Bindi Irwin Says ‘DWTS’ Partner Derek Hough’s A Wildlife Warrior After Getting $350K Paycheck

By Quadey Humile | Dec 09, 2015 07:10 AM EST

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A lot is going on for 17-year-old Bindi Irwin ever since she won the mirrorball trophy of “Dancing With the Stars” Season 21. She’s traversing Hollywood and Australia, and she even introduced her dancing partner Derek Hough to the koala she named after him. And, of course, she is now $350,000 richer than before.

In one of her latest interviews, specifically one with the Sydney Morning Herald, Bindi made it clear that Australia is still her home and she's not at all moving to Hollywood though she may be gearing for her upcoming projects. 

"I think I'd like to continue more on with filming work and just our conservation work because that's where my heart lies... We have a non-profit organization called Wildlife Warriors which has conservation project all over the globe," she said.

When asked if she's considering the big move to Hollywood after winning "DWTS" Season 21, Bindi smiled as she said that her home would always be Australia. However, she clarified that America feels like her second home since her mother's from Oregon.

Speaking of her dance partner, Bindi said, "Derek is terrific. He's been hugging all of our animals and we've been feeding crocodiles and meeting tigers... He has been very brave; he is officially a wildlife warrior."

Iriwn was obviously referring to Hough's visit to down under for relaxation following their victory. When Derek visited Bindi in Australia, he was greeted by the Koala that she named after the six-time mirrorball trophy winner, as per Yahoo! TV

Derek also gushed about the experience, and the pro dancer said, "It's one of the coolest things that's ever happened. To have an animal named after you is amazing."

Meanwhile, Bindi Irwin has just become $350,000 richer after a judge approved that the 17-year-old can now have her winnings from her "DWTS" stint. 

TMZ reported that the judge was either unaware that Steve Irwin passed away or that the judge may just wanted hard evidence about Bindi's father's demise. 

The contract was officially approved last week. The case was filed because Bindi has yet to become a full-fledged adult. The amount she won was since held up, but now that a judge has approved that the money should be with Bindi, the young conservationist can now rejoice.

Nevertheless, Bindi once again reiterated her decision to continue with her conservation work, saying: "We have a few projects all over the place on the horizon, so I'm excited about that and we'll see where life takes me. But for me, my heart will always lie in conservation and wildlife work. As long as I'm doing that, I'll be happy."

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