WASHINGTON - Bindi Irwin is ready to continue her famous father's work spreading the wonder of wildlife.

"I'm going to become a wildlife warrior just like he was," 8-year-old Bindi, daughter of the late Steve Irwin, told an audience Friday at Washington's National Press Club.

Five months after Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray, Bindi and her mother Terri are touring the United States to promote Bindi's upcoming television series.

Asked Friday if the attention was too much too soon, Terri said that Bindi told her after Steve's death that she wanted to get back to filming wildlife shows as soon as possible.

"Grief is a road that each individual travels in their own way," Terri said, her daughter by her side. "For us to get right back up and be able to say that Steve's work counted for something" has been a help to the Irwin family and others.

Steve Irwin was killed in September after a stingray's barb stabbed him in the chest during the filming of a documentary. Authorities have handed over the video of Irwin's death to his family; Terri has said the family destroyed the footage.

As proof of her commitment to her father's work, Bindi cheerfully described some of the world's most ferocious animals as "so sweet and gentle," praising crocodiles as "such great mothers" and snakes as "just gorgeous."

Bindi, who has appeared on several entertainment and news shows while in America, was asked how she compared snakes and reporters: "I really think I like poisonous snakes," she answered, grinning for the dozens of assembled cameras and journalists.

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That little girl is adorable. I hope she does grow up and follow in her father's footsteps, if that's what she wants.

Saw her at the funeral and I admired her spirit then too .