Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Steve Irwin’s Surprisingly Small Fortune Left To Children Robert And Bindi Revealed
The legendary status of Steve Irwin as a wildlife warrior didn’t come with a fortune to pass on.
Despite global success with The Crocodile Hunter and his box office hit Collision Course, Steve left behind a surprisingly small inheritance.
Reports have revealed that the beloved conservationist only left behind a very modest amount to his kids, since most of his earnings went straight back into the causes he loved the most.
Highlights
- Steve Irwin’s life insurance policy reportedly left just $200,000 to his family.
- Most of his fortune was reinvested into conservation and Australia Zoo.
- Steve's son Robert recently became emotional when he heard about Steve’s dreams for his children.
RELATED:
Steve Irwin poured his heart, soul, and earnings into conservation
Image credits: bindisueirwin
Known to millions for his boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and daring animal encounters,Steve Irwin captured hearts worldwide.
His television shows, The Crocodile Hunter, Croc Files, and The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, turned him into a household name and an icon worldwide.
His 2002 movie The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course earned over $33.4 million at the box office as well, which was impressive considering that the movie’s budget was just $12 million.
Image credits: Jon Kopaloff/Getty
Steve Irwin lost his life after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef in 2006. He was just 44.
Steve’s family held a private funeral service and he was buried at Australia Zoo. A public memorial service was later held at the 5,500-seat Crocoseum, according to theDaily Mail.
Steve’s memorial service was watched worldwide, with the event garnering an estimated audience of over 300 million.
Image credits: terriirwincrikey
Steve Irwin’s life insurance barely covered the zoo’s costs, but his will was ironclad
While fans assumed Steve’s star power led to tons of wealth, the reality was more grounded in purpose than profit.
According torealestate.com.au, Steve Irwin’s life insurance policy totaled just $200,000, a figure that startled many given his fame.
Image credits: Steve Granitz/Getty
His widow, Terri Irwin, explained that nearly all of Steve’s income went back into his mission: protecting wildlife and maintaining the Australia Zoo.
“Everything was reinvested into conservation work,” Terri shared in an interview with theAustralian Financial Review.
“I was in debt… and Steve’s life insurance, I think, was the sum total of $200,000, which didn’t even cover half of one week’s payroll.”
Image credits: bindisueirwin
Terri also mentioned that she and Steve came up with a 10-year business plan prior to the conservationist’s passing.
She added that Steve had an “ironclad” will in place to prevent “some crazy person (from sweeping) in from some distant family connection and try to take everything.”
Steve Irwin’s children are now carrying his conservation torch with pride
Image credits: robertirwinphotography
Steve may not have left behind a mind-boggling amount of money, but he gave Robert, 21, and Bindi, 27, something far more lasting: a similar love forwildlife.
The siblings have continued their father’s legacy as wildlife advocates and central figures at Australia Zoo, which has become the Irwin family’s home and conservation hub.
Robert and Bindi Irwin are expected to inherit the Australia Zoo.
Image credits: bindisueirwin
In an emotional moment on BBC Radio 2 earlier this year, Robert Irwin heard a throwback clip of his dad that brought him to tears.
In the recording, Steve is heard dreaming out loud about his love for wildlife and his family.
“Is there anything in this world that would want to make me give away what I’m doing now? Yes. Yes, there is… When my children can take the football that I call wildlife conservation and run it up.”
Image credits: bindisueirwin
Steve’s voice cracked as he continued, “I guarantee you, it’ll be the proudest moment of my life, and my job will be done like mum and dad.”
“Then, and only then, will I know that I have achieved my ultimate goal: to be able to stand aside and let them run up my mission,” Steve said.
Hearing his father’s words, Robert became visiblyemotional. “It’s emotional to hear that,” he said.
View this post on Instagram
“It means so much, and when you dedicate your life to legacy, it really makes you think about how we all get to create our legacy.”
“He is my superhero. He always will be. And he was, I think, a superhero to an entire generation,” Robert said.
Netizens shared their thoughts on Steve Irwin’s meager inheritance to his children on social media
Poll Question
Total votes ·
Thanks! Check out the results:
Total votes ·
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Janelle Collard 3 months ago
Robert + Bindi had Steve as a dad. If it were me, that would be worth more than a large inheritance. He taught them about caring for wildlife + how to make a difference. Priceless.
Mel in Georgia 3 months ago
While he didn't leave them financial riches, the riches of his well-established and respected name and mission set his family up to continue fulfilling his - and their - dreams. That it all didn't fall apart says a lot about his wife and team, and eventually his kids. So glad they've flourished! Steve would be so proud! (Miss him!)
Janelle Collard 3 months ago
Robert + Bindi had Steve as a dad. If it were me, that would be worth more than a large inheritance. He taught them about caring for wildlife + how to make a difference. Priceless.
Mel in Georgia 3 months ago
While he didn't leave them financial riches, the riches of his well-established and respected name and mission set his family up to continue fulfilling his - and their - dreams. That it all didn't fall apart says a lot about his wife and team, and eventually his kids. So glad they've flourished! Steve would be so proud! (Miss him!)
You May Like "A Nightmare": Fans React To Millie Bobby Brown’s Story About How She Started Dating Jake Bongiovi “‘Genes’ Are Fine!”: Michelle Obama’s Casual Look With Ultra-Long Hair Is Breaking The Internet "Child Actors End Up Becoming Terrible Adult Actors": Stranger Things Star Brutally Slammed For His Performance In New Season
Lei RV
Lei RV
Analice Couto
Related on Bored Panda
13
6