Heartbreak for the Irwins as Bindi announces the death of a beloved family member

Bindi Irwin shared some sad news with fans on Thursday, revealing a beloved ‘family member’ had died.

The 24-year-old Wildlife Warrior revealed the family’s 38-year-old echidna had died, with Bindi sharing a gallery of pictures of the animal.

‘Saying goodbye to our beautiful family member of 38 years,’ Bindi’s emotional post began.

‘The sweetest, kindest, most wonderful echidna you ever did meet.’

She added alongside a love heart emoji: ‘Rest In Peace, angel.’

‘So sorry for your loss,’ one fan commented underneath.

Another added: ‘Rest in peace little echidna.’

Bindi, alongside her brother Robert and mother Terri Irwin, have vowed to carry on her late father Steve Irwin’s legacy through their work at Australia Zoo and their conservation efforts.

Steve, known to millions around the world as ‘the Crocodile Hunter’, died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray while filming a documentary in Batt Reef, Queensland.

Bindi was just eight years old at the time.

In June, Bindi announced the launch of the ‘Warrior bar and restaurant’ at their Crocodile Hunter Lodge in Queensland.

‘We look forward to welcoming you for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can even book your own private dining room (swipe to see photo),’ she wrote in a post.

She added: ‘Remember to be on the lookout for koalas, kangaroos and emus during your meal.’

The Irwin family recently announced the launch of The Crocodile Hunter Lodge.

The lodge is where guests of Australia Zoo can stay overnight, which was always a dream of Steve’s.

‘This is an exciting time for us as a family to be able to continue on what dad’s vision was for Australia Zoo,’ Bindi said.

Terri added that Steve always had a dream that visitors could have an immersive experience.