Irwin's wife plans memorial service for her 'soul mate'

Terri Irwin (L) with Crocodile Hunter Steve, at Australia Zoo in June this year. Picture / Reuters

In her first public comments since her husband's death last week, Terri Irwin described 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin as her "soul mate".

She thanked the community for their 'overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers'.

Steve Irwin, 44, died after he was pierced in the chest by a stingray's barb while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef last week.

A memorial service for Irwin will be held at Australia Zoo on Queensland's Sunshine Coast next Wednesday. Irwin was farwelled by family and friends at a private funeral at the weekend.

The service will be held at 9am (11am NZT) next Wednesday at the zoo's Crocoseum, which seats 5500 people.

Terri Irwin said larger venues had been suggested but it would be held at the Crocoseum because it was Steve would have wanted.

The couple's eight-year-old daughter Bindi, Steve's father Bob and Terri are all due to speak at the service.