Crocodile Hunter's Legacy Lives On

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

16 Oct 2006 12:03 PM

ABC's "The View" is on now and I just heard Rosie O'Donnell mention that her 6-year-old son (a dedicated Steve Irwin fan) hasn't gotten into the water since The Crocodile Hunter's death last month. Apparently, Rosie took her kids to Florida and while the rest of the family swam in the ocean, her son Blake stayed dry--too afraid to plunge into the warm waters for fear he too may be bit by a stingray like his hero Irwin.

Perhaps Rosie's son will benefit from the work Irwin's 8-year-old daughter Bindi is undertaking to ensure the memory of her father-and his love for animals--lives on. In her first formal interview since her father's death, Bindi Irwin told a local television station that she is currently shooting "Bindi, The Jungle Girl", a 26-part wildlife documentary for the Discovery Kids network that is set to debut in January 2007.

"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 recently told a reporter form ABC's "Australian Story."

Another surprise for Crocodile Hunter fans-Bindi's new show will feature footage of her late father shot prior to his death. Steve Irwin's manager told reporters: "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."

As for the premise of the new show... "Bindi the Jungle Girl" is about a character who shares the same name as the real girl, but "Jungle Girl" Bindi lives in a tree house and hangs out with lots of wildlife. And much like her father, Bindi Irwin is fearless.

"Some people think that I would be afraid of them, but I'm never ever afraid of an animal," she says. "I just get excited and some that are dangerous I just think, 'Oooh! What's going to happen?' and things like that."

While some applaud young Bindi's efforts, others have publicly questioned whether it is it too early for her to be working, less than two months after her father's death.

According to Steve's best friend, Wes Manion: "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."

I can't wait to see Bindi's new show. Maybe Rosie's son will watch it and perhaps, get over his fear of the water in the process.

Related Articles:

Celebrity Round Up-What's Going On With The Irwin's, Mel, Eva and Anna Nicole

Swimmers Target Stingrays To Avenge Steve Irwin's Death

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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QueenAngie Central Illinois, USA (60111) 16 Oct 2006 05:31 PM

Steve Irwin will always be a favorite hero at our home too. So sad that his life has passed, but his legacy will continue through his two children.

Thank you for sharing.

Michele Cheplic (37445) 17 Oct 2006 07:16 AM

Thanks QueenAngie!