A magical year for the Irwin family has become that much more wonderful. Despite the difficult start to 2020, Bindi Irwin has been thriving. The 22-year-old daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin married longtime love Chandler Powell in a beautiful ceremony at the Australia Zoo in late March. Now the two are adding a little one to their family.
Bindi took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce that she's pregnant. The adorable post sees her and Chandler in their khakis, holding a tiny khaki shirt. Bindi was excited to share with fans that their "baby wildlife warrior" will be here in 2021. Chandler also shared the happy news on his account.
The news is also joyous for the rest of the tight-knit family. Both mom Terri Irwin and brother Robert Irwin shared their elation on social media. Bindi and Chandler's little one already has so much love coming their way.
Fans of the Irwin family have come to absolutely love the beautiful story that's unfolded for Bindi Irwin. After losing her father at just 8 years old, Bindi grew up working with her family to preserve Steve's legacy and continue his work. It just so happened that the Australia Zoo was also where she found love.
Chandler originally hails from Florida and visited Australia for a wakeboarding competition in late 2013.
"It just so happened that Bindi was giving tours that day," he told People magazine of the fateful day.
"I'm like, 'Wow she is amazing.'"
The two continued to get to know each other through letters and emails. It would be two years after meeting each other when Bindi and Chandler would go public with the relationship. He was one of her biggest supporters during her time on Dancing With the Stars that year.
Bindi and Chandler kept things going long distance over the next few years. In 2018, Chandler took the plunge and moved to Australia to be with Bindi. In true Irwin form, he got his khakis on and jumped into the family's line of work.
"He's done so well, I think he's passed the Irwin family khaki test. We've had him jumping on crocodiles and feeding alligators," Bindi proudly said at the time.
Bindi celebrated her 21st birthday on July 24, 2019. That same day, Chandler proposed with Terri's blessing and Robert there to photograph the moment.
"She said YES! Almost 6 years ago we met at Australia Zoo," he excitedly announced on Instagram.
"I immediately fell head over heels for her kind and thoughtful heart that radiates so much light. Proposing in her very favorite place in the zoo, surrounded by animals, seemed like the perfect way to embark on this incredible new chapter in our lives. Bee, I love you more than anything in this world and I always will. Happy Birthday."
"On my birthday I said 'yes' and 'forever' to the love of my life," Bindi wrote of the magical moment.
"Chandler, close to 6 years ago I fell in love with you and every day since has been a whirlwind of adventure and true happiness. I'm so looking forward to spending our forever together as your wife. Here's to a lifetime of friendship, purpose, and unconditional love. — Now let's get married already!"
The couple worked hard planning the perfect wedding for the spring of 2020. Like so many other couples, their plans were sidelined by the virus outbreak. Bindi and Chandler forged ahead, marrying in an intimate ceremony at the Australia Zoo on March 25.
"We held a small ceremony and I married my best friend. There are no words to describe the amount of love and light in my heart right now. We've planned this beautiful day for nearly a year and had to change everything, as we didn't have guests at our wedding," Bindi shared.
"This was a very difficult decision but important to keep everyone safe. We wish all of our friends and family could have been there with us, however it's lovely that we will be able to share photos and videos. Right now we're encouraging the world to hold onto hope and love, which will carry us forward during this profound time in history
"Today we celebrated life and reveled in every beautiful moment we shared together in our Australia Zoo gardens. Mum helped me get ready, Robert walked me down the aisle, Chandler became my husband and together we lit a candle in Dad's memory. We shared tears and smiles and love. Thankfully, since we all live at Australia Zoo as a family, we could be there for each other. To everyone reading this – stay safe, social distance and remember LOVE WINS!"
Now the couple has even more joyous news. Bindi took to Instagram to share that she and Chandler are expecting their first child together.
"Baby Wildlife Warrior due 2021," she captioned the sweet image of her and Chandler in their khakis, holding a tiny khaki shirt between them.
"Chandler and I are proud to announce that we're expecting! It's an honor to share this special moment in our lives with you. Though I'm still in my first trimester, we really want you to be part of our journey from the beginning of this new life chapter. We couldn't wait to share the news as this beautiful little being has become the most important part of our lives. Your support means the world to us. Please let me know your best advice and send good vibes & prayers to our little sweetheart. Love & light. ❤️."
"We're going to be parents!! We have a baby Wildlife Warrior on the way coming in 2021," Chandler shared on his own Instagram.
"Becoming a dad is the highlight of my life. I cannot wait to embark on this new adventure and life chapter with my gorgeous wife, @bindisueirwin. Bee, you're going to be the most amazing mother."
The rest of the Irwin family is over the moon with Bindi and Chandler's news. Robert shared a shot of the whole family in their khakis with the baby khaki shirt, as well as some well-wishes for his big sister.
"The most exciting news ever! I am so happy for Bindi and Chandler to be welcoming a new member of the family. I can't believe I'm going to be an uncle!!!" he gushed.
"It's such a happy time for our family – I look forward to this brilliant new chapter and all the fun adventures ahead with a new little Wildlife Warrior!"
Terri shared her excitement about becoming a grandma on Twitter. "This is the best day ever! I am over the moon to announce that @BindiIrwin and @chandlerpowell9 are going to have a baby!" she wrote.
"Words cannot express the love that is filling my heart. While I wish that Steve was here to share this beautiful moment, I know that he would be so proud."
The well-wishes for the happy couple have been pouring in. For so many who have watched Bindi grow up, it's a truly emotional moment. She's no longer the little girl who closely trailed her adventurous dad. Now she's a grown woman starting an adventure all of her own, with Steve protecting and guiding her in spirit.
