Steve Irwin, also known as the Crocodile Hunter, had inspired millions to appreciate and protect animals. Perhaps there’s no one he had inspired more than his own family. Robert Irwin, his 20-year-old son, followed his father’s footsteps in becoming a zookeeper, conservationist, TV personality, as well as a wildlife photographer. Despite his dangerous work with snakes and crocodiles in Australia, he exudes enthusiasm, charisma, positivity, and wholesomeness. And there’s no better proof than his appearance at the 2024 Logie Awards, although it’s one among many examples.
Robert Irwin at the Logies
Despite being nominated and invited to the prestigious TV awards ceremony, Robert Irwin had spent the day catching crocodiles for research. During this adventure, he suffered an injury, but that didn’t stop him from stepping on the red carpet at the Star in Sydney with a huge smile on his face.
“I just came straight in from catching crocodiles up north,” he nonchalantly told the red-carpet hosts Dr. Chris Brown and Sonia Kruger. “I just got my head smashed into a tree. I was on a croc’s head. It was a big makeup job but I’m here. I’m excited and we are pumped and I get to do it with one of my best mates, which is awesome.” He’s referring to Julia Morris, his co-host on the reality survival competition show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
“From croc country to the red carpet!”
He did not elaborate on his misadventure but his Instagram post about the event held the same energy. “From croc country to the Logies red carpet! @godwincharli. Make-up @kristyenglishhairandmakeup. Styling @meg_durham,” he captioned the post featuring footage of himself covered in mud.
Bindi, his 26-year-old sister, replied, “The best! The entire croc trip team is cheering for you back here on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve. We can’t wait! Super proud of you!”
Although Robert did not win the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television or Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter, he called the experience “a night to remember.”
“The Story of Dad’s Motorbike”
In February, Robert posted an emotional Instagram post featuring footage of his father riding around Australia Zoo on his motorbike, followed by himself riding it. “Some of my fondest and earliest memories were on that bike,” Robert narrated. “It brings back so many memories. Every time I get on that bike and ride the same route around Australia Zoo he did, it means so much that this piece of machinery that he loved and used every day.”
Wing Day at the Gym
During a workout one night in July, Robert found a microbat on the floor. Most people would be horrified, but Irwin picked it up and examined it for injuries before putting him on a high ledge where it could fly away when it’s ready. He says that although many people fear bats, “they are actually beautiful animals” being pollinators and natural pest control.
“There you go, fella,” he said as he filmed the microbat for Instagram. He ended the video warning his viewers to never touch bats with their bare hands, instead use a towel or crate, or better yet, call animal control. “Beautiful animals though.”
Checking on an Injured Snake
This August, Robert Irwin came across a Northern tree snake with an injured tail. He caught it to examine it while informing his Instagram followers about the species. He warns that it’s “very important not to go around picking up snakes” but also important to know “that snakes aren’t out to get you.” Even so, the Northern tree snake is not venomous. “If this was a venomous species,” he reassures, “I would not be putting my head so close to his head. Because then, he’ll invenimate me, and I’d die.”
He notes that the snake must’ve had a run-in with a predator but was healthy enough to slither back into its habitat after meeting this celebrity.
Best Uncle
Not only does he adore animals, he adores his 3-year-old niece Grace. His social media is full of posts dedicated to this little girl, celebrating milestones such as her starting to walk, as well as little fun moments of them talking and playing music together.
Zookeeper and Model
In March, the conservationist walked the runway at the Melbourne Fashion Festival with a massive smile on his face. His fans wouldn’t have expected the typical modeling frown on him anyway.
Is Animal-Loving Genetic?
In another wholesome tribute to his father, Robert Irwin posted a photo of himself as a child alongside a photo of Steve Irwin with twin gleeful facial expressions. “The love for chameleons must be genetic. 5 year old me with a tiny chameleon on my head and my dad with a big, full grown adult!” he captioned the post in January.
Supporting Bindi’s Health Journey
Last year, Bindi Irwin opened about her challenges with the chronic condition endometriosis. In March 2023, she underwent surgery to remove almost three dozen lesions in her body. On May 3rd, she received the Blossom Award at EndoFound’s Blossom Ball in New York City, and Robert spoke about how men need to “discuss and prioritize women’s health” and how this should become a “mainstream discussion.”
“I’ve never felt prouder to call Bindi my sister, not only to overcome her own pain, but to help others find answers as well,” he said in a later interview. “Because it’s crazy to this day, it is still not really talked about, especially in Australia. The conversation is only just really starting.”
