Robert Irwin is the only son of Steve Irwin, aka The Crocodile Hunter, and like his father, Robert is also recognized as a TV personality, zookeeper, conservationist, and wildlife photographer.
Robert hosts a show called Robert’s Real Life Adventures on his family zoo’s internal television network. He also co-hosted Discovery’s Wild But True series and co-created the book series Robert Irwin: Dinosaur Hunter.
Currently, the teenager stars on the Animal Planet series Crikey! It’s The Irwins with his mother, Terri, and elder sister, Bindi.
He also works at the Australia Zoo, where he does everything his late father used to do in his life, such as feeding the animals, wrestling crocodiles, and handling snakes.
Recently, the wildlife photographer and conservationist turned 19 and received an emotional video message for his 19th birthday from his late father, Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo.
The message showed Steve, the Crocodile hunter talking about his only son, Robert, and his birth experience. He also discussed his hopes that Robert would grow up and become the next crocodile hunter.
In his heartfelt message to his son, Steve described the importance of raising children who would continue his legacy. The conservationist said that if he did it, that would be the proudest moment of his life.
The video then cuts to Robert fulfilling his father’s dream and doing exactly what he wanted him to do.
Watching his father’s video message, the teenager got all emotional and teary-eyed while his mother, 58-year-old Terri Irwin joked that it’s okay to cry because she also cried while giving birth to her two children – Robert and Bindi and was even filmed doing so.
“It means the absolute world… I just think it’s such a privilege, personally and as a family, to continue the legacy of dad,” said Robert.
“He gave his life, quite literally, for wildlife conservation and to make the world a better place.”
Robert was only two years old when his father, who rose to international fame with his Television documentary on wildlife called The Crocodile Hunter, died while shooting underwater with stingrays – he was shooting for his new underwater film called Ocean’s Deadliest.
The news of Irwin’s death shocked fans all over the world. He was 44 years old when he passed away. 16 years after his death, Irwin remains one of the world’s most endearing and fascinating characters.
Today the Irwin family is keeping his dream alive and continues to work for the work of environment conservation and wildlife.
“I just hope he’d be proud, and I hope I can find my own way and continue a legacy that is so profound,” Robert said.
The beautiful video that was shared on YouTube received tons of messages, all remembering the great Steve Irwin and praising Robert for continuing his father’s legacy.
“Robert is a perfect example of carrying a legacy. All because Steve has passed away doesn’t mean he’s gone, and that’s thanks to his family. Robert’s carrying the torch now and doing a damn well job at it,” one user commented.
“As a kid, I didn’t watch cartoons, I was obsessed with animal planet, but not just animal planet but Steve Irwin, he was my childhood hero, I had 4 birthday parties that were crocodile Hunter themed, I’d always say growing up that No matter what I’d go to Australia one day and meet him,” commented another.
“When my mom told me the news of his passing I was so upset I didn’t go to school for days, he made such a good impact on all of our childhoods I’m sure, I wish nothing but the best for him and his family, got me tearing up just thinking about it.”
“This brings tears to my eyes, Robert watching his dad on screen. That brings back memories. RIP Erwin. You’re NOT forgotten,” a third commented.
Meanwhile, many people applauded Terri for raising her kids so nicely after the passing of their father.
“Terri is amazing woman. Raised these two wonderful children alone after a losing someone she love while continue his legacy. Gosh what an inspiration,” one wrote.
“Terri is an incredible woman the way she supported steve and how she has raised the kids is IMPECCABLE. You go back and watch how she looks at steve when hes talking to the camera and watch the end of this the way she looks at Robert is the exact same her face is lit up and you can see in her smile how incredibly proud she is. What a legacy,” another said.
“Props to Terri for raising two incredible children,” added another.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Source: YouTube