The Irwin family – Terri, Bindi and Robert – are returning to Animal Planet, it was announced by David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. Animal Planet will work together with the Irwin family to develop and produce the television projects that will bring them back to Animal Planet across the network’s platforms. The Irwin family will also serve as global ambassadors for Discovery Communications.
The Irwin family has a long and meaningful history with Animal Planet. Steve Irwin helped create a distinctive new style of wildlife documentary and The Crocodile Hunter featured both Steve and Terri as co-hosts along with the animals of Far North Queensland. Steve’s boisterous charm, unconventional style and extraordinary daring, combined with Terri’s wit and composure and their amazing encounters with crocodiles, venomous snakes and spiders, made The Crocodile Hunter a worldwide hit. The Crocodile Hunter aired on Animal Planetfrom 1996 through 2007 and also featured Terri and Steve’s children, Bindi and Robert.
“Steve Irwin was a champion for all wildlife and he and Terri’s excitement and enthusiasm brought viewers from around the world in touch with nature. Their passion for animals, love for their family, and leadership in conservation awareness left a strong legacy that continues. We are thrilled to have Terri, Bindi and Robert back in the Animal Planet family,” said Patrice Andrews, General Manager of Animal Planet.
“We’re excited to be returning home to Animal Planet and our Discovery Communications family,” said Terri Irwin. “We look forward to the year ahead as we embark on new projects and adventures with Animal Planet.”
Terri is a passionate wildlife spokesperson and conservation icon around the world. She actively speaks out and supports conservation issues, including the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, a 135,000-hectare property in Cape York dedicated to Steve. In 2015, Terri won the Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership in Queensland and received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from The University of Queensland in recognition of her outstanding contributions to conservation and environmental management efforts.
The Irwin family kids have not been left idle since they graced our screens near some of the most formidable reptiles on the planet on The Crocodile Hunter. Bindi has dedicated her life to wildlife conservation and inspiring the next generation to make a difference in the world. She received a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009 for her Discovery Kids series, Bindi, the Jungle Girl; co-created a series of books, Bindi Wildlife Adventures; and most recently in 2015 captivated the Dancing with the Stars audiences with her heartfelt performances and won the championship, taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Robert, has a natural curiosity and loves learning about wildlife and the Australian bush. He earlier co-hosted the Discovery Kids series, Wild But True, which allowed him to share his passion for wildlife and conservation with the world. Robert also has recently made several memorable appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that have left people in awe of his talent and enthusiasm for animals.
The entire Irwin family strives to make Queensland, Australia-based Australia Zoo, a global zoological destination and leader in conservation relating to both wildlife and their habitat, the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility. Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors was established in 2002, initially by Steve and Terri, as a way to include and involve other caring people to support the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife – from the individual animal to an entire species. Terri remains involved as the patron of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors which runs the busiest wildlife hospital of its kind in the world which has treated almost 72,000 animals in the 12 years the hospital has been open. Additionally, the Irwin family continues the important work of Steve Irwin, through research, educational programs, conservation projects, and much more.
