Overview

• Steve Irwin’s life insurance policy of $200,000 fell far short of covering Australia Zoo’s expenses, with Terri Irwin saying it didn’t fund even half a week’s payroll.
• During his career, Irwin directed the majority of his earnings into Australia Zoo operations and the Wildlife Warriors foundation to advance wildlife conservation.
• After his death in 2006, Terri Irwin took sole management of the zoo and navigated significant debt while keeping the facility running.
• Irwin’s “ironclad” will protected the estate from distant claims and established clear succession plans for the zoo’s governance.
• As of August 2025, Terri alongside Robert and Bindi Irwin are preparing to formally take over Australia Zoo and continue Steve’s global conservation mission.