Wildlife presenter and conservationist Steve Irwin died 10 years ago today (4 September), after being struck in the chest by a stingray's barb while filming for one of his TV shows.

To mark the annivesary of her father's death, his daughter Bindi took to Twitter, in order to share a photograph of her and her father, paying tribute to the man she describes as being "my hero for my entire existence".

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Bindi was just eight when her father died, and has carried on his work promoting and highlighting the plight of endangered animals.

Irwin was known for his heartfelt and direct style in front of the camera and he was no different in his private life, as a recently discovered letter to his parents shows.

Written when he was 32 the contents of the letter were revealed last week.

"Probably one of the most unfortunate things in a 'Bloke's Life' is that it takes over 30 years to realise how essential you have been to build my character, my ethics and, most importantly, my HAPPINESS," Irwin wrote.

"At 32, I am finally starting to figure it out. In good times and in bad, you were there. Your strength and endurance to raise me will not go unrewarded. My love for you is my strength!

"For the rest of my life I will reflect on the unbelievably GREAT times we've shared and will continue to share. You're my best friends!", he concluded.

Steve Irwin's greatest quotes

On Australia

"I'm a proud Australian, a very, very proud Australian."

"Where I live if someone gives you a hug it's from the heart."

"Crikey means gee whiz, wow!"

"You know, I'm Australian, and we have got the worst sense of humour. We are cruel to each other."

On animals

"Crocodiles are easy. They try to kill and eat you. People are harder. Sometimes they pretend to be your friend first."

"I have no fear of losing my life – if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it."

"The only animals I'm not comfortable with are parrots, but I'm learning as I go. I'm getting better and better at 'em. I really am."

"You're far safer dealing with crocodiles and western diamondback rattlesnakes than the executives and the producers and all those sharks in the big MGM building."

"My field is with apex predators, hence your crocodiles, your snakes, your spiders."

"The truth is that we will never save wildlife by killing it."

On his mission in life

"I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message."

"I have a message for my fans. Whatever you want to do in this world, it is achievable. The most important thing that I've found, that perhaps you could use, is be passionate and
enthusiastic in the direction that you choose in life, and you'll be a winner."

"If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love."