In Memory of our Mate

Steve Irwin mourned in private.

THE family of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin will mark the first anniversary of his death in private today. While Irwin was always larger than life, widow Terri, Bindi, 9, and brother Robert, 3, plan to remember the tragic anniversary out of the public gaze in the US. It is believed they are staying with Oregon-born Terri's family. No special events will be held at the Irwin's beloved Australia Zoo, which became a makeshift shrine to the environmentalist in the days after he was killed by a stingray barb to the chest. Irwin, 44, had been filming a nature documentary on Batt Reef, near Port Douglas, when the accident occurred. Steve Irwin DayAn Australia Zoo spokeswoman said the Irwins would publicly celebrate his life on November 15, to be known as Steve Irwin Day, when fans will be encouraged to wear khaki, camp out in their backyards or visit the zoo for a number of special events. "September 4 is a day for Steve's family, friends and fans to reflect, while November 15 will be a day of celebration, just the way Steve would have liked," a statement on the zoo's website said. Wildlife warriorBindi has taken the mantle of wildlife warrior since her father's death. With a line of clothing, popular television show and stage performances, the primary school student has elevated her famous dad's conservation work to new levels in countries like Indonesia and India. More than 1.1 million people tuned in to Bindi Irwin's TV special My Daddy The Crocodile Hunter on Saturday night, helping it to easily win its 7.30pm timeslot. While Bindi spreads her dad's message far and wide, baby brother Bob is also proving he, too, has star power. With his mop of blond hair and uniform of cut-down khakis, the toddler is entrancing visitors with his hilarious antics in a film clip, which screens at the zoo's daily show. The show features Bob in poses with birds, a crested iguana, baby wombat, a dingo, baby alligator and a fake poisonous snake complete with all his dad's famous catch-phrases from "Crikey, isn't she gorgeous" to "Don't try this at home". Meanwhile, Irwin's legacy continues at Australia Zoo, where work has started on building what will be the world's largest wildlife hospital.