Bindi Irwin has admitted Covid-19 has been the toughest challenge for her family since the death of her father, Steve ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin, in 2006.

The conservationist, 23, spoke told Page Six about the challenges the Irwins have faced during the pandemic, including lockdowns, border closures, financial woes and keeping the zoo open without any visitors. 

‘It has probably been the hardest time in our lives other than when dad passed away,’ Bindi said.

Tough times: Bindi Irwin has spoken about the struggles of Covid and how the pandemic has been the hardest trial for the Irwin family since her father Steve's death. Pictured (L-R): Robert Irwin, Terri Irwin, Grace Warrior, Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell

Tough times: Bindi Irwin has spoken about the struggles of Covid and how the pandemic has been the hardest trial for the Irwin family since her father Steve's death. Pictured (L-R): Robert Irwin, Terri Irwin, Grace Warrior, Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell

Tough times: Bindi Irwin has spoken about the struggles of Covid and how the pandemic has been the hardest trial for the Irwin family since her father Steve’s death. Pictured (L-R): Robert Irwin, Terri Irwin, Grace Warrior, Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell 

Bindi explained that because Australia Zoo has ‘over a thousand animals’, the zoo is unable to close – even when there aren’t any tourists providing revenue. 

‘We still had to feed all our animals, do check-ups,’ she said, adding: ‘It’s as if we were still open, but without any visitors.’

She also revealed her family was in lockdown for a total of 78 days, but they still had to spend $80,000 a week to feed the animals.

Honest: Bindi, 23, admitted Covid-19 had been the toughest challenge for her family since the death of her father, Steve 'The Crocodile Hunter' Irwin, in 2006

Honest: Bindi, 23, admitted Covid-19 had been the toughest challenge for her family since the death of her father, Steve 'The Crocodile Hunter' Irwin, in 2006

Honest: Bindi, 23, admitted Covid-19 had been the toughest challenge for her family since the death of her father, Steve ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin, in 2006

Bindi said her mother, Terri Irwin, had been a ‘champion’ during the pandemic and she doesn’t know what her family ‘would have done without her’.

‘Her leadership has been phenomenal,’ the young zookeeper added.

The Irwins were already struggling early this year, with the Covid-19 recession impacting the family business Australia Zoo throughout 2020. 

Matriarch: Bindi said her mother, Terri Irwin (pictured), had been a 'champion' during the pandemic and she doesn't know what her family 'would have done without her'

Matriarch: Bindi said her mother, Terri Irwin (pictured), had been a 'champion' during the pandemic and she doesn't know what her family 'would have done without her'

Matriarch: Bindi said her mother, Terri Irwin (pictured), had been a ‘champion’ during the pandemic and she doesn’t know what her family ‘would have done without her’

But things took a turn for the worse in November when Terri, 57, acknowledged the extent of the financial woes at the Sunshine Coast tourist attraction.

She told The Courier-Mail she’d taken out a bank loan to secure the zoo’s future, after months of border closures impacted their revenue due to lack of tourists. 

She said: ‘We are 11 years from the GFC [global financial crisis] and still feeling the ripples of that. So I want to be prepared for whatever’s coming next.’

Financial lifeline: Terri said in November she'd taken out a bank loan to secure Australia Zoo's future, after months of border closures impacted their revenue due to lack of tourists

Financial lifeline: Terri said in November she'd taken out a bank loan to secure Australia Zoo's future, after months of border closures impacted their revenue due to lack of tourists

Financial lifeline: Terri said in November she’d taken out a bank loan to secure Australia Zoo’s future, after months of border closures impacted their revenue due to lack of tourists

Despite state leaders promising borders would reopen soon, Terri said she’d adopted strategies to prevent the animal sanctuary from going under.

The Irwin matriarch noted the early months of the pandemic were difficult because she needed to spend $80,000 a week just to feed the 1,200 animals.

She was also forced to cut costs, reducing her staff from 500 to 200 personnel.

Terri has been at the helm of Australia Zoo since her husband, Steve, died in a freak accident while filming a wildlife documentary in 2006. 

Tragic: Terri has been at the helm of Australia Zoo since her husband, Steve, died in a freak accident while filming a wildlife documentary in 2006. Pictured: Terri, Robert, Bindi and Steve Irwin in April 2004

Tragic: Terri has been at the helm of Australia Zoo since her husband, Steve, died in a freak accident while filming a wildlife documentary in 2006. Pictured: Terri, Robert, Bindi and Steve Irwin in April 2004

Tragic: Terri has been at the helm of Australia Zoo since her husband, Steve, died in a freak accident while filming a wildlife documentary in 2006. Pictured: Terri, Robert, Bindi and Steve Irwin in April 2004

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Who was Susan Roces and what was her cause of death?

KNOWN as Queen of Philippine Movies, Susan Roces was a Filipina actress…

Heartbroken mum of Brooklyn shooting victim speaks through translator about ‘anxiety’ as son, 16, has serious surgery

THE heartbroken mother of a teenage victim of Tuesday’s Brooklyn subway shooting…

Our homes are being shaken by horrible construction building an ‘eyesore’ factory – it’s ruined our lives

RESIDENTS have complained their homes are being shaken by building works for…

Omicron Australia: Jessika Power gets her second Covid-19 vaccine

Jessika Power tested positive to Covid-19 last month. And after recovering from the…