Derek Hough the Koala! Australia Zoo Names Baby Bear After Bindi Irwin's Dancing With the Stars Partner: Photo

The dance pro and the daughter of the late Steve Irwin are competing on season 21 of the ABC show

By Corinne Heller Oct 04, 2015 8:18 PMTags
Koala, Derek HoughTwitter

We're just going to leave this here for you to squeeeeeee over....

The Australia Zoo, the wildlife park and home of Steve Irwin's family, has named a baby koala bear after Derek Hough. The 30-year-old is the Dancing With the Stars dancing partner of the late Crocodile Hunter star's 17-year-old daughter, Bindi Irwin.

"We've named one of our koala joeys after @derekhough who has been an amazing mentor to @BindiIrwin on @DancingABC!" read a tweet posted on the Australia Zoo's Twitter page on Saturday.

Hough and Bindi are competing on the 21st season of the ABC show, which premiered on Sept. 14. Last week, the third round, they came in fifth place on the leader board.

ABC/Adam Taylor
ABC/Adam Taylor

As of Sunday, ten couples remain in the competition, following the withdrawal of reality star Kim Zolciak, who had suffered a mini stroke.

On Friday, Bindi penned a touching Instagram post about the show and Hough.

"This week on @dancingabc is focused on Most Memorable Year and has been filled with many emotional moments," she wrote, alongside of herself hugging her dance partner. "Words can't express how grateful I am for all of the support from @derekhough."

"He has been there to help me on this journey and create something beautiful that means so much to me, for Monday night's show," she said. "His strength and hugs are getting me through this week—as a friend and big brother. #TeamCrikey."

—Reporting by Holly Passalaqua