Bindi Irwin and her family are returning to their roots and working to develop and produce new television projects for Animal Planet.
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The Irwin family -- Terri and her children Bindi and Robert, who own Australia Zoo -- are hoping to become the face of Animal Planet again, and they'll also be serving as global ambassadors for Discovery Communications.
The Irwin family has a long and meaningful history with Animal Planet dating back to their series The Crocodile Hunter starring the late Steve Irwin, who helped to create a distinctive new style of wildlife documentary. Steve and his wife Terri Irwin served as co-hosts of the show and introduced viewers to the animals of Far North Queensland.
Steve, with his boisterous charm and daring attitude, would encounter crocodiles, venomous snakes, spiders and more with his witty and composed wife Terri. The Crocodile Hunter was a big hit and aired on Animal Planet from 1996 through 2007.
"Steve Irwin was a champion for all wildlife and he and Terri's excitement and enthusiasm brought viewers from around the world in touch with nature," Animal Planet's General Manager Patrice Andrews said in a statement.
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"Their passion for animals, love for their family, and leadership in conservation awareness left a strong legacy that continues today. We are thrilled to have Terri, Bindi and Robert back in the Animal Planet family."
"We're excited to be returning home to Animal Planet and our Discovery Communications family," added Terri. "We look forward to the year ahead as we embark on new projects and adventures with Animal Planet."
Since The Crocodile Hunter, Bindi, 19, won Season 21 of Dancing with the Stars with her professional partner Derek Hough. She also received a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009 for her Discovery Kids series Bindi, the Jungle Girl and also co-created a series of books called Bindi Wildlife Adventures.
Robert, 13, previously hosted the Discovery Kids series Wild But True, and his passion for nature photography and animals continues.
And Terri, 53, actively speaks out and supports conservation issues, including the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Cape York dedicated to Steve.
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Terri remains involved as the patron of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, which runs the busiest wildlife hospital of its kind in the world and has treated almost 72,000 animals in the 12 years the hospital has been open.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski