Bindi Irwin has shared a glimpse of her family’s annual crocodile research trip, continuing the conservation work started by her father, Steve Irwin, almost 20 years after his death.
The 28-year-old travelled to the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Far North Queensland with her husband, Chandler Powell, and their daughter, Grace, as part of the annual research project.
Bindi said continuing her father’s work was the “honour of my lifetime”, particularly as she now shares the experience with her young daughter.
“Dad began crocodile research in the 1980s, and his capture and study techniques remain the world’s best to this day,” she wrote on Instagram.
The family’s trip comes ahead of the 20th anniversary of Steve’s death on September 4.
Australia Zoo, the University of Queensland and Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors work together on the crocodile research project, which uses techniques developed by Steve to study the animals while keeping them safe.
“These techniques were invented with the crocodile’s safety as the priority,” Bindi said.
“So much so that we often recapture crocodiles time and time again because they appreciate the free food.”
Each August, crocodile experts, scientists and conservationists travel to the reserve to track and study the animals.
More than 270 crocodiles are monitored as researchers collect information that helps improve understanding and conservation of the species.
“Through this conducted research, we’ve unlocked the secrets of the saltwater crocodile to aid in the conservation of these spectacular apex predators,” Bindi wrote.
“ These findings have contributed significantly to the knowledge base of crocodilians, with a large focus of the project also being to educate those that live near crocodile habitat.”
“We have the greatest respect and love for these extraordinary animals.”
In a video shared by Bindi, the family could be seen travelling by boat before a crocodile that had been captured for research was released back into the wild.
“We’ve captured him many times over the years, because he just loves a free feed in our traps,” Chandler said.
“We already have a tracker on him, so I’m gonna let him go now.”
The family’s work has attracted plenty of praise from followers, with many commenting on how special it was to see Bindi, Chandler and Grace continuing Steve’s conservation mission together.
“Love watching your cute little family working together,” one person wrote.
“I grew up watching The Crocodile Hunter and Bindi’s show. Now, I write about science and space. We all miss Steve,” another said.
Images: Instagram
