Irwin's daughter in US TV debut

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Bindi Irwin, the eight-year-old daughter of the late Australian naturalist Steve Irwin has started a promotional tour of the US.

She is appearing on US TV to launch her own career and help Tourism Australia's promotional "G'Day USA" week.

Her father Steve, a well-known TV conservationist, died last year after being spiked in the chest by the barb of a stingray.

Bindi found fame when she delivered a moving speech at his memorial service.

But some critics have voiced concern over the fact that she is being thrust into the limelight at such an early age.

The Irwins' manager and friend John Stainton hit back earlier this week, telling critics that Bindi was used to cameras and performing.

"Her dad taught her so much about wildlife and working to cameras," he said. "It's a part of her life, it's like ballet is to another girl."

Role model

Before her father's death, Bindi had already been scheduled to accompany him on the tour to the US, but she is now the star in her own right.

She told the Ellen DeGeneres Show in Los Angeles that she wanted to be like her 44-year-old father.

"I want him to be proud of me," she said, adding that she loved "all animals, great or small."

Bindi is also starring in her own TV series, called Bindi, The Jungle Girl, which will be broadcast on the Discovery Kids network later this year.