Irwin daughter snubs kidless Toy Fair

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Steve Irwin's 9-year-old daughter has turned down an invitation to present a doll bearing her likeness at the New York Toy Fair because the event bans children.

Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late "Crocodile Hunter" and Terri Irwin, would have been the only child allowed in the Javits Center for the Toy Fair, the New York Post reported Monday.

"They said they would make an exception for Bindi," Terri Irwin said. "I said, 'No, thank you. I don't want Bindi to grow up being the exception.'"

Irwin said Bindi will instead unveil her doll, which resembled the 9-year-old and plays recordings of her voice advocating wildlife protection, Monday at New York's FAO Schwarz toy store.

A Toy Fair spokeswoman said the event is closed to children because it is focused on buyers.

"It is really not a place for children," she said. "Right now, there is some very serious business taking place."