Bindi Irwin Opens Up About 'Pain' From Estranged Relationship With Grandfather

Updated September 8, 2021

Based on what they've shared with us over the years, if there's one thing that the Irwin family is as passionate about as wildlife conservation, it's each other.

This is particularly clear from the way that Steve Irwin's children Robert and Bindi have not only remained dedicated to carrying on his legacy, but in how much they support each other.

And as we're about to discuss, it seems that this support extends even to the most estranged member of their family. But as Bindi recently shared, trying to connect with this person has proved a lifelong and fruitless struggle.

On June 21, Bindi Irwin made a lengthy statement on Twitter indicating that she'll be taking a break from social media.

As she said, "I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal)."

This announcement came shortly after a Father's Day post of hers that gave the world an unfortunate revelation.

Namely, that there is one member of her family that hasn't brought her anywhere near as much happiness as the others.

This all started after fans noticed that Bindi's tribute to her father, husband, and father-in-law did not mention her grandfather, 82-year-old Bob Irwin.

And as TMZ reported, she clarified in the comments of this post that her grandfather has "no interest" in her or her family.

And she also said that this is hardly a new phenomenon for him.

Reddit | berry_85

In her words, "He has returned gifts I’ve sent him after he opened them, he has ignored my correspondence and from the time I was a little girl he has ignored me, preferring to spend time doing anything else rather than being with me."

This response also shared the particularly sad revealtion that, "He has never said a single kind word to me personally."

Getty Images | Bradley Kanaris

Although TMZ reported that Bindi's mother Terri has tried to reconnect Bob with the rest of his family, the Christmas gifts she sent him have met a similar fate to Bindi's previous attempts to reach out.

As Bindi put it, "I have struggled with this relationship my entire life and it brings me enormous pain."

However, this estrangement apparently hasn't stopped the Irwins from financially supporting Bob for almost 30 years.

Wikimedia Commons | Kaus

As Page Six reported, Bindi said that this started in 1992 and that payments continue on a weekly basis to the present day.

In her words, "We built him a house on a beautiful property and will always do our best to ensure his well-being."

h/t: TMZ

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