Bindi Irwin back at work

Just weeks after the death of her Crocodile Hunter father, Bindi Irwin is back at work, spreading her father's message.

The eight-year-old star of Bindi the Jungle Girl wants people to appreciate animals and not be afraid of them, reported People magazine.

"I'm trying to get across the message that don't be afraid of animals, they're just put on this earth to help the environment and everything like that," Bindi told ABC's Australian Story.

Irwin's only daughter has returned to filming the 26-part wildlife documentary for the Discovery Kids network, which is due for release in January 2007.

Following in her dad's footsteps, Bindi shares Irwin's fearless attitude towards wildlife.

"Some people think that I would be afraid of them, but I'm never ever afraid of an animal.

"I just get excited and some that are dangerous I just think, 'Oooh! What's going to happen?' and things like that."

Speaking about her new television show, Bindi told Australian Story: "Bindi the Jungle Girl is really lucky because she lives in a tree-house and she gets lots of animals in and out.

"She hangs out with lots of wildlife. She just loves kissing a koala or hugging a snake."

The television series will include footage of Bindi with her father but will not refer to his passing.

- NZHERALD STAFF