Happy Again
Bindi Irwin opens up about finding love and happiness after the loss of her famous father, Steve.
The road to happiness has been a long one for Bindi Irwin, whose father, The Crocodile Hunter host Steve, died from a stingray attack in 2006 when she was just 8. But she’s found joy again, thanks in part to her boyfriend of four years, Chandler Powell. “He’s my sunshine every day,” Bindi, 19, tells Life & Style in an exclusive interview. “Chandler isn’t just my boyfriend, but also my best friend. He is always there and ready to help.” Chandler, 21, is happy to assist the Season 21 Dancing With the Stars champ as she carries on her dad’s legacy of wildlife conservation and education. Chandler spends time with Bindi in her home, which is in the middle of the 1,200-animal Australia Zoo, and they’ve also been busy traveling the world for Wildlife Warriors, a nonprofit started by Steve along with Bindi’s mom, Terri. “It’s wonderful to have found someone who is up for any challenge, from working with crocodiles to making echidna [spiny anteater] food,” Bindi tells Life & Style. “Chandler and I always try to stick together as best as we can. Whenever we travel, we always try to travel together. It’s nice knowing you have someone with you who is always on your side.” While some fans hope marriage is in the young lovebirds’ future, Bindi says right now she’s busy focusing on work. “I really hope I’ve made Dad proud,” she explains. “I’ll continue to do my best to make sure his message and legacy live on forever.”