How did Steve Irwin and Terri meet? Relationship explored as late Crocodile hunter’s wife reflects about the love they shared

Terri Irwin, 60, felt emotional while opening up about her loving bond with her late husband, Steve Irwin, in an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly.

In 1991, the couple met at the Australia Zoo. Terri was smitten by Steve after seeing him conduct a show and talk about a crocodile. She loved his loving and caring approach to wildlife.

The zookeeper and conservationist passed away on September 4, 2006. He lost his life while filming a documentary in the Great Barrier Reef. A stingray struck him, causing a fatal injury.

In her recent interview, Terri reflected on her beautiful family, sharing:

"I feel like I’ve had so much [love] and now in my life, I have so much love. I have my wonderful kids. I’m a grandmother now, and I have such a great team around me."

Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin's relationship explored

They met in Australia

Their love story is a classic example of a love-at-first-sight moment. They felt the sparks in their first conversation at the Australia Zoo. Steve Irwin's family ran the zoo during those days. Soon, the couple started dating and got engaged within a few months.

They tied the knot in 1992

The Crocodile Hunter married his wife on June 4, 1992, according to an Australia Zoo report. Their married life was filled with unforgettable adventurous experiences.

One of Steve and Terri's first wildlife projects together was a crocodile rescue mission, which they embarked on instead of going on their honeymoon. They shot their journey and released it as the pilot episode of the iconic documentary titled The Crocodile Hunter.

They travelled to different destinations to shoot crocodiles and continue featuring over 300 episodes.

Steve Irwin and Terry Irwin collaborated on many projects

From personal life to professional commitments, they supported each other in new projects and working for the wildlife. After Steve’s parents' retirement, the couple changed their wildlife park's name to Australia Zoo from Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park.

From taking small steps, by putting money into their conservation project, they successfully opened Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. The late conservationist dedicated the hospital to his mother in 2004.

The couple embraced parenthood in 1998

Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin welcomed their daughter, Bindi Irwin, on July 24, 1998, followed by their son, Robert Irwin's, birth on December 1, 2003. Bindi has been named after Steve’s favorite crocodile.

Both of their children have followed in their parents' footsteps and are deeply devoted to wildlife conservation. Bindi and Robert have joined Terri to work at Australia Zoo.

Steve Irwin passed away in 2006

Steve lost his life in a tragic encounter with a stingray at Batt Reef. While snorkeling and shooting for the Ocean's Deadliest documentary, the stingray hit him with its barbed tail. He sustained severe injuries to his chest and heart.

Everything we know about Terri Irwin's latest interview

Terri Irwin appeared on the May 9 interview to promote the upcoming Steve Irwin Gala. During the conversation, she also spoke about the Wildlife Warriors conversation foundation. Terri Irwin and Steve Irwin initiated the foundation in 2002.

While discussing their necessary contributions to this incredible project, she further continued:

"We are just everywhere working with like-minded, dedicated people. My life is very full and very rich and every day, I wish Steve was here, but I’m so lucky."

Steve and Terri's kids, daughter Bindi, 26, and son Robert, 21, also joined during the exclusive interview and expressed their love and affection for their father.

Robert lovingly asserted:

"We love you. I think that’s the thing, it’s a family that we’ve got around the world and so special."

Acknowledging how their supporters help them keep his father's legacy alive, he appreciated his mom's immense dedication and hard work to help the wildlife.

He explained:

"I think I echo everyone, and we’ve got 500 strong in our team, it’s all thanks to mom keeping that legacy going. I couldn’t imagine how hard that would’ve been and is every day, but you’re just our pillar of strength through it all. We really, really have it all to thank you for that. So, thank you."

During the interview, Terri Irwin recounted her special moments spent with Steve Irwin and revealed how his spirit has motivated her in different aspects of life.

"I think the best part [of our marriage] was just the fun and the adventure. Literally every day I didn’t know what it was going to hold. Steve was probably the most spontaneous person. Everyone says live every day to its fullest, but we never quite do that every day. And Steve really, really did."

She lightheartedly exclaimed:

"I think there really isn’t a word in our language for the opposite of a procrastinator, but that was Steve. He was such a 'do it now' guy."

Terri also reminisced about Steve's passion and enthusiasm, adding:

"He was just so passionate and so childlike with his enthusiasm for everything he did. And I feel very blessed, and I feel like I’ve taken that away."

Steve Irwin's wife, Terri, and children, Bindi and Robert, are dedicated to continuing his legacy. They are working hard to achieve Steve's dreams with conservation projects and carrying on his mission, Conservation Through Exciting Education.