CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - The father of late 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin will receive a package worth more than A$1 million (S$1.3 million) and a pension after cutting ties with his son's Australia Zoo, the wildlife park said on Thursday.

Australia media have reported an ongoing rift between Mr Bob Irwin and Steve's American-born wife Terri over the future of Australia Zoo, and Mrs Terri Irwin's plans to turn it into a Disney-style theme park.

Mr Irwin, 68, started Australia Zoo in northern Queensland state 36 years ago, but in 2000 handed it over to his khaki-clad son, who shot to fame as the Crocodile Hunter and turned the zoo into a major tourist attraction.

Steve Irwin was killed in September 2006 when a stingray barb pierced his heart while he was filming a documentary.

Mrs Terri Irwin and the couple's daughter Bindi have vowed to continue his work on conservation and crocodile research.

Under the agreement with the zoo, Bob Irwin will receive an annual pension of about A$100,000 a year, as well as a package worth more than A$1 million, including a new home on a sprawling bush property.

'The package also includes infrastructure, a vehicle each (for Bob Irwin and his wife), a bulldozer and other equipment,' Australia Zoo said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Mr Irwin told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television he had no assets and had spent a lifetime building up Australia zoo, but was walking away because he was becoming a disruptive influence.

He refused to comment on any rift with Mrs Terri Irwin, but said he decided to leave because management at the zoo no longer listened to his ideas.

He plans to continue animal conservation work at his new property. - REUTERS