Steve Irwin's daughter charms T.O.
By BRIAN GRAY -- Sun Media
Bindi Irwin, 8, uses a slithery pal at Dundas Square in Toronto yesterday to promote wildlife preservation. (PHOTO: Greg Henkenhaf, Sun Media)
TORONTO - Hundreds of parents and their kids showed up to say "G'day" to little Bindi Irwin and welcome Australia's latest splash in the world of pop culture to Toronto yesterday.
Bindi, the 8-year-old daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, sang and danced her way through an hour-long performance promoting Australian tourism in a tent at Dundas Square.
Her mom, American-born Terri Irwin, who now serves as a tourism ambassador for the land Down Under, also performed, showing animals and talking about the wonders of Australia's natural surroundings.
"This is a truly multicultural day," Terri said. "I am an American talking about Australia in Canada."
Following her father's death last September by a stingray, Bindi vowed to continue his role in promoting wildlife conservation around the world.
"I think Bindi is great," 11-year-old Heather Cachemaris said. "She is so beautiful and entertaining, and I like the animals, too."
Kids ages 2 to 12 in the audience danced along with Bindi and sat awestruck when Terri brought out an 8-week-old baby lion and a baby kangaroo who was more interested in staying in the warmth of a makeshift pouch than hopping around for the appreciative crowd.
The show was part of the weekend-long G'day Toronto event to foster Australian tourism in the city -- and a quick survey showed it may have worked.
"I want to visit the outback and Tasmania," 10-year-old Alex Kozinski said.
But mom Alice said such a vacation may be something that Alex will have to do when he gets older.
"This show might be as close as he gets until he can afford to go himself," Alice said.