The Irwin family has signed a deal that will see it return to Animal Planet, 11 years after the death of The Crocodile Hunter star and family patriarch Steve Irwin.

Discovery’s Animal Planet on Thursday morning (AEST) said Irwin’s widow, Terri, and children Bindi and Robert will feature on the channel from next year.

The Irwin family has built its conservation credentials since Steve Irwin’s tragic death operating Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, maintaining a wildlife reserve and supporting endangered animal projects worldwide.

“It seemed like a really good time, since we do so many things together as a family,” Terri Irwin told AP.

David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications, announced that the Irwins will return to Animal Planet for new television projects, and will also serve as global ambassadors for the Discover network.

The Crocodile Hunter, which also featured Terri and the two Irwin children, aired on Animal Planet from 1996 to 2007.

“Steve Irwin was a champion for all wildlife, and he and Terri’s excitement and enthusiasm brought viewers from around the world in touch with nature,” Animal Planet general manager Patrice Andrews, said in a statement.

“Their passion for animals, love for their family, and leadership in convsevation awareness left a strong legacy that continues today,” Andrews said. “We are thrilled to have Terri, Bindi and Robert back in the Animal Planet family.”

Steve Irwin’s colourful personality made him a household name. Photo: Animal Planet

Steve Irwin became a cult figure in the US with his apparent fearlessness, colourful personality and catchphrase,  “crikey!”

“Steve was very much the face of our channel,” Andrews said. “People even today in focus groups bring up the impact of The Crocodile Hunter.”

Steve Irwin died in September 2006 at the age of 44 when a stingray’s barb pierced his heart while he was filming an underwater scene for a television series.

Bindi was eight-years-old and Robert was three when their father died and both children grew up as an integral part of the family business.

Bindi, now 19, won the US version of Dancing With the Stars  in 2015 and, while Robert, now 14, has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

– With agencies