Bindi Irwin receives support from fans after recreating her parents’ maternity photo

Fans have rallied around Bindi Irwin and her husband, Chandler Powell, after they were criticised for recreating her parents’ iconic maternity photo.

The pregnant wildlife conservationist, 22, shared a photo to Instagram last week of Chandler, 24, kissing her bare baby bump.

The image was inspired by a famous picture of Steve and Terri Irwin posing in a similar fashion while they were expecting Bindi’s brother, Robert, in 2003.

Same but different: The image was inspired by this famous picture of Steve and Terri Irwin posing in a similar fashion while they were expecting Bindi's brother, Robert, in 2003

Support: Fans have rallied around Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell (left), after they were criticised last week for recreating her parents’ iconic maternity photo (right)

Many trolls criticised Bindi and Chandler for recreating the photo, saying they should be focusing on their own journey and not on her parents’ legacy.

But fans have now shown their support for the lovebirds, describing the picture as a ‘beautiful’ tribute to Terri, 56, and Steve, who died in 2006 at the age of 44.

‘I think it’s sweet. Those who don’t like it should simply stop looking or reading and mind your own business,’ one supporter wrote on Facebook.

Dividing opinion: Many trolls criticised Bindi and Chandler for recreating the photo, saying they should be focusing on their own journey and not on her parents' legacy. But fans have now shown their support, describing the picture as a 'beautiful' tribute to Terri and Steve

Dividing opinion: Many trolls criticised Bindi and Chandler for recreating the photo, saying they should be focusing on their own journey and not on her parents’ legacy. But fans have now shown their support, describing the picture as a ‘beautiful’ tribute to Terri and Steve

Speaking out: Fans have now shown their support for the lovebirds, describing the picture as a 'beautiful' tribute to Terri, 56, and Steve, who died in 2006 at the age of 44

Speaking out: Fans have now shown their support for the lovebirds, describing the picture as a ‘beautiful’ tribute to Terri, 56, and Steve, who died in 2006 at the age of 44

‘She is entitled to celebrate her pregnancy however she wants and I think this is truly beautiful,’ they added.

Another fan wrote: ‘Nothing wrong with it. It’s a beautiful bump photo and lovely tribute to her parents and brother.’

A third added: ‘Let the haters hate. Simple little minds with nothing better to do. It’s a lovely photo, and I can bet her dad would have loved it.’ 

'Nothing wrong with it. It's a beautiful bump photo and lovely tribute to her parents and brother,' wrote another fan

‘Nothing wrong with it. It’s a beautiful bump photo and lovely tribute to her parents and brother,’ wrote another fan

Taking a stand: The outpouring of support comes after some critics took offence to the photo, and cruelly attacked the expectant parents on social media

Taking a stand: The outpouring of support comes after some critics took offence to the photo, and cruelly attacked the expectant parents on social media

The outpouring of support comes after some critics took offence to the photo, and cruelly attacked the expectant parents on social media.

‘Nope. That’s just wrong,’ one troll wrote, while another commented: ‘This is becoming sick.’

A third added: ‘Kinda wish they’d stop this and start living their own lives… It’s getting creepy.’

Touching: There were some fans who thought the photo was the perfect way to pay tribute to Steve, who never got to see his daughter grow up

Touching: There were some fans who thought the photo was the perfect way to pay tribute to Steve, who never got to see his daughter grow up

'I think it's lovely that she's found a way to include her dad! She has a tinge of sadness surrounding the birth of her child as her dad won't be there to meet and make memories with her and his first grandchild!' commented another

‘I think it’s lovely that she’s found a way to include her dad! She has a tinge of sadness surrounding the birth of her child as her dad won’t be there to meet and make memories with her and his first grandchild!’ commented another

Fortunately, there were some fans who thought the photo was the perfect way to pay tribute to Steve, who never got to see his daughter grow up.

‘This young lady has had to grow up without her dad, her best friend and her mentor. This is a tribute to him and her mum,’ wrote a fan.

‘If you see anything else but genuine love and wanting Steve included in this precious moment you need help. Congrats Chandler and Bindi on recreating a beautiful moment.’  

'This young lady has had to grow up without her dad, her best friend and her mentor. This is a tribute to him and her mum,' wrote a fan

‘This young lady has had to grow up without her dad, her best friend and her mentor. This is a tribute to him and her mum,’ wrote a fan

‘I think it’s lovely that she’s found a way to include her dad! She has a tinge of sadness surrounding the birth of her child as her dad won’t be there to meet and make memories with her and his first grandchild!’ commented another.  

Bindi married Chandler in a surprise ceremony at Australia Zoo in Queensland in March last year. 

They announced they were expecting their first child together in August, before later revealing they were having a girl. 

Starting a family: Bindi married Chandler in a surprise ceremony at Australia Zoo in Queensland in March last year. They announced they were expecting their first child together in August, before later revealing they were having a girl

Starting a family: Bindi married Chandler in a surprise ceremony at Australia Zoo in Queensland in March last year. They announced they were expecting their first child together in August, before later revealing they were having a girl