Bindi Irwin farewells beloved Rhinoceros iguana, Rhino

The Irwin family attended a heartwarming memorial on Wednesday to farewell a Guinness World Record-holding “icon” who passed away this week.

Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin fought back tears on Wednesday as she bid farewell to a “special” family member.

Guinness World Record holder, Rhino the Rhinoceros iguana, age 42, passed away this week at Australia Zoo.

Rhino was awarded a Guinness World Record. Picture: Bindi Irwin

Described as “pure sass” and “absolute energy”, Rhino was considered a family member to those that worked at Australia Zoo.

Chandler Powell described Rhino as an “icon”.

The memorial was held at Australia Zoo. Picture: Bindi Irwin

“He was such a special part of the family too, he was the first animal you saw when you went through the Australia Zoo gates,” he said.

“He greeted every single guest who came through our doors.”

Bindi Irwin farewells Rhino. Picture: Bindi Irwin

While at the memorial, Ms Irwin thanked Australia Zoo staff for caring for Rhino.

“We have to thank our entire team for loving him so much,” she said.

Rhino enjoying a hibiscus flower. Picture: Bindi Irwin.

“He got all the love and attention that he deserved.”

Robert Irwin said Rhino lived a brilliant life every single day.

The “boop” spot. Picture: Bindi Irwin

“He was so keen to eat his favourite hibiscus flowers,” he said.

“I saw him as this absolute dinosaur.

Bindi Irwin leans on her mum Terri Irwin for support during the memorial. Picture: Bindi Irwin

“He was this big old grandpa you just fell in love with.”

Terri Irwin said Rhino had a “boop spot”.

“The top of his head was soft, it was his boop spot,” she said.

“You could stroke his face softly he closed his eyes and he would put his face up to you.

“We loved him so much.”

Rhino’s ashes were spread near his favourite hibiscus plant on the Australia Zoo grounds.