Bindi Irwin Engaged to Boyfriend Chandler Powell

On Wednesday, Irwin took to Twitter to announce that she was engaged to boyfriend Chandler Powell, 22.

Along with showing off her ring, Bindi tweeted, “On my birthday I said 'yes' & 'forever' to the love of my life. Chandler, close to 6 years ago I fell in love with you & every day since has been a whirlwind of adventure & true happiness. Here's to a lifetime of friendship, purpose & unconditional love.”

Bindi told People magazine, “I am overjoyed to be sharing the news that Chandler and I are engaged! This has been the most special day celebrating my 21st birthday. I've met my soulmate and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with Chandler. We've been together for nearly 6 years now and he's my happily ever after.”

Powell opened up about his proposal, saying, “After Bindi's birthday celebration at Australia Zoo, we had a photoshoot organized to celebrate her turning 21. Just before we started the shoot, I took her to a special part of Australia Zoo to ask the girl of my dreams to become my wife. These past five years together have been the best of my life and we look forward to a lifetime of magical moments to come.”

Bindi's mom Terri showed her excitement on Twitter, writing, “Best day ever! Chandler asked and beautiful @BindiIrwin said yes. I am so very happy, and I know Steve would be too. Congratulations!!”

Last year, Bindi stressed the importance of “taking things slow” when asked about a possible engagement in the near future. She told People magazine, “It's interesting, as human beings we're always so rushed with things, so you know, 'When are you going to start dating?' 'When are you going to get married?' 'When are you going to have kids?' When are you going to have another kid?' Every single step. And so I think we all need to just revel in the now.”

She added, “I'm 20, I'm loving every minute of my life and I really love this guy, so I just want to take my time to enjoy the now. I promise you I will call you the second we get engaged… It's really exciting. And we have so many years ahead of us to enjoy the adventure of life together.”

Irwin definitely kept her word!

The pair have been together since 2013 after they “hit it off” at the Australia Zoo. Last year, Chandler shared with People, “It just so happened that Bindi was giving tours that day. I'm like, 'Wow she is amazing.' We haven't looked back since.”

Of her beau, Bindi noted he shared some qualities with her late dad, saying, “He loves wildlife and conservation and he has this strength. Which is necessary when you're jumping on crocs.”

Bindi lost her father in 2006 when she was only 8. Steve Irwin died when a stingray pierced his chest, injuring his heart, while he was filming a news program.

In 2016, Bindi and Terri honored him on the 10th anniversary of his passing. She posted a pic of him holding her as a baby, writing on Instagram, “You'll be my hero for my entire existence. I love you more than words can describe.”