Bindi Irwin carries on for her father with her own TV show

Bindi Irwin made a pledge upon her father’s death, stating that she would carry on her father’s charity, which is aimed at raising funds for the protection of wild animals, and would continue his life’s work exploring wildlife and it’s inhabitants. Bindi, the daughter of Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin, recently killed by a stingray barb, and his wife Terri, has taken that pledge to a new level and is shooting her very own TV show called Bindi, the Jungle Girl.

"I’m trying to get across the message that don’t be afraid of animals, they’re just put on this earth to help the environment and everything like that," Bindi told ABC’s Australian Story. "Bindi the Jungle Girl is really lucky because she lives in a tree-house and she gets lots of animals in and out," Bindi tells Australian Story of her character. "She hangs out with lots of wildlife. She just loves kissing a koala or hugging a snake."

The 26-part documentary is scheduled to air next January on the Discovery Kids network. Steve will even make a few appearances in segments that he shot before his September death.

"We’ll never refer to the fact that Steve is no longer with us," says Steve’s former manager, John Stainton. "The way that it works is that Steve plays co-star to Bindi. It’s just the little reactions that she gives to her Dad who’s, you know, doing sort of silly stuff."

The opening sequence of Bindi, The Jungle Girl, includes a song with lyrics that refer to Steve’s legacy, Bindi: "The Croc Hunter taught her/ and now his only daughter/ is Bindi the Jungle Girl."

Despite being only 8-years-old, Bindi has put on a very brave face since the death of her father and has kept us appearances in his name, even attending the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards.

"Bindi’s an amazing little girl," says her grandfather, Bob Irwin. "She is a real professional. The thing about Bindi is, she seems to enjoy it."

Wes Manion, Steve’s best friend adds, "Filming for her is very much like other kids’ soccer. … Bindi has been basically going, ‘Come on, I want to start filming again, I want to start getting out there, I want to start spreading Dad’s message.’ And I think that’s part of her way of coping as well."

Source: People

Comments

This little girl is incredible.

- Viv on October 17th, 2006

I think it is noble to promote the message of conservation, but for her to say “I’m trying to get across the message that don’t be afraid of animals, they’re just put on this earth to help the environment and everything like that” and to have been taught that she shouldn’t be afraid of animals is irresponsible. Animals, particularly WILD animals, SHOULD instill a healthy sense of fear in people. I’m just afraid that the message that is being put out there by the Irwins could be construed by young children that they shouldn’t be afraid to go up to a animal. Kids should approach ALL animals with a sense of wariness – even if it’s a dog or cat they “think” is safe…always approach it with a sense of uncertainty because you don’t know what the animal will do in any given situation! Promote conservation, but not the idea that we shouldn’t be afraid of animals! If anything, promote a sense of respect for what animals are capable of!

- Jennifer on October 17th, 2006

this little girl is amazing.. I can’t wait for her show to start. I am sure my children will love it. Steve also has a new show “New Breed Vets” which I think starts on Animal Planet next month.

- Penny on October 17th, 2006

She is the strongest kid I ever saw. She has been in the spotlight since she was born and it is going to help her doing what he dad taught her as she grows up. It will always make her closer to her dad and teach others as she does. Good Luck Miss Bindi….
you keep doing what is in your heart and teach your little brother everything you know. It will help him get to know his dad. Love to the WHOLE family!!!!!!!!!

- M on October 17th, 2006

I agree, she is one remarkable young Lady!! I wish her much success on her journey. I cannot imagine how proud her mother must be, and I guarantee her Father is watching down on her and beaming with pride! I see she is very determined to will carry out her fathers legacy!

- momof2girlies on October 17th, 2006

I adore Bindi and her determination to keep her father’s work alive, but I agree with Jennifer’s point that children need to approach all animals with caution. I was attacked by a neighbor’s cat while harmlessly playing with it at the age of ten, and while I suffered no major damage, the faint scars on my lower cheek remind me that animals can bring much pain along with their joy. I also think that while Steve meant well and truly loved animals, he was too idealistic in his handling of them. He poked and prodded poisonous snakes as though he was oblivious to the fact that one bite could take his life. Unfortunately, he met an untimely end too soon, and I hope that Terri will teach her kids to be more careful around these wild animals instead of simply telling them “not to be afraid.” I would be devastated to see Bindi injured or worse because she wasn’t taught the right lessons.

- Lauren on October 17th, 2006

I hope to be able to watch Bindis program

- Heavenly_Hibiscus on October 18th, 2006

I think it is wonderful that there is such a desire to carry on Irwins legacy and foundations. However, it makes me a little nervous to see all that this little girl is doing. Giving all of these speaches and interviews, and all the quotes in the media about how she is going to carry on his legacy…

She is just a little girl, a very young one. I worry that she is not getting the chance to grieve properly, and feels that it is her responsibility to “take care” of everything. That really isn’t healthy. There should be people around her taking care of HER, not the other way around. :/

- heather on October 18th, 2006

^^^^^ I agree ^^^^^

- ix on October 18th, 2006