Chandler Powell Has Become the ‘Backbone’ of Australia Zoo Amid Robert Irwin’s Rise to Fame (Exclusive)

Bindi Irwin’s husband Chandler Powell is stretching himself to the limit in order to keep everything at Australia Zoo running smoothly, a source tells In Touch.

“Chandler is the backbone of the zoo right now. Everyone relies on him so much,” reveals the source, including mother-in-law Terri Irwin.

“Terri raves about him all the time,” adds the source. “She says she can trust his opinion on everything and these days, she pretty much asks him to weigh in on every decision.”

While it’s flattering that Terri, 61, is leaning on Powell, 29, more than ever, notes the source, it’s also very draining on the family man, who shares four-year-old daughter Grace with Bindi, 27.

“It seems like there’s always some crisis that he’s needed for,” says the source, “and it’s wearing him out.”

It doesn’t help that, per New Idea, Powell’s brother-in-law Robert Irwin has been spending more time away from Australia Zoo to focus on other lucrative projects following his Dancing with the Stars win.

“[Chandler] doesn’t want to let his mother-in-law down, but it’s true, the non-stop work is taking a big toll on him,” says the source.

Even Bindi can see that.

“She’s worried her mom is asking too much of him,” the source reveals, and is “demanding” that Terri “lay off” Powell and “stop asking [him] for help with every little thing.”

The wildlife warrior is “just being protective of her husband, but it’s not gone over well with Terri,” admits the source. “It’s caused a lot of hurt feelings.”

This story Chandler Powell Has Become the ‘Backbone’ of Australia Zoo Amid Robert Irwin’s Rise to Fame (Exclusive) first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Add InTouch Weekly as a Preferred Source by clicking here.