Born to be wild

 

 

CROCODILE Hunter Steve Irwin’s brave daughter Bindi last night vowed to copy her dad and swim with stingrays in her own wildlife TV show.

 

The plucky eight-year-old has even pledged to film the same giant fish that attacked and killed daredevil Steve.

 

Bindi is fronting a nature series called Jungle Girl, which is set to be shown in January.

 

Tragic Steve, 44, was filming stingrays for the show off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef when he was stung in the heart by one of the rays 10 days ago and died within seconds.

 

It was feared the show would be axed following his death. But Bindi says she wants to carry on her dad’s conservation and TV work. And that includes finishing the series that cost him his life.

 

An insider said: "Bindi’s a real fighter, just like her dad. She loved him so much and knows he’d be proud of her picking up where he left off. She’s a natural in front of the camera and Steve would be chuffed knowing this is what she wants."

 

There is still talk of the footage of Steve’s final seconds eventually being broadcast. His camera crew caught the moment the stingray rammed its barbed tail into his chest.

 

Steve’s wishes were that if he was attacked, the cameras should carry on rolling. It is thought the tapes, now being held by Australian police, could be handed over to the family.

 

Relatives say little Bindi has been a "rock" to Steve’s widow Terri, 42, since the freak accident. She shares her dad’s passion for crocodiles, snakes and spiders.

 

And friends say she’s quickly growing into a real-life "Crocodile Dundee" – just like Steve. The presenter was loved by 200 million viewers across the world, who watched his Crocodile Hunter series.

 

Now Bindi – who was named by Steve after one of his favourite crocs – is hoping to copy his success.

 

Close pal and manager John Stainton revealed how Steve decided to shoot the fateful footage for Bindi on the spur of the moment.

 

He had been filming for his own show, Ocean’s Deadliest, but suddenly said he was off to seek out some normally harmless stingrays.

 

John, who has seen the footage of Steve’s death, said: "It should have been an innocent encounter for a TV show aimed at children."

 

He added: "Bindi’s new TV show is going to premiere next January throughout the world. Steve was an integral part of that programme. We will do him proud and continue that effort."

 

Terri’s mum Julie Raines said the tragedy had left Terri, Bindi and her brother Robert, two, devastated.

 

She said: "Robert says, ‘Where’s Daddy?’ But Bindi’s been a rock. It’s just a very hard time."

 

A public memorial service for Steve is set to be held next week – and brave Bindi will give an address.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good on her.

 

Hopefully that spirit passes on to generations to come.

Kids as young as 8 should not be fronting tv shows. Not a good idea.

:cry: this makes me sad!!! Stop posting Croc Hunter articles!!!!!!!!!! :cry:

:cry: this makes me sad!!! Stop posting Croc Hunter articles!!!!!!!!!! :cry:

 

This is actually a Croc Hunter's daughter article!!;)