KEY POINTS

  • Bindi Irwin shared family photos with her daughter Grace and husband Chandler Powell to mark her 23rd birthday
  • The "Dancing with the Stars" winner thanked her loved ones and fans for their "lovely" messages and support
  • Irwin's husband also posted a sweet birthday tribute for her on Instagram

Bindi Irwin's birthday is extra special this year.

The conservationist turned 23 on Saturday and marked the occasion with a heartwarming message about her life as a new mom. On Instagram, Bindi shared an adorable photo of herself and her 4-month-old daughter Grace, as well as a family snap with husband Chandler Powell, brother Robert Irwin and mom Terri Irwin.

"My first birthday as a mama has been the most beautiful gift," Bindi wrote. "Our sweet Grace Warrior’s face says it all. Today I celebrated by feeding Monty the crocodile and hugging my gorgeous girl (not at the same time!)."

The daughter of late "Crocodile Hunter" star Steve Irwin added, "Thank you for the lovely birthday messages and kind support, it means the world to me."

Bindi's husband also posted a special birthday tribute for her on Instagram.

"Happy birthday to the most amazing woman I know. Wife, mother, and Wildlife Warrior," Powell wrote alongside a family photo with his wife and their daughter. "My favorite thing about you is your kind heart. You dedicate each day to bringing happiness and love to everyone around you. Today it’s our turn to celebrate how incredible you are. I love you."

Bindi showed her appreciation by commenting on his post, "Thank you so much sweetheart. [red heart emoji] I love you and Grace more than words could ever describe."

Bindi's family and fans also sent her birthday greetings and showered her with love.

Terri called her daughter her and her late husband's "greatest adventure."

Meanwhile, Robert wrote that she's "always been the best sister," adding, "And now it's so cool to see you as such a wonderful mum to little Grace."

One fan commented on Bindi's Instagram post, "you are a beautiful and amazing young lady with a beautiful daughter name Grace. Hope you're doing ok and all good. Happy Birthday Bindi."

"happy birthday, mama! She’s absolutely beautiful!" another wrote, praising their daughter, Grace.

"Happy Birthday gorgeous girl [red heart emoji] I hope you have the best day ever because you really really deserve it," a third fan commented.

In related news, Bindi shared a heartfelt Father's Day tribute last month for the three most important men in her life – her dad Steve, her husband and her father-in-law, Chris Powell.

However, after an eruption of family drama surrounding her grandfather Bob Irwin, she announced that she would be "taking a break" from social media. Explaining her decision to step away from the spotlight, Bindi said she wanted to focus on her daughter and family for a while.

"I’m taking a break from social media and most of my work in the public eye for a month to be with my beautiful daughter and my wonderful family," she shared at the time. "I feel tremendously grateful to share our life and conservation work with you but I need some time to focus on the happiness that is my family (both human and animal)."

Bindi returned to Instagram in mid-July by posting snaps of her and Grace.

Bindi Irwin
Bindi Irwin, pictured here at the American Humane Association's 5th Annual Hero Dog Awards on Sept. 19, 2015, recently posted a heartfelt message to her late father on International Steve Irwin Day. Getty