Bindi Irwin's boyfriend moves into Australia Zoo, is training to 'become the new Steve': Report

Crikey!

A new report from The Daily Mail claims Bindi Irwin has moved her boyfriend, Chandler Powell, into her family's compound inside Australia Zoo – and that the 20-year-old American wakeboarder is currently training to "take over the conservation side of the zoo" and "become the new Steve Irwin".

The story quotes several anonymous zookeepers who claim Chandler now lives in Bindi's mum Terri's quarters in the middle of the zoo property.

"Terri's hardly ever there anymore, she's always heading off in her helicopter and leaves the park in Chandler's capable hands," says a source. "Bindi loves taking him out to the croc ponds by their house to teach him exactly what her dad taught her all those years ago."

If true, it would mean the end chapter in Chandler and 18-year-old Bindi's long-distance relationship, which saw them flying back and forth between Bindi's home and Chandler's in Florida.

The zookeepers also say Chandler is a natural with the animals, just like Steve was before his tragic death in 2006.

"[Chandler's] always in the wildlife hospital under everyone's elbows trying to learn everything he can. He's enthusiastic, and not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get dirty, just like Steve was," says one source.

"He's breathed new life back into Australia Zoo. He loves the marsupials but can't wait until he's experienced enough to handle snakes and crocs by himself."

And, claim the sources, Bindi sees a very special connection between Chandler and her dad.

"Bindi is very spiritual. She thinks Chandler is an angel – literally," said one source. "She believes her dad sent him to her from beyond the grave. It's hard to disagree with her. Chandler is practically Steve reincarnate, plus he worships the ground Bindi walks on. They're inseparable."

TheFIX has reached out to Australia Zoo for comment.