A new report has revealed just how little money world famous conservationist and TV star Steve Irwin left his family in the wake of his 2006 death.

Despite his long and successful career as star of TV and movies, conservationist Steve Irwin actually left a very modest amount to his family in the wake of his shock 2006 death.

The Crocodile Hunter star, who died at just 44 years old after his chest was punctured by a stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef, left a life insurance policy of just $200,000 to his children Bindi, 27, and Robert, 21, according to realestate.com.au.

They added that “most” of Steve’s weath was tied up in Queensland’s vast Australia Zoo, which Bindi and her brother “will no doubt own one day”.

The late Steve Irwin caused controversy in 2004 by holding a one month old Bob as he fed crocodile Murray. Picture: Channel Seven.
In 2024, Steve’s widow Terri, 61, told the Australian Financial Review just how precarious a position the family was left in following the zookeeper’s passing.

“Everything was reinvested into conservation work,” Terri told the publication.

“I was in debt… and Steve’s life insurance, I think, was the sum total of $200,000, which didn’t even cover half of one week’s payroll.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 11: (L-R) Robert Irwin, Bindi Irwin and Terri Irwin attend the Steve Irwin gala to support the Wildlife Warriors conservationist organization at Bellagio Resort & Casino on May 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
She also revealed Steve’s will was “ironclad” – not allowing for “some crazy person [to] sweep in from some distant family connection and try to take everything”.

Steve passed away on September 4, 2006, while taking part in the production of the documentary series Ocean’s Deadliest at Batt Reef, near Port Douglas, Queensland.

He cultivated a loyal global following through his TV series The Crocodile Hunter and the movie The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, which grossed an impressive $33.4 million on a $12 million budget upon its release in 2002.