Steve Irwin's mate, Wes Mannion, appears to have made a bad hire in another friend from the US, Josh Ruffell. You are absolutely worthy of love and kindness.. Son . Bindi and her husband first met in 2013 when Chandler and his parents, who hail from Florida, were on a tour of Australia Zoo. Company records obtained by Daily Mail Australia revealed the shocking news that Mannion's position as secretary of the Queensland-based wildlife park came to a stretching halt on July 14, 2020, just four months after he attended Bindi Irwin's intimate wedding. I am getting a divorce. Whispers surfaced of a family feud between Bob and Terri in the months following Steves passing, and Bob left Australia Zoo. "Though I'm still in my first trimester, we really want you to be part of our journey from the beginning of this new life chapter. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. I know that if I'd died, Stevie would have been like a lion with my family,' Wes told Woman's Day in 2007. Coincidentally, Wes and Steve hadmet in a similar way years earlier. Terri allegedly swapped her khaki's for a glamorous makeover to impress her new mystery man. In 2020, news of Bindis impending baby arrival had left Bob yearning to once again be involved with the family. He also assists researchers striving to ensure the survival of critically endangered red goshawks and sawfish in Cape York. Last month Terri Irwin stepped out for the Steve Irwin Dinner Gala in Los Angeles. Two of the guests were hermother, Terri Irwin, and brother, Robert Irwin, but the third guest wasn't a family member. Chapter 1. By Timewilltell. The Irwin family, with Bob on the far right, pose for a photo in 2007. Its where he also fell in love with visiting American Terri Raines some years later. She may be just a few months old - but Bindi Irwin's daughter Grace is already following in her family's impressive wildlife footsteps. Bob Irwins biographer Amanda French said he was deeply upset by Bindis comments. He was living in the 240ha property Wattle Camp between Kingaroy and Murgon in Queensland, surrounded by forest and national park. Brian earned a reputation as a gun wildlife spotter and catcher and was manager of the Australia Zoo Rescue unit from 2007-2011. After watching Steve, who was eight years his senior, with a crocodile, he begged the wildlife handler to let him work at the zoo. Citing sources close to the family, New Idea magazine claimed Terri was considered the option of selling the business for personal and professional reasons. Since then, his widow Terri Irwin and their two children, Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin have continued on Steve's legacy by running the Australia Zoo just north of Brisbane, Queensland. MORE: Fans notice sweet detail in Bindi Irwin's bare baby bump photo. Wes Mannion (born September 1970) is most well-known from the television series The Crocodile Hunter as Steve Irwin's best friend , as well as Director for the Australia Zoo. authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. Steve Irwin's best friend Wes Mannion has quietly stepped down as director of Australia Zoo, with the crocodile hunter's widow Terri now in total control of the family business. Nov. 7 2022, Published 7:30 p.m. Terri went public to deny rumours of the rift. Hes done his best to not cause any drama or cause any more of a wedge, so it was a real surprise that message was put out there in the public forum the way that it was in the last 48 hours.. The magazine said, citing a source, Bob remained hopeful he might one day be welcomed back into the fold despite the decades-long silence between him and the family. Terri, Bindi and Robert suffered a huge loss when Steve died aged 44 after he was attacked by a stingray on the Great Barrier Reef in 2006. . I was invited to help with sawfish research at Port Musgrave near the mouth of Wenlock River, because scientists had encountered a big croc while trying to put satellite trackers on the fish, Brian said. According to the documents, Terri was named the sole director and secretary of the business following Mannion's mysterious departure over two years ago. Terri, 56, is still worried the couple did not sign a prenup beforehand. s.async = true; Tricia was named after Tricia Reschke, the Miss Australia from the previous year. There was one year where we sent birthday presents to him and he opened them up and he sent them back.. It's the Irwins made the zoo a popular tourist . The new parents, joined by Terry and Robert Irwin, could hardly contain their smiles as they posed in front of the newly built section, Graces Bird Garden. Last month, she donned a black jumper, floral skirt and nude strappy sandals for the Steve Irwin Gala Dinner in LA. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? The comments below have not been moderated. His passion for reptiles continued throughout his childhood years and at age 14, Mannion made his first visit to the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, now known as Australia Zoo. "Chandler and I are proud to announce that we're expecting! Filmed in various locations of Beerwah, Queensland, Australia, the second season of the docuseries was released in October 2019. Is he ok? At 52 years old, Wes Mannion height not available right now. If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. The years-long feud came catapulting back into the headlines in June when Bindi heaped praise on the three most incredible fathers in her life - a tribute to her dad Steve, husband Chandler and father-in-law Chris. "Wondering whether Wes Mannion still works at Australia Zoo is occupying way too much of my brain space right now. After Steve's death, Terri fell out with his father Bob, who alongside his wife Lyn founded Beerwah Reptile Park - now known as Australia Zoo - in 1970. Main picture: Warren Lynam, Australias best beer: summer ale wows judges again, Shooting guard from NBL links with Rip City, Park n rides progress as part of $550m rail project. Even worse, many such slurs aren't from men but 'I couldn't do it without you': Victoria Beckham poses with her whole family after her PFW show - as she Brooklyn Beckham puts on a loved-up display with wife Nicola Peltz as they head back to hotel after Cruz Beckham supports his mother Victoria as he carrying his very own VB handbag on the way to her show Like father, like daughter! Bob Irwin, the pioneering plumber who began building the Beerwah Reptile Park when his son - Australias acclaimed Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin - was just eight years old, was left out of the accolades. Surround yourself with the light of people who genuinely care about you and will support you during the good times and the hard times. Steve Irwin 's best buddy Wes Mannion is no longer part of the late crocodile hunter's famous Australian zoo. "Where is Wes Mannion??? Pictured: Bob Snr with his children Mandy, Joy and Steve, Steve's wife Terri, and their two children Bindi and Robert. Apart from Robert Irwin, the show also features his mother Terri Irwin, sister Bindi Irwin, zoo's director and Steve's friend Wes Mannion, and Bindi's husband Chandler Powell. You inspire me with your unwavering kindness and your ability to stand up for what is right, he wrote on Instagram. But shortly after the statement, in a rare interview for the recluse, Bob confirmed the rumours of the rift and detailed why he thought best he step away from the wildlife dynasty. He has his own reasons between himself and Terri, but hes always had the greatest respect for the kids, hes got photos in his hallway of the kids. It was amazing., Like stories about Sunshine Coast people doing great things? var n = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; Royal insider Kinsey Schofield says fallout from ongoing dramas is taking its toll on Harry & Meghan. Terri Irwin reportedly met her new mystery man while working in Los Angeles. Bob Irwin, the pioneering plumber who began building the Beerwah Reptile Park when his son - Australia's acclaimed 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin - was just eight years old, was left out of the accolades. He said it was time to pass on the baton. Heartwarming: Two of the guests were Terri and Robert Irwin. Terri, Robert and Bindi Irwin with Steve's father Bob unveil a statue on 'Steve Irwin Memorial Day' at Australia Zoo in 2007, a year after the star's death Credit: Getty - Contributor. He had, however, received confusing cards and Christmas presents from Terri Irwin over the years, French said. The parents who fear their 11-year-olds will be scarred for life by the graphic sex education lessons that Two Insulate Britain protesters are jailed for contempt of court after they defied a judge's orders not to 'Derek fights on, it makes me fall in love with him all over again:' Kate Garraway reveals there are days French authorities fear 'narco-tourists' could flock to Normandy beaches after 'more than two tonnes of Hopes for cervical cancer vaccine after trials in mice showed it reduced tumours 80 per cent of the time. Is he still the director?" Steve's beloved fans quickly caught on to Mannion's disappearance after he failed to show for several projects and promos for the zoo. Bindi Irwin shared the first glimpse inside her baby's nursery on Wednesday evening and it is not what we were expecting. Instead of a heavy zoo theme, like crocodiles or koalas, Bindi opted to have cute bunnies and butterflies colourfully painted on the white walls in hues of pink, blue, brown and silver. Steve's closest pal is now the director of Hollow Log Homes a family-run business founded by his in-laws. Bindi said her 58-year-old mother still writes to him and sends birthday cards and Christmas gifts, but claims they have received no reply. one person asked. Only over Terris dead body would that happen.. Proud dad Chandler Powell took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal Australia Zoo's latest addition. Bindi and Chandler, 24, announced their pregnancy last year, later revealing that they were having a girl. While Terri, Bindi and Robert continued to build upon the behemoth brand that is the Irwin family name, Bob began living a solitary existence. 'Tie the knot in our world-famous Australia Zoo grounds with our beautiful animals,' the venue wrote. 'Even if it wasn't by-the-book perfect, it was our perfect.'. In his March 2008 resignation, Bob thanked zoo staff and volunteers. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. When I rang and read to Judy his wife the details of what was said I think they were pretty shocked and devastated, thats just the feeling I got, they didnt say that to me.. 2 October 2019, 12:50 am. So, does Bob Irwin want an opportunity to reconnect with Bindi, and with Bindis new baby Grace? I am divorcing my life. Sunshine Coast wildlife expert Brian Coulter is using the extreme skills gained with Steve Irwins famed croc team to help save Australias most vulnerable species. He has been through so much grief with the loss of his first wife Lyn and only son. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Still, he cant help but harbour a little hope Bindi will one day decide hopefully before its too late to end the blanket ban on his presence in their lives, the source explained. Last week, the American beauty stepped out at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards in Los Angeles with daughter Bindi, 20, and son Robert, 15. Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal Wes, a longtime Irwin family friend and prominent figure in the zoo for more than three decades, mysteriously left his position without fanfare and with no explanation offered to the public. Born in Melbourne in 1939, he was a plumber whose passion for rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife really took off when he moved to Queensland with his wife, Lyn, and their three children - Steve, Joy, and Mandy. We often remember Bindi as a young girl, but last year the 23-year-old got married to her fianc Chandler Powell in a secret ceremony at Australia Zoo. It was threatening the islanders and much to their relief we caught it and relocated it in a small plane, he said. Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin pose for a photo. Bindi Irwin announces shes taking a break following bombshell Bob Irwin allegations, Hell take it to his grave: Bob Irwins biographer on Bindis abuse claims. Wes Mannion (born September 1970) is best known from the series The Crocodile Hunter as Steve Irwin's best friend and director of Australia Zoo. "Australia Zoo has officially reopened to guests today. Mom who lost both sons to fentanyl blasts laughing Biden, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Pavement where disabled woman gestured at cyclist before fatal crash, Pro-Ukrainian drone lands on Russian spy planes exposing location, 'Buster is next!' I guess hes scratching his head today, wondering where this all came from.. "It was a tough decision but absolutely the right one . Prince Andrew has 'offered to manage prestigious Royal estates including Balmoral but King Charles has told PLATELL'S PEOPLE: Yes, Madonna toyboys are fun but not if you value your dignity. The fifth person at the ceremony wasWes Mannion, the director ofAustralia Zoo and the best friend of Bindi's late father, Steve 'The Crocodile Hunter' Irwin. The Irwins are back! His business, Saltwater Ecology, conducts fauna surveys, assesses habitats and monitors wildlife that may be on sites earmarked for roads or development. Speaking to Women's Day magazine the source continued: 'There are rumours she met someone while working in LA. By 1992, he became the head reptile keeper and curator, then picked up a management role in 1995, before being promoted to director in the early 2000s. Additional Crew: The Crocodile Hunter. By: Molly Claire Goddard. But, like why isn't he on the website anyone or on the Crikey 'Rona special'?' . The third guest was Wes Mannion, the director of Australia Zoo and the best friend of Bindi's late father, Steve Irwin. How Prince Harry's chat with guru who compared Hamas terrorists to Jews who battled the Nazis has appalled JAN MOIR: Goodbye Ken, the world always seemed safer with you on the airwaves, Abstaining from masturbating RAISES risk of anxiety, depression and erectile dysfunction, study warns. Bob Irwins family speaks out after allegations of mental abuse are aired by Bindi. The last time Bob was pictured with his family - over the past 14 years their relationship has deteriorated. Donations were no longer accepted and existing funds would be donated to other wildlife conservation groups. Brian first met Steve in 1995 as a volunteer at what was then the Queensland Reptile Park at Beerwah, which became Australia Zoo. 16 min read. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. The premise revolves around the Irwin family, who tend to animals at the Australia Zoo. Just over a week after levelling a series of shocking claims about her estranged grandfather, Bindi and the Irwin family have revealed a change to Australia Zoo. Bindi Irwin MIA From Australia Zoo Event After Revealing Shocking Family Fallout With Steve's Dad Bob, Sources Claim Bindi Irwin Is Secretly Pregnant With Her Second Child, 4 Months After Giving Birth To Daughter Grace Warrior, Self-Made Millionaire Sachin Bishnoi's Strategy For Entrepreneurial Success. It's the Irwins' is an American-Australian documentary reality television series that first premiered on October 28, 2018, on Animal Planet. BREAKING. Help us deliver more by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register. Brian has trapped thousands of koalas and taken them to veterinary clinics for health checks before returning them to the wild. Steve Irwin's best friend and collaborator has spoken out about his relationship with the late Crocodile Hunter's family nowand revealed he hasn't visited Australia Zoo in a decade. Steve Irwin's best friend Wes Mannion has quietly stepped down as director of Australia Zoo, with the crocodile hunter's widow Terri now in total control of the family business. According to Radar, Steve's widow . I have felt an unsettling deep inside of me for quite awhile now. Bob reportedly hasnt spoken to Terri, or grandchildren Bindi and Robert, since his departure from Australia Zoo. It is confusing when you havent had a relationship with someone for such a long time, and youve got a lot of hurt, and you receive something as strange as a shower cap in the mail and cards with some very confusing words - what does an 80-year-old man do with that?, French said. Self - Zoo Director (archive footage, uncredited) 2018-2022 3 eps; The Crocodile Hunter Diaries. While Bob did not respond to the claims, two of Bindi's cousins spoke out in their grandfather's defence saying they were 'furious' and 'appalled' by her comments. Grace has an amazing mama to look up to.. Sex: Male. Terri Irwin reportedly met her new mystery man while working in Los Angeles. Wes has a touch of Steve's ebullient personality and has worked at the zoo since he was 18, climbing to zoo director. Further, he used to work with Jodie at the zoo during the year 2001: where Jodie has worked as the records officer of the zoo. Company records obtained by Daily Mail Australia show Wes's role as secretary of the business also ended on the same date that year, July 14. When Steve and Terri married in 1992, Bob and Lyn passed over operation of the wildlife park, which the newlyweds renamed the Australia Zoo and then took to global fame via the TV documentary series, The Crocodile Hunter. Four months earlier, he asserted his role as a father figure during a live show at Australia Zoo by telling Chandler he had to 'prove himself' 'before marrying Bindi by walking into crocodile-infested waters. According to the documents, Terri has been both the sole director and secretary of the Queensland wildlife park since his departure more than two years ago. Terri Irwin, Robert Irwin and Bindi Irwin speak with Prince Charles before a meeting discussing coral resilience on Lady Elliot Island on April 6, 2018 in Queensland. "It was an incredible experience and I'm still using the same skills - although it's a bit different. If you want to marry her, you have to prove yourself.'. Like mama like daughter: Bindi Irwin recreates baby photo with Grace, Bindi Irwin shares adorable new photo of baby as they go on adventure into the wild. Although the reasons for the separation remain unclear, it is not the first time the famous family have grappled with internal rifts. Ford said the couple did not want to offer any kind of reply or response. Bob is largely responsible for the way the Irwin family name is synonymous with Australias wildlife conservation efforts. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Speaking on The Latest in the days following the claims, Amanda French, co-author of the book The Last Crocodile Hunter, said Bindis grandfather was deeply upset by the comments. 'And she's been getting close to this guy for a while.'. ET. The couple decided to bring their wedding date forward and tied the knot at Australia Zoo on 25 March last year, just hours after Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced new restrictions on weddings due to COVID-19, with only five people allowed to attend. Tags: australian birth year 1970 director of australia zoo Steve Irwin's wife, Terri, has worked hard with her two children to celebrate the Crocodile Hunter's legacyand he was recently honored with a Google Doodle for his 57th birthday. Her mother, Terri, is a terrible influence on her. We have estimated I adore that man, and we will definitely spend all of eternity together loving each other. Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell married in front of only three people at Australia Zoo, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, last week. Times Recaptured & Released: 6 Times. , money, salary, income, and assets. Bindi's mother Terri, her brother Robert, and her late father Steve Irwin's best friend, Wes Mannion, were the only guests in attendance. In 1976, Mannion and his family returned to Australia and eventually, in 1985, settled on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He said he gave the reporter the silent treatment but the headlines read differently. I think hes just tried to get on with his life. Who is car racer Ashley Force? I miss him on the shows and I never here you guys talk about him anymore? I have felt that the life that I live and the life that I want to live are not one in the same. WALKING through the gate at Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, dressed in crisp new khaki, Jane (not her real name) thought she had finally landed her dream job. "Steve's ultimate passion, even from a young boy, was always for the conservation of Australian wildlife and . Wes Mannion, according to Daily Mail Australia, met Irwin when Australia Zoo was still named Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park (during the '80s). Following Steve's shock 2006 death from a stingray attack, Wes maintained a close bond with the family and said he had assumed a 'father figure role', helping Terri raise Bindi and Robert, now aged 24 and 18, respectively. In 2018, just weeks after he turned 79, Bob announced his retirement and the closure of the Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation. We would rush to help koalas that were hit by cars, attacked by dogs or hurt in fires. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 00:00 / 06:07. Last February, Google honoured the late Steve Irwin on what would have been the Crocodile Hunter's 57th birthday. Bindi Irwin shared a glimpse inside her baby's nursery on Instagram and it's not what we expected, Fans notice sweet detail in Bindi Irwin's bare baby bump photo, Bindi Irwin reveals the meaning behind her wedding dress, Bindi Irwin shares beautiful unseen wedding photo, Bindi Irwin reveals how coronavirus impacted her wedding to Chandler Powell. Plastic surgeon reveals five cosmetic procedures she would NEVER get - from dangerous Brazilian butt lifts BEL MOONEY:Why does caring for my dad take over my life? Oscar Cainer tells all. Bindi first claimed she hadnt spoken to her grandfather since his departure from Australia Zoo while on the red carpet of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA) in 2015 - seven years after his resignation. Fast forward more than a decade and one of Australias favourite families is still seemingly at war with itself. According to an interview that Irwin gave to the local Australian news , the attack happened after a . Mannion was hired full-time working at Australia Zoo in 1988, working with Steve and learning the in-depth knowledge of the management and care of animals. A few years after his mums death, the famous Crocodile Hunter was killed in 2006 after a stingray pierced his heart. In that time, he founded and operated his not-for-profit organisation, the Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation. Theres no rift and I love Bob, she said on Today Tonight. There are so many people who have been inspired and are still being inspired by Steve Irwin and that makes me feel really, really proud.. Wes Mannion was once a integral part of Australia Zoo and an honorary member of the Irwin family. Mannion started full-time at the Australia Zoo in 1988, working alongside Steve and gaining intimate knowledge of the care and management of wildlife. Realising the need to gain overseas experience, he temporarily left the zoo to gain knowledge from other zoological and veterinary facilities overseas. Steve Irwin: He Changed Our World (2006)as Himself, The Crocodile Hunter Diaries (2000)as Himself - Zoo Director, Your email address will not be published. There are believed to be only 200 pairs of red goshawks left in Australia. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. Be the first to read breaking news, the best sports coverage & top entertainment stories. She may be just a few months old - but Bindi Irwins daughter Grace is already following in her familys impressive wildlife footsteps. is best known from the series The Crocodile Hunter as Steve Irwin's best friend and director of Australia Zoo. By 1992, he was promoted to head reptile keeper and curator. He hopes Bindi will take pity on a very old man.. Nov. 8 2022, Published 12:30 p.m. Even worse, many such slurs aren't from men but 'I couldn't do it without you': Victoria Beckham poses with her whole family after her PFW show - as she Brooklyn Beckham puts on a loved-up display with wife Nicola Peltz as they head back to hotel after Cruz Beckham supports his mother Victoria as he carrying his very own VB handbag on the way to her show Like father, like daughter! Size: 3.4 metres (11' 2") Tagged & Released: 15/08/2008. One of the koalas caught so it can be checked by vets. He is the Director of Australia Zoo and has been part of the team since he was 15. His protg, who was present during the tragedy that gained world-wide attention, recalls that their last month together had produced the greatest of times. Wes Mannion and his son Riley walk the Red Carpet at yesterday's Australian premiere of Return To Nim's Island at Australia Zoo. Pic: David Livingston/Getty Images. Brian Coulter with a koala needing a health check. Web fatal car accident this morning cleveland ohiodairy queen fried burrito Web is wes mannion still at australia zoo 2021; Swagtron scooter won't turn on; 4 Juli 2022 4 Juli 2022 Jubilate Deo Omnis . Young, experienced and brimming with . Wes' love of reptiles (especially snakes) and his get up-and-go attitude led to a natural progression . How remorseless Stephen Bear continued his arrogant antics up until Jessamy Tredinnick For Daily Mail Australia, Bindi Irwin's Wedding: Inside Her Whirlwind Ceremony amid Coronavirus | PEOPLE.com, Bindi Irwin's fiance Chandler Powell in crazy marriage test | Coffs Coast Advocate, Do not sell or share my personal information. Place Of Birth. By 1992, he was promoted to head reptile keeper . The 22-year-old Bindi has since taken to Instagram to announce she will be taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family. The pair became so close that Mannion was said to have been nicknamed Steve's "younger . Pic: John Wolfsohn/Getty Images. Wes is pictured with the Irwins at the Steve Irwin Day Gala Dinner in 2018 - having been firm family friends for many years. Its a passion I learned from Steve and I will always remember the great times we had and keep doing my best to help our precious wildlife.. The daughter of Steve Irwin who is expecting her first child with husband Chandler Powell cradled her growing baby bump as she proudly stood in her unborn daughter's new bedroom. The abrupt end to his tenure came just months after he was chosen to be one of just three guests at Bindi's intimate wedding when it was expedited to March 2020 and attendee numbers slashed due to the impending nationwide Covid-19 lockdown. We all know him as the salt of the earth, generous, kind man that he is., Watch the video below to see Bob Irwins granddaughter via marriage responded to Bindis shock comments, French said the abusive description had come as a particular shock to close friends who worried the label might stick and who felt it was not the truth., As to Bindis claims that she had sent her grandfather letters and parcels that he never acknowledged, French said he had never received anything from Bindi.. Shame on the Irwin's. *Note: Bindi Irwin is a SeaWorld and SeaWorld Entertainment Spokesperson. Theyre not on social media, so they were not aware of what was going on, Ford told David Koch and Natalie Barr. Pic: Matrix/GC Images, A source told Woman's Day magazine this week: 'There's been a huge shift in her body confidence, and she wants to have more fun with fashion.'. Mannion started full-time at the Australia Zoo in 1988, working alongside Steve and gaining intimate knowledge of the care and management of wildlife. TV producer John Stainton is . Copyright 2023 Radar Media Group LLC. Wes Mannion has been working as a Director at Australia Zoo for 34 years. Hes worried about the repercussions that would have to others, and just hasnt wanted to go there. The family rift resurfaced earlier . The couple first met in 1991 when she was visiting wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Australia and got married in 1992. Mannion has reached the age of 52 this year as he was born in 1970 in Australia. Photo: Getty. Wes Mannion (born September 1970) is best known from the series The Crocodile Hunter as Steve Irwin's best friend and director of Australia Zoo. He is a member of famous with the age 52 years old group. 'Whether you are looking for a small intimate experience or a larger scale event, we have the perfect location for your wedding celebrations! The bizarre rumours have circulated among Australia Zoo staff and the wider community for years. RIP: Just like Chandler years later, Wes would eventually become an honorary member of the Irwin family and was even nicknamed Steve's 'younger brother'. Pictured: Wes at theSteve Irwin Gala Dinner inBrisbaneon November 9, 2019.