Robert Irwin gets candid about work at the Australia Zoo and honouring dad Steve
By
VanessaC
- Replies 16
Many of us remember the brave Steve Irwin and his amazing adventures.
Now, his son, Robert Irwin, has courageously taken on his father's legacy at Australia Zoo.
Known for his daring crocodile shows, Robert has stepped into his father's shoes, captivating audiences with his fearless interactions with these formidable reptiles.
However, in a recent interview, Robert made a startling confession about his work at the zoo, admitting that it is 'scary every single time'.
Born into the Irwin family, Robert has been in the public eye since childhood.
The Irwin family, renowned for their passion for wildlife conservation, have always attracted attention.
'It’s weird, even though I’ve literally been born into it—that Royal Family effect—it still doesn’t make sense,' Robert said in an interview.
'I don’t understand why paparazzi follow me into the grocery store and report on what I buy. Like, who cares?'
Robert was only three years old when his father, Steve Irwin, was tragically killed by a stingray in 2006.
Raised by his mother, Terri Irwin, and alongside his older sister Bindi Irwin, Robert has had to navigate the challenges of growing up without a father.
'When you lose someone like that, and it’s such a public thing—you’re three years old, you’re growing up without a father—it’s incredibly difficult. It is indescribably difficult,' Robert shared.
Despite the challenges, Robert finds solace in people's stories about his father.
'When people come up to me and share a story of when they met Dad, tell me how much his documentary meant to them, I almost feel like I get a little piece of him back.'
'He’s not around anymore to push his message—now it’s my job.'
Robert has taken on the responsibility of continuing his father's mission of wildlife conservation.
However, stepping into the enclosure with the crocodiles, an act that seems so effortless to the audience, is still a nerve-wracking experience for him.
'Mate, it is scary every single time,' he confessed.
'It’s that adrenaline rush that you get, and for me that closeness to my Dad, to my family legacy—I really feel it.'
In September, Robert shared a video of his father that garnered over 20 million views.
The video showcased Robert's talent for feeding crocodiles, a skill he inherited from his dad.
It also featured an old interview of Steve, where he expressed how proud he would be once his children were ready to continue his mission of wildlife conservation.
In the interview, Steve wondered aloud, 'Is there anything in this world that would want to make me give away what I’m doing now?'
He answered his own question, saying, 'Yes, there is. When my children can take the football that I call wildlife conservation and run it up.'
'When they’re ready to run up our mission, I will gladly step aside—and I guarantee you it’ll be the proudest moment of my life—and my job will be done.'
With tears, Steve added: 'Then and only then will I know that I have achieved my ultimate goal: To be able to stand aside and let them run up my mission.'
The video also included footage of a young Bindi and Robert with their father.
It included a poignant scene showing Robert, now grown up, in the same spot at Australia Zoo’s Crocoseum where his father once stood.
You can watch the full video below:
Video source: X/@RobertIrwin.
Robert captioned the video: 'Continuing Dad’s mission will forever be my greatest honour.'
Steve's legacy continues through his family, who have dedicated their lives to continuing his mission. His wife, Terri, and their children, Bindi and Robert, have taken up the mantle of wildlife conservation, working tirelessly to educate the public about the importance of preserving our natural world.
Despite the fear, Robert continues to inspire audiences with his passion for wildlife conservation, proving that Steve's legacy is in good hands.
What are your thoughts on this story, dear members? And what’s your favourite memory of Steve Irwin? Share them with us in the comments below!
Now, his son, Robert Irwin, has courageously taken on his father's legacy at Australia Zoo.
Known for his daring crocodile shows, Robert has stepped into his father's shoes, captivating audiences with his fearless interactions with these formidable reptiles.
However, in a recent interview, Robert made a startling confession about his work at the zoo, admitting that it is 'scary every single time'.
Born into the Irwin family, Robert has been in the public eye since childhood.
The Irwin family, renowned for their passion for wildlife conservation, have always attracted attention.
'It’s weird, even though I’ve literally been born into it—that Royal Family effect—it still doesn’t make sense,' Robert said in an interview.
'I don’t understand why paparazzi follow me into the grocery store and report on what I buy. Like, who cares?'
Robert was only three years old when his father, Steve Irwin, was tragically killed by a stingray in 2006.
Raised by his mother, Terri Irwin, and alongside his older sister Bindi Irwin, Robert has had to navigate the challenges of growing up without a father.
'When you lose someone like that, and it’s such a public thing—you’re three years old, you’re growing up without a father—it’s incredibly difficult. It is indescribably difficult,' Robert shared.
Despite the challenges, Robert finds solace in people's stories about his father.
'When people come up to me and share a story of when they met Dad, tell me how much his documentary meant to them, I almost feel like I get a little piece of him back.'
'He’s not around anymore to push his message—now it’s my job.'
Robert has taken on the responsibility of continuing his father's mission of wildlife conservation.
However, stepping into the enclosure with the crocodiles, an act that seems so effortless to the audience, is still a nerve-wracking experience for him.
'Mate, it is scary every single time,' he confessed.
'It’s that adrenaline rush that you get, and for me that closeness to my Dad, to my family legacy—I really feel it.'
In September, Robert shared a video of his father that garnered over 20 million views.
The video showcased Robert's talent for feeding crocodiles, a skill he inherited from his dad.
It also featured an old interview of Steve, where he expressed how proud he would be once his children were ready to continue his mission of wildlife conservation.
In the interview, Steve wondered aloud, 'Is there anything in this world that would want to make me give away what I’m doing now?'
He answered his own question, saying, 'Yes, there is. When my children can take the football that I call wildlife conservation and run it up.'
'When they’re ready to run up our mission, I will gladly step aside—and I guarantee you it’ll be the proudest moment of my life—and my job will be done.'
With tears, Steve added: 'Then and only then will I know that I have achieved my ultimate goal: To be able to stand aside and let them run up my mission.'
The video also included footage of a young Bindi and Robert with their father.
It included a poignant scene showing Robert, now grown up, in the same spot at Australia Zoo’s Crocoseum where his father once stood.
You can watch the full video below:
Video source: X/@RobertIrwin.
Robert captioned the video: 'Continuing Dad’s mission will forever be my greatest honour.'
Steve's legacy continues through his family, who have dedicated their lives to continuing his mission. His wife, Terri, and their children, Bindi and Robert, have taken up the mantle of wildlife conservation, working tirelessly to educate the public about the importance of preserving our natural world.
Despite the fear, Robert continues to inspire audiences with his passion for wildlife conservation, proving that Steve's legacy is in good hands.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Irwin has stepped into his late father's shoes, carrying on Steve Irwin's conservation work at the Australia Zoo.
- Despite looking calm while feeding large reptiles, Irwin admits it is 'scary every single time'.
- Robert was just three years old when his father died and remembers the experience as 'indescribably difficult'.
- Robert shared a video that captured 20 million views, featuring old footage of his father discussing how proud he would be when his children took up the mantle of wildlife conservation.