Bindi Irwin’s new tattoo honors baby and late father: ‘graceful warrior’
Bindi Irwin, 23, is commemorating her father in the most beautiful way.
On Thursday, the young mom revealed a photo of a new tattoo paying tribute to her late dad, Steve Irwin, and baby daughter Grace Warrior.
“The words I spoke to our daughter as I held her for the first time in my arms were, ‘My graceful warrior,’” the conservationist captioned a pair of photos, showing off the new ink alongside baby Grace.
“That’s how her name was born,” she continued. “This is my dad’s handwriting to keep him with me, always. Our dear alligator, Daisy, is next to these words to represent our conservation work as Wildlife Warriors. And my beautiful wedding ring in bloom. Validation every day of the three most important things in my life: family, purpose and unconditional love. ?? Since Grace’s breastfeeding journey ended, now felt like the perfect time for this empowering artwork.”
The moving tribute was appreciated by several commenters including tattoo artist Kelly McQuirk, who’s credited for the work.
“Thank you for being such an angel and trusting me with such special pieces. So much fun!” McQuirk wrote to Irwin, adding, “Ps: how adorable is Grace — get outta here!”
“Such gorgeous artwork. You amaze me every day,” Irwin’s husband Chandler Powell wrote. “Each one is meaningful to mark this special time in our life together. Also, the Florida in me loves the alligator. ?? Love you so much.”
“Very nice and heartwarming,” a fan added. “You are such a treasure yourself. Your father would be so proud of how you and your brother have grown into exceptional human beings.”
“It looks amazing and it is such a touching story,” another said. “Believe me, when I say your dad will never be forgotten. His personality and caring of conservation for the wildlife was remarkable. But you, Robert and your husband and now warrior Grace will always carry his legacy.”
Of course, her famous father, "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, died in 2006 after a tragic encounter with a stingray when Irwin was only 8 years old.
Since his death, the family has taken over his legacy as conservationists and, more specifically, running the Australia Zoo and the charity he began in 2002, Wildlife Warriors, which raises funds for several wildlife initiatives.
Last September, Irwin honored her dad on the 15th anniversary of his death.
“My dad was the first person to create the term ‘Wildlife Warrior,'" she told The Bump last year, just before giving birth to Grace. "Being a ‘Wildlife Warrior’ means to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We’ve been referring to our daughter as our ‘Baby Wildlife Warrior.’”
Aside from her activism, it's clear the new mom is loving motherhood. Last weekend, she revealed several milestones Grace has accomplished — including “crawling,” “high fives” and teething.
“Celebrating 9 months with this cutie on Christmas Day,” Irwin captioned a photo of Grace sitting in front of the family”s tree last month.
“There is so much happening in Grace Warrior's life,” she added, which include. “Crawling, two teeth, getting herself from laying to sitting, waving, high fives, clapping, eating solids like a champion, loves saying ‘Dada,’ best friends are Fergo the cassowary chick & Igloo the tortoise, also discovered that playing with wrapping paper is her favourite!”