Surf Cat

Ever since Bindi Irwin was brought into this world, she radiated a zest for life only surpassed by one: her late father, Steve Irwin.

And now the 21-year-old has found the perfect partner in 22-year-old American wakeboarder, Chandler Powell, who is happy to help her spread the same love and positivity her dad did — all while wearing matching khakis.

Here is a complete timeline of Bindi and Chandler’s relationship from their chance meeting at Australia Zoo in 2013 to their surprise engagement six years later…

November 2013: Bindi and Chandler meet when the Florida native tours Australia as part of a national wakeboarding competition.

During his down time, he visits Australia Zoo, a wildlife sanctuary owned by the Irwin family on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. 

“It just so happened that Bindi was giving tours that day,” Chandler later tells . “I’m like, ‘Wow, she is amazing.'”

Bindi shares a cute photo of their meeting, with the caption, “Legendary wakeboarder Chandler Powell and his beautiful family came into @AustraliaZoo yesterday. Wonderful Wildlife Warriors!”

The pair “hit it off right away” and they remain in touch when Chandler returns to Orlando.

2015: Through a series of letters and phone calls, the pair’s friendship continues to grow. In July, almost two years after meeting each other, the couple go public with their relationship. 

September 2015: Bindi travels to LA to compete in Dancing with the Stars, and Chandler is her biggest supporter. 

She takes to Instagram to thank him for travelling from Orlando to LA to be by her side.

“He’s here,” she gushes. “Thank you for always making me laugh, helping me to ice my foot when it hurts, making me tea and hugging me when I’m tired. You’re amazing.”

November 2015: The Aussie and her DWTS dance partner, Derek Hough, are crowned the champions, but not before Chandler surprises Bindi on his own birthday by coming to a practice session.

“She was like, ‘Oh my gosh, what are you doing here?’ and she starts fixing her hair… it was so cute to see,” Derek tells of the lovebirds’ reunion. 

“It was so much fun,” Bindi adds in the interview. “And it was Steve Irwin Day as well, so I got the two greatest days. We got to celebrate Chandler’s birthday and then celebrate Steve Irwin Day altogether. It was really, really nice.”

2016: The pair spend some time together in Australia before Chandler returns to the US again. It becomes increasingly harder for the pair to be separated. 

“Dropping you off at the airport and waving goodbye, it never gets easier,” Irwin writes on Instagram alongside a sweet image. “Thank you for the most wonderful adventures these last few months. I’ve known you since you were 16 and every day, from the very first day I met you, you’ve been my sunshine.”

2017: Chandler proves he is the perfect man for Bindi, showing her that he can kick it with crocodiles.

“He actually just came on our annual crocodile research trip,” Bindi says at the time. “The ultimate test was saying, ‘Now you’re going to jump on top of a 15-foot crocodile.'”

Chandler is stoked that he passed Bindi’s test, writing on Instagram, “Completed my first head jump yesterday on Madison the croc. Definitely one of the most thrilling experiences! @australiazoo has the best and most experienced croc team in the world, thanks for letting me be a part of it and showing me the ropes (literally).”

2018: The wakeboarder uproots to Australia to live with the Irwins in Queensland and work at the zoo — and he doesn’t look back. 

“I’ve got my khaki on and I am loving it!” he tells . In the same interview, Bindi gives her tick of approval.

“He’s done so well, I think he’s passed the Irwin family khaki test,” she says. “We’ve had him jumping on crocodiles and feeding alligators.”

January 2019: After six years together, engagement rumours start to do the rounds. But Chandler’s grandparents, John and Patricia Dicenzo, say he is not ready to tie the knot.

“His brother got married [last year] and Chandler’s not in any rush to get married,” they tell the from their home in Florida. “You’ll probably know as soon as we do if they’re engaged.”

July 23, 2019: On the eve of Bindi’s 21st birthday, Chandler shares a sweet tribute for his lady love.

“Beautiful Bee, I love you so much,” he writes on Instagram. “You’re my best friend and whole world. I can’t wait to celebrate your birthday tomorrow at #AustraliaZoo. Here’s to another year and beyond of life changing adventures together.”

July 24 2019: Sounds like his grandparents spoke too soon because on Bindi’s 21st birthday, Chandler pops the question. Double the celebration!

“She said YES! Almost 6 years ago we met at Australia Zoo,” he excitedly announces on Instagram. “I immediately fell head over heels for her kind and thoughtful heart that radiates so much light. Proposing in her very favourite place in the zoo, surrounded by animals, seemed like the perfect way to embark on this incredible new chapter in our lives. Bee, I love you more than anything in this world and I always will. Happy Birthday.”

Bindi also makes an announcement on her Instagram account, sharing a close-up look at her stunning engagement ring.

“On my birthday I said ‘yes’ and ‘forever’ to the love of my life,” she writes. “Chandler, close to six years ago I fell in love with you and every day since has been a whirlwind of adventure and true happiness. I’m so looking forward to spending our forever together as your wife. Here’s to a lifetime of friendship, purpose and unconditional love — Now let’s get married already!” 

The evolution of Chandler Powell and his adorable relationship with Bindi Irwin

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