Steve Irwin, famously known as the Crocodile Hunter, inspired millions around the world to love and protect wildlife. But perhaps no one was more deeply influenced than his own family.
Robert Irwin, his 20-year-old son, has followed closely in his father’s footsteps, becoming a zookeeper, conservationist, TV personality, and wildlife photographer. Despite the risks involved in his work with snakes and crocodiles in Australia, Robert radiates enthusiasm, charm, and positivity.
His appearance at the 2024 Logie Awards is just one of many examples of his dedication and upbeat spirit.
Robert Irwin At The Logies
Even though he was nominated and invited to attend the prestigious TV awards, Robert spent the day working with crocodiles for research. During this adventure, he sustained an injury but didn’t let that stop him from attending the ceremony at The Star in Sydney, grinning from ear to ear as he walked the red carpet.
“I just came straight in from catching crocodiles up north,” he casually told 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!”
Robert didn’t go into further detail about his crocodile encounter, but his Instagram post about the event carried the same lighthearted energy. “From Croc Country to the Logies red carpet! @godwincharli. Make-up @kristyenglishhairandmakeup. Styling @meg_durham,” he wrote, sharing footage of himself still covered in mud.
His 26-year-old sister, Bindi, responded, “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 didn’t take home the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television or the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter, he described the evening as “a night to remember.”
“The Story Of Dad’s Motorbike”
In February, Robert Irwin shared a heartfelt post on Instagram featuring a video of his late father, Steve Irwin, riding his motorbike around Australia Zoo. In the video, Robert is shown riding the same bike, keeping his father’s memory alive.
“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
One evening in July, while working out, Robert discovered a microbat on the gym floor. Instead of panicking like most people might, he carefully picked it up and checked for any injuries. After making sure it was safe, he placed the bat on a high ledge so it could fly off when ready. Robert explained that, despite their reputation, “they are actually beautiful animals” and play a crucial role as pollinators and natural pest controllers.
As he filmed the encounter for Instagram, he gently said, “There you go, fella.” Robert also used the opportunity to educate his followers, reminding them never to handle bats with bare hands and to always use a towel, or crate, or call animal control. “Beautiful animals though,” he added.
Checking On An Injured Snake
In August, Robert encountered a Northern tree snake with an injured tail. He carefully caught the snake to assess the injury while educating his Instagram audience 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.”
In this case, 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.”
After inspecting the injury, Robert determined the snake had likely escaped a predator and was healthy enough to return to its natural habitat.
Best Uncle
In addition to his love for animals, Robert has a special bond with his 3-year-old niece, Grace. His social media often features heartwarming posts about her, celebrating milestones like her first steps and capturing fun moments of them playing music and chatting together. Robert clearly cherishes his role as Grace’s proud uncle.
Zookeeper And Model
In March, Robert Irwin stepped onto the runway at the Melbourne Fashion Festival, flashing his signature smile. Fans wouldn’t have expected him to wear the typical serious model expression, and he didn’t disappoint with his cheerful demeanor.
Is Animal-Loving Genetic?
In a heartwarming tribute to his late father, Robert shared a throwback post in January featuring a side-by-side photo of himself as a child and Steve Irwin. Both wore joyful expressions as they posed with chameleons. “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 up about her battle with endometriosis, a chronic condition. In March 2023, she underwent surgery to remove nearly three dozen lesions. On May 3rd, she was honored with the Blossom Award at the EndoFound Blossom Ball in New York City. Robert spoke passionately about the importance of men addressing and prioritizing women’s health, saying it’s a conversation that should be “mainstream.”
“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.”