Bindi and Robert Irwin are experiencing yet another emotional Father’s Day, as the siblings pay tribute to their late father, Steve Irwin, who passed away 16 years ago on the same day.
Both siblings took to social media to share throwback photos of themselves with the Australian icon, captioning each picture with a tear-jerking message.
Bindi, 24, shared a photo of her and her father on a late-night boat adventure.
“Grandpa Crocodile, I know you would’ve been the most incredible grandfather because you were such an extraordinary dad. Thank you for being an amazing guardian angel for Grace.” she captioned the photo.
Bindi’s followers were also quick to reassure the Wildlife Warrior that Steve was indeed watching over his granddaughter.
“He gave this world such a gift by sharing his life with us. I’m sure Grace will think of him as a superhero as she grows and she’ll be right. He was extraordinary and so are you.”
“So beautiful, your beloved Dad lives through your Glorious Daughter and she is seeing life through his eyes. Bless all you Wildlife Heroes, kisses for extraordinary GraceLove.”
“He is so very proud of you and the life that you have created, but especially because of the kind of parent you are. You had the best for an example!”
Speaking to People Magazine in May 2022, Bindi revealed Grace had developed a heart-warming fixation with videos of her late father and Grace’s grandfather, Steve Irwin.
“We have so many documentaries of dad, and we’re always playing them for Grace,” Bindi said.
Meanwhile, younger brother, Robert, 18, shared a snap of his dad holding him as a baby, with a caption that read: “It’s Father’s Day today in Australia, and I am sending my love to those who are missing their dad today. I cherish all the good times with my dad and feel grateful to be able to keep his memory and legacy alive.”
Fans of the teenage conservationist shared in his grief as they left Robert words of encouragement, reminding him that his dad is “proud” of the man he’s become.
“He was a wonderful man. And he brought conservation and the animal world to us as never before. So wonderful to see the son he would be more than proud of carrying on his legacy. Life throws curve balls to us all sometimes. But you darling one have caught the ball and running with it. Xx,” one person commented.
While another added: “Sending you such a warm hug, kiddo. You have such a good heart and head on your shoulders. Keep chasing every dream and passion with gusto! I know you hear this all the time, but kid, your dad has got the proudest grin on his face as he watches over you and watches you grow. No matter what you do, whatever avenue you take in life, he’d be so proud of you, dear heart.”
“Believe us when we say he is extremely proud of the young man you’ve become and keep being. Sending you love and blessings for you and your family on this day,” a third added.
Robert’s tribute comes weeks after he left fans guessing after revealing a glimpse of his latest project that’s been “years in the making”.
The youngest Irwin is currently taking a leaf out of his late father’s book, having recently travelled through the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve for the annual crocodile research expedition.