Terri Irwin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Terri Irwin AM
Irwin in 2011
Born	Theresa Penelope Raines (1964-07-20) July 20, 1964 (age 60) Eugene, Oregon, U.S.
Citizenship	United States Australia
Occupation	Conservationist, author, Zoo Owner
Years active	1987–present
Notable work	The Crocodile Hunter, Crikey! It's the Irwins
Spouse(s)	Steve Irwin ​ ​ (m. 1992; died 2006)​
Children	Bindi Irwin Robert Irwin
Relatives	Bob Irwin (father-in-law)

Terri Raines Irwin (born July 20, 1964) is an amazing American-Australian conservationist, TV star, author, and zookeeper. She owns the famous Australia Zoo in Queensland, Australia. Terri is also the wife of the late, great Steve Irwin, known as "The Crocodile Hunter."

Terri was born in Oregon, USA. When she was 22, she started helping injured wild animals. She met Steve Irwin in Australia in 1991 while visiting wildlife centers. They got married in 1992. Together, they starred in the popular TV show The Crocodile Hunter. They also had spin-off shows like Croc Files and Crikey! It's the Irwins. Terri and Steve had two children, Bindi and Robert. Sadly, Steve passed away in 2006 from a stingray injury while filming.

After Steve's death, Terri became an Australian citizen in 2009. She and her children continue to run Australia Zoo, keeping Steve's dream alive.

Terri's Early Life and Animal Care

Terri Irwin, whose full name is Theresa Penelope Raines, was born in Eugene, Oregon, USA. She was the youngest of three daughters. Her parents, Clarence and Judy Raines, loved the environment. Terri grew up exploring nature, like bicycling in parks and hiking mountains. She hoped to see wild animals like rattlesnakes.

How Terri Started Helping Animals

Terri's family owned a trucking business. Her father often brought home injured animals he found on the roads. This taught Terri how important it was to save and help wild animals. In 1986, while working for her family, she started a place called Cougar Country. Here, she helped predator mammals like foxes, raccoons, bears, and cougars. She would teach them how to live in the wild again. Each year, she helped up to 300 animals at Cougar Country.

Learning More About Animal Health

In 1989, Terri joined an emergency animal hospital. She worked as a veterinary technician to learn even more about caring for all kinds of animals. Her life was very busy! She was helping her dad with the family business, running Cougar Country, and working at the vet hospital. On top of that, she had many pets of her own, including 15 cats, several birds, and a dog.

Terri's Career in Wildlife and Television

Terri Irwin at Australia Zoo in 1997

In 1991, Terri visited Australia. This is where she met Steve Irwin. They fell in love quickly and got married just eight months later. Their honeymoon was even filmed for a TV documentary! This footage became the very first episode of The Crocodile Hunter. The show later became a huge hit in the United States. After their wedding, Terri and Steve moved to Australia. Terri decided to leave her Cougar Country project to focus on their new life and work together.

The Crocodile Hunter and Other Shows

Besides The Crocodile Hunter, Terri and Steve had other popular TV shows on the Animal Planet network. In 2002, they even released a movie called The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.

In 2018, a new show called Crikey! It's the Irwins started airing. This show is all about Terri, Bindi, and Robert's lives at Australia Zoo. Bindi's husband, Chandler Powell, is also on the show. The series has been very popular and has continued for several seasons.

Leading Australia Zoo

During their marriage, Steve and Terri owned and ran Australia Zoo in Queensland. They also filmed their TV shows there. After Steve's passing, Terri became the sole owner of the zoo. She continues to run it with her children, Bindi and Robert.

In 2008, Steve's father, Bob Irwin, who first started the zoo, decided to step down. He wanted to keep Steve's dream alive by working on another animal rescue property. Australia Zoo has continued to grow. In 2019, they announced a new project called "Camp Crocodile." In 2022, the Irwin family shared plans for "The Crocodile Hunter Lodge." This is a resort-style place to stay right on the zoo grounds.

Terri's Personal Life

Her Marriage to Steve Irwin

Terri (right) and Steve Irwin (left) with Wes Mannion (centre)

Terri met Steve Irwin in Australia in 1991. Steve's father had founded Australia Zoo. Steve later said it was "love at first sight." They got engaged after only four months. On June 4, 1992, they married in Terri's home state of Oregon. Then, they moved back to Australia. Terri and Steve had two children: their daughter Bindi, born on July 24, 1998, and their son Robert, born on December 1, 2003.

Terri once shared how much she loved working with Steve. She said they were truly in love and believed in their work. She couldn't imagine Steve having a dangerous job without her by his side.

Remembering Steve

On September 4, 2006, Steve Irwin sadly passed away. He was filming an underwater documentary when a stingray barb pierced his chest. Terri and her children were in Tasmania at the time.

After Steve's death, Terri announced that a public memorial service would be held. She asked people to donate to Steve's "Wildlife Warriors" fund. The service took place at Australia Zoo's "Crocoseum," a large outdoor amphitheater Steve had built. Terri thanked everyone for their support. She also promised to make Australia Zoo even bigger to honor Steve's dream.

Terri published a book called My Steve in 2007. It's about her relationship and marriage with Steve. The video footage of the events leading to Steve's death was given to Terri. She decided it would never be made public, and her family has not watched it.

Terri has shared that she has not dated since Steve's death. She feels she already had her "happily ever after" with him.

Becoming an Australian Citizen

Terri was born in America. On November 15, 2009, she became an Australian citizen. This special ceremony happened during the Steve Irwin Day celebrations at Australia Zoo. It was a beautiful tribute to her husband.

Supporting Conservation Efforts

Terri Irwin strongly supports protecting wildlife. She has shown her support for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. One of their ships was even renamed after Steve Irwin.

In 2008, Terri helped fund a three-year research program. This program, with Australia Zoo, supported the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University. It funded two big research projects about humpback whales. Terri believes that learning about whales helps us protect our oceans.

Awards and Recognition

Terri Irwin has received many honors for her work.

• In 2006, she was made an honorary Member of the Order of Australia. This was for her amazing work in wildlife conservation and tourism. When she became an Australian citizen in 2009, this became a full appointment.
• She won the 2007 Queensland Telstra Business Women's Award.
• The University of Queensland gave her an honorary doctorate. This was to recognize her work in conservation and support for important research.
• In 2014, Terri was a finalist for Australian of the Year in Queensland.
• In 2023, Terri Irwin was added to the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. This honored her great leadership, her worldwide contributions to saving wildlife, and her big impact on Australian tourism.

Terri Irwin's TV Shows and Movies