NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Food
  • Win
  • Recipes
  • Video
NewIdea
  • Royals
  • Celebrity
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Wellbeing
  • Food
  • Win
  • Recipes
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Steve Irwin

Love at first Crikey! Terri and Steve Irwin's romance is one for the ages

They fell in love faster than a cheetah. - by Catie Powers
  • 27 Dec 2021

Steve Irwin’s love for all things wildlife has been broadcasted far and wide over the years. And, just as it was the late legend’s passion for conservation that made Australia fall in love with him, so too was it Steve’s love for animals that caused Terri to fall hard for the Crocodile Hunter.

WATCH: Terri Irwin's unwavering love for Steve Irwin

Those who know Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell’s love story will be aware that the young lovebirds met when Chandler was visiting Australia Zoo for a wakeboarding competition.

Well, it turns out there are some eerie similarities between Bindi and Chandler’s chance meeting and Terri and Steve’s first encounter. Right down to their nationalities.

Terri and Steve

It was love at first sight for the two Wildlife Warriors.

Twitter

That’s right, much like American Chandler was visiting Australia Zoo in 2013, American Terri was also paying Down Under a visit back in 1991 when she met her future husband Steve. And, according to the official Australia Zoo website, “it was love at first sight”.

Although the Irwins are best known for their legacy at Australia Zoo, Steve developed his conservation roots back in the 1970s, helping his parents at Beerwah Reptile Park, which would later grow to be the Australia Zoo we all know and love.

By the time the 1990s rolled around, animal-lover Steve had taken over the wildlife park. The 29-year-old was busy managing the growing acreage when he ran into Terri Raines from Eugene, Oregon. And from the moment the 27-year-old stepped foot in the wildlife park, it was clear the pair had a lot in common.

Steve Irwin crocodile

The Crocodile Hunter was smitten with fellow animal lover, Terri.

Australia Zoo

Steve was instantly smitten to learn that the American tourist had started her own wildlife rehabilitation facility called Cougar Country, which specialised in predatory mammals.

After Steve heard about Terri’s shared passion for animals, much like a cheetah, their love sped at an extraordinarily fast pace. Just a year after their first meeting, the wildlife-loving couple wed in Terri’s home at Oregon before returning to land of the kangaroo.

The minute the khaki-clad pair said their vows, it was clear this union was not going to be your average one.

Steve Terri wedding

Steve and Terri wasted no time getting hitched.

ABC

Rather than embark on a honeymoon, newly-weds Steve and Terri set out on a crocodile rescue mission, filming the entire journey. And thus, The Crocodile Hunter documentary series was born.

Just as Terri changed her last name to Irwin, the happy couple finally updated the sign outside their growing wildlife park to read ‘Australia Zoo’.

As they were blissfully in love and building an animal empire, Steve and Terri were met with the exciting news that they would soon be welcoming another addition to the park. Though, this time not of the furry variety.

WATCH: The sweet way Terri Irwin told Steve she was pregnant (Story continues after video)

Irwin family

Steve and Terri's "cheetah" paced romance saw the quick addition of two mini Wildlife Warriors: Bindi and Robert.

Australia Zoo

That’s right, back in 1998, the wildlife warriors gave birth to their first child, Bindi, who they named after one of Steve’s favourite crocodiles and which also translates to ‘young girl’ in certain Indigenous Australian dialects.

Not five years later, in 2003, little Bindi gained a brother as Steve’s mini-me Robert was born.

As new parents Steve and Terri were kept busy growing both their family and Australia Zoo, the loved-up couple also filled their days filming animal documentaries to share their message of conservation all around the world.

Then, in 2006, disaster fell upon the family.

bindi-chandler-grace

Bindi and Chandler welcomed their first daughter, Grace Warrior, in March 2021.

Instagram

On September 4th 2006, Steve Irwin was snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef when he was tragically struck by a stingray. The fatal accident reached ears all over the globe as people far and wide mourned the great Crocodile Hunter alongside his wife and two kids.

Following Steve's death, the grieving family carried on at Australia Zoo. However, 18 months later, Steve's Dad, Bob Irwin, left the wildlife park after a reported falling out with Terri over the direction of the zoo. 

Nowadays, Terri, Bindi and Rob run the joint, along with Bindi's husband, Chandler, of course. Plus, we can't forget the latest Wildlife Warrior to join the ranks in March 2021 - Bindi and Chandler's first daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell.

Though he may be gone, Steve will never be forgotten as Terri continues to find sweet ways to honour the great love of her life. 

  • Celebrity
  • Terri Irwin
  • Steve Irwin
Catie Powers
Catie Powers
As a digital writer for New Idea, Catie Powers covers all things entertainment, lifestyle, and royals.

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea & save!

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Subscribe to New Idea today

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to New Idea & save!

Recommended to you

Home and Away opening title
Watch 1:09

Home and Away opening title

{headline}

{headline}

Remembering Steve Irwin 15 years on

Remembering Steve Irwin 15 years on

Robert Irwin TERRIFIES fans after incident with manta ray

Robert Irwin TERRIFIES fans after incident with manta ray

The heartwarming way Terri Irwin told Steve she was pregnant

The heartwarming way Terri Irwin told Steve she was pregnant

Bindi reveals how she will introduce her baby to Steve

Bindi reveals how she will introduce her baby to Steve

{headline}

{headline}

Terri Irwin's sweet tribute to Steve

Terri Irwin's sweet tribute to Steve

Bindi and Chandler: 'We've got MORE exciting news'

Bindi and Chandler: 'We've got MORE exciting news'

Irwin family shock: Chandler takes control

Irwin family shock: Chandler takes control

{headline}

{headline}

WATCH: Bindi Irwin shares her emotional 21st birthday party

WATCH: Bindi Irwin shares her emotional 21st birthday party

Bindi Irwin’s beautiful birthday news

Exclusive pics: Heartbreaking news for Bindi Irwin

The Irwins and royals' amazing bond

The Irwins and royals' amazing bond

At home with the Irwins: ‘Our first year with Grace’

At home with the Irwins: ‘Our first year with Grace’

Terri Irwin under fire for Australia Zoo ownership

Terri Irwin under fire for Australia Zoo ownership

Bindi Irwin SLAMMED for "passive aggressive" behaviour

Bindi Irwin SLAMMED for "passive aggressive" behaviour

NewIdea
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions
NewIdea Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Competitions

Brands

  • Girlfriend
  • New Idea food
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from New Idea

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to New Idea & save!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to New Idea & save!