Steve Irwin, famously known as the Crocodile Hunter, inspired millions to appreciate and protect wildlife, but perhaps no one was more influenced by him than his own family. Robert Irwin, his 20-year-old son, has followed in his father’s footsteps as a zookeeper, conservationist, TV personality, and wildlife photographer. Despite working with dangerous animals like snakes and crocodiles in Australia, Robert is known for his infectious enthusiasm, charisma, positivity, and wholesome nature. His appearance at the 2024 Logie Awards is just one of many examples showcasing these qualities.
Robert Irwin at the Logies
“Despite being nominated and invited to the prestigious Logie Awards, Robert Irwin spent his day catching crocodiles for research. During this wild adventure, he sustained an injury, but that didn’t keep him from stepping onto the red carpet at The Star in Sydney with a big smile on his face. His dedication to wildlife conservation and his unwavering spirit shone through, making his appearance all the more remarkable.”
“I just got back from catching crocodiles up north,” he casually told red-carpet hosts Dr. Chris Brown and Sonia Kruger. “I even got my head smashed into a tree while wrestling a croc—it was on the croc’s head! Took a lot of makeup to cover up, but I made it. I’m excited, we’re pumped, and I get to do this with one of my best mates, which is awesome.” He was talking about 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 didn’t go into detail about his wild adventure, but his Instagram post captured the same vibe. “From croc country to the Logies red carpet! @godwincharli. Make-up @kristyenglishhairandmakeup. Styling @meg_durham,” he wrote, alongside a video of himself covered in mud.
Bindi, his 26-year-old sister, commented, “The best! The whole croc trip team is cheering for you from the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve. We can’t wait to see it! Super proud of you!”
Even though 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 shared an emotional Instagram post with footage of his father riding around Australia Zoo on his motorbike, followed by him doing the same. “Some of my fondest and earliest memories are on that bike,” Robert narrated. “It brings back so many memories. Every time I ride the same route around Australia Zoo that he did, it means so much to me to connect with this piece of machinery he loved and used every day.”
Wing Day at the Gym
One night in July, while working out, Robert discovered a microbat on the floor. Instead of reacting with fear, he carefully picked it up, checked it for injuries, and placed it on a high ledge so it could fly away when it was ready. Robert pointed out that while many people are scared of bats, “they are actually beautiful animals,” serving as pollinators and natural pest controllers.
“There you go, fella,” he said while filming the microbat for Instagram. He concluded the video by advising viewers not to touch bats with their bare hands, but to use a towel or crate, or ideally, call animal control. “Beautiful animals though.”
Checking on an Injured Snake
This August, Robert Irwin encountered a Northern tree snake with an injured tail. He carefully caught it to examine the injury while educating his Instagram followers about the species. He stressed that it’s “very important not to go around picking up snakes,” but also emphasized that “snakes aren’t out to get you.” Although the Northern tree snake is non-venomous, he reassured viewers, “If this were a venomous species, I wouldn’t be putting my head so close to its head. Because then, it could envenomate me, and I’d die.”
He noted that the snake had likely encountered a predator but was healthy enough to slither back into its habitat after meeting this celebrity.
Best Uncle
Not only does he have a deep affection for animals, but he also cherishes his 3-year-old niece, Grace. His social media is brimming with posts celebrating her milestones, like when she first started walking, and capturing their joyful moments together, from chatting to playing music.
Zookeeper and Model
In March, the conservationist took to the runway at the Melbourne Fashion Festival, beaming with a huge smile. His fans wouldn’t have expected anything less than his signature cheerful demeanor instead of the usual modeling frown.
