But one Armidale girl decided she wouldn’t let her hero’s demise stop her from accomplishing both their dreams.

Local lass Stephanie Kirk became a wildlife warrior just like her Crocodile Hunter idol and now she has been chosen as an Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior Joey Ambassador.

The 11-year-old is one of 12 ambassadors from across the world charged with a mission to spread awareness and raise funds for wildlife conservation in the lead up to Steve Irwin Day on November 15.

Stephanie said she has loved animals for as long as she can remember.

“My favourite animal is the eagle but I do love all animals and my favourite place is Australia Zoo,” she said.

“I became a wildlife warrior when I was eight-years-old after my hero Steve Irwin passed away.

“Steve cared for our endangered and unique wildlife and I do as well.”

The youngster was chosen as part of the program after years of hard work.

Stephanie had donated her pocket money to Australia Zoo for three years but she knew she could do more.

So she set out to follow in Steve’s footsteps - she started regular contact with Australia Zoo staff including Wildlife Warriors appeals manager Murray Munro and she jumped aboard the fundraising bandwagon.

Stephanie raised about $750 in 2007, topped that in 2008 raising a startling $1800 and she is already at about $1500 this year with a lot of avenues yet to be explored.

“When I get older I want to be part of the Wildlife warrior team and carry on Steve’s work,” she said.

Stephanie is a frequent visitor to Australia Zoo and a familiar face to a lot of staff - even Terri Irwin herself.

During her trips Stephanie has toured the zoo extensively and was once introduced to the late Croc Hunter’s wife.

“She was very nice,” she said.

But the member of the family Stephanie really wants to meet is Bindi.

She said she is a big fan of the pint-size celebrity and loves watching her show.

The two Aussie girls have a lot in common - a comparison that hasn’t escaped Stephanie.

She said they are both the same age but more importantly they both love animals and strive to be wildlife conservationists.

Australia Zoo’s Murray Munro said the joey ambassadors are a special group of young people who have shown a real commitment to the cause.

“They epitomise the things that Steve Irwin was famous for and are the next generation to take us forward in conservation,” he said.

To donate to Stephanie or other joey ambassadors visit www.wildlifewarriors.org.au or keep an eye out for Stephanie’s collection boxes around town.