Steve Irwin wasn’t just an animal lover—he was a global icon.
Known as "The Crocodile Hunter," he captivated millions with his fearless encounters with the world’s most dangerous creatures, from venomous snakes to massive crocodiles.
His passion for conservation and his boundless enthusiasm made him a household name.
But behind the infectious energy and signature khaki outfit, there was a hidden struggle few ever knew about.
Now, nearly two decades after his tragic death, his daughter Bindi Irwin has made a revelation about her father’s private battle.
"He Just Never Slept"
Speaking on a recent podcast, Bindi Irwin disclosed that her father suffered from severe insomnia, something he endured throughout his life.
"He had terrible insomnia. I mean, he just never slept," Bindi revealed, according to Newsner.
She and her family only fully grasped how relentless Steve’s work ethic truly was when they sorted through his belongings. Among his personal items, they discovered thousands of handwritten pages filled with scientific notes, research, and observations.
"People might not realize that he had such a scientific mind. I looked in his journals, and he just wrote down—thousands, that’s not an exaggeration—pages of information, facts, studies, and results," she said.
A Work Ethic Unlike Any Other
Steve Irwin’s dedication to wildlife conservation was unmatched, and his daily routine was unlike most people’s. According to Bindi, her father started his day at 2 a.m., long before anyone else.
"Dad woke up at 2 in the morning. I swear his day started at 2. And by the time everyone else’s workday had started, he had worked a full day," she shared.
The revelation paints a deeper picture of just how tirelessly Steve worked—not just in front of the cameras but behind the scenes as well.
Steve Irwin tragically passed away in 2006 after being fatally struck in the heart by a stingray while filming a documentary. The loss was felt worldwide, but for his family, it was deeply personal—their husband, father, and hero was gone.
Yet, the Irwin family has continued his mission.
His wife Terri, along with their children Bindi and Robert, have dedicated their lives to wildlife conservation. Their show, Crikey! It’s the Irwins, follows their ongoing efforts at Australia Zoo, ensuring that Steve’s passion lives on.