LITTLE Bindi Irwin has stepped into her father's shoes to complete a fund-raising project he began planning a year ago with The Sunday Telegraph.

Showing grace and poise beyond her years, the eight-year-old shot a special television ad at Australia Zoo to promote next weekend's Wildlife Warrior wrist band fund-raiser.

The wrist bands, costing $1 each, will be available exclusively from newsagents next Sunday on presentation of a special token in The Sunday Telegraph.

Proceeds from the sale of the bands will go to Steve Irwin's wildlife charity.

Work on the joint project began last year, and Irwin was keen to spread his conservation message as widely as possible.

The Irwin family decided to continue the project, despite his tragic death from a stingray barb last month.

Bindi, who will become the face of Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, said yesterday she wanted to keep her father's dream alive.

She said the stylish green bands were "super cool'' and she would be wearing one - and hoped lots of others would, too.

"Green is the colour of nature, and if you wear one it will show that you are really into wildlife and that you are going to make a difference, like my daddy did,'' Bindi said.

Dressed in the Irwin family's trademark khaki, Bindi - who captured the hearts of millions when she addressed her father's memorial service - showed the exuberance, love of life and love of animals that made her father a global star.

In between thanking the film crew for their help and patience, Bindi cuddled Lulu the sugar glider and a koala called Jaffa for the cameras.

The little Wildlife Warrior said her favourite animals were dingoes and water rats because they were "cute and playful'', but she loved all animals whether they were cuddly or dangerous.

The new ad featuring Bindi will begin screening on Thursday. The wrist bands will be available until supplies run out.

Jemima Moore, nine, says she is looking forward to getting a Wildlife Warriors wrist band.

"They look great and all my friends want one, especially as the money goes to helping animals,'' she says.