WHILE her mother told of losing her soulmate, eight-year-old Bindi Irwin prepared herself for a heart-wrenching tribute yesterday. Terri Irwin had been expected to make her first public appearance since her husband’s death to pay tribute to him yesterday. But at the last minute she decided it was too much to handle. Instead she wrote a heartfelt note which was read aloud outside the gates of Australia Zoo. She thanked the public for their "overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers for my family". She referred to Steve as her "soulmate" and "wildlife warrior". Terri also revealed she had rejected offers to hold a memorial for Irwin in the 50,000-seat Suncorp Stadium in favour of a more intimate tribute at his favourite place, the Crocoseum at Australia Zoo. That’s where Bindi, who many are predicting will carry on Steve’s legacy, will face her toughest moment next Wednesday. Terri revealed Bindi would address the memorial service on behalf of herself and her little brother, two-year-old Bob. "I cannot see how a memorial service for Steve would work in any other place other than the Crocoseum, which he built here at the zoo and of which he was so proud," Terri said. "I would therefore ask that everyone please bear with me in this wish and help me to make this happen." She said she understood many people would not be able to attend, so the family would work with the State Government to supply large TV screens to venues at Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. The service will be broadcast on television live through the ABC to Australia, Asia and the US. Irwin’s manager John Stainton said the service would be a tribute to Irwin’s life, from the boy to the man, with guests sharing their memories of him. He said John Williamson would perform Irwin’s favourite song True Blue, but the memorial would not be an "elaborate variety show". "We’re going to try to cover as many facets of his whole entire life from when he was a little boy to when he left us," he said. Australia Zoo and Ticketek at Brisbane and Maroochydore will distribute 3000 free tickets to the service from 9am (AEST) on Friday.
The Daily Telegraph
ET is reporting that The Discovery Channel will not air the video of his death.
