife started early when he would help out at his parents’ roadside wildlife park in Queensland.
After their wedding, instead of a honeymoon, he and Terri traveled back to Australia to try and save a crocodile that was being hunted by a poacher.
The famed television star and conservationist died on September 4, 2006, when a stingray barb went through his chest while shooting for a documentary project.
The Irwin family continues to live his legacy of rescuing and saving wildlife in danger at the Australia Zoo, which is owned and operated by the family, and the zoo’s wildlife hospital.