Chandler Powell, the husband of wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin, is said to be at his breaking point after months of shouldering the immense responsibility of running Australia Zoo. This comes as his brother-in-law, Robert Irwin, enjoys a meteoric rise to international television stardom, spending increasing time away from the family business.
The Strain of Holding the Fort
According to reports, the 29-year-old ended last year feeling 'exhausted' and increasingly overlooked. While 22-year-old Robert's high-profile opportunities, from Hollywood to South Africa, have captured global attention, Chandler has been the one working nonstop to keep the zoo operational. An insider claimed Chandler "busts his gut day in, day out" and is far more involved in the daily grind than many realise, dedicating "blood, sweat and tears" to uphold the legacy of the late Steve Irwin.
A Growing Divide and Family Pressure
Insiders suggest that while the pair were once "thick as thieves", cracks are now showing. Chandler is said to feel Robert has gone a little too 'Hollywood', a sentiment Robert reportedly does not share. The pressure intensified last year when Chandler, Bindi, and her mother Terri were forced to step away from the zoo for three months to support Robert during his stint on the US edition of Dancing With The Stars.
Caught in the middle, Bindi Irwin is attempting to manage the delicate situation. She has recently booked a getaway to Tasmania for herself and Chandler to help him unwind. The Wildlife Warrior is reportedly hoping the tension will 'solve itself organically', relying on the historically close bond between the two men.
Robert's Continuing Ascent
Meanwhile, Robert Irwin's showbiz trajectory continues unabated. He is currently in South Africa preparing to film I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, which premieres on January 18. He will resume his hosting duties on the reality show alongside Julia Morris, a role he first took on in the programme's 2024 season, succeeding Dr Chris Brown.
The situation paints a picture of the complex dynamics within the famous conservation family, as the demands of global celebrity and the relentless needs of a major wildlife park create an undeniable strain.
