Steve Irwin explained how family was the most important thing to him in exactly the way you'd expect

A unearthed video of Steve Irwin talking about how much he values his family has warmed people's hearts.

The much beloved Crocodile Hunter may have passed away back in 2006, but his kind-hearted spirit and love for nature have been carried on ever since by his wife and two kids.

And in a resurfaced 2001 interview with Access Hollywood, Irwin is seen taking wife Terri and daughter Bindi on a tour of Los Angeles, at the height of his success with his widely popular show The Crocodile Hunter.

Speaking to the outlet, the late Irwin said: "We have the strongest family unit on the face of the earth. We try to do every single thing together."

Footage then shows the reptile loving Aussie pointing out a Crocodile Hunter poster to his infant daughter, as he asks her: "What's that crocodile doing? That crocodile has got daddy's boot, hasn't he?"

The legendary conservationist then said: "A family that does crocodiles together sticks together!"

Access Hollywood

Fans of Irwin's wrote their messages of condolence in the comments section.

One admiring fan wrote: "My childhood hero will forever remember you as the crocodiles hunter rest in peace Steve Irwin," while another said: "Rest in peace. He's missed down here on earth. Enjoy heaven."

Of course, this wasn't the first time Irwin spoke candidly about his family.

Speaking to ABC News in 2003, Irwin said: "I never really wanted to be a dad. I couldn't give a rip. Now I'm the proudest father, I gotta tell you.

"I can't dwell on [Bindi] for too long or I start bawling my eyes out. Who would have thought that someone as ugly as me could bring something so beautiful into the world? Such a treasure."

Irwin gained worldwide fame in 1997 through The Crocodile Hunter, which saw him fearlessly get up close and personal with all manner of reptiles, creepy crawlies and Australian wildlife.

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Sadly, Irwin died in 2006 whilst filming footage near the Australian Great Barrier Reef, where he sustained fatal injuries from a stingray.

In the aftermath of his death, his widow Terri and the couple's children, Bindi, now 24, and Robert, now 19, have carried on his legacy.

Australia Zoo, which was originally owned by Irwin's parents, is now run by Terri - and the late conservationist is celebrated each year in the zoo on 15 November.

Topics: Steve Irwin, Australia

Ben Thompson