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Robert Irwin is becoming more like his late father Steve every day.
The 17-year-old conservationist is not only the spitting image of Steve, but his mannerisms and way of speaking are also uncannily similar to the late Crocodile Hunter.
The comparisons were particularly evident on Monday when Robert was interviewed on Channel Seven’s Sunrise at Australia Zoo, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Carrying on his legacy: Robert Irwin, 17, is the spitting image of his late father Steve. The young Wildlife Warrior appeared live on Sunrise holding an alligator at Australia Zoo on Monday
Robert was just two years old when his dad died in September 2006 at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary.
While speaking to Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac, he channelled his father’s Aussie outback style in Australia Zoo’s signature khaki uniform while holding a young American alligator.
‘I just love them so much, do you want to hold him,’ bubbly Robert said to presenter Sam Mac.
Robert gushed about the animal and clearly shares the same passion for wildlife as his late father.
So sad: Robert tragically lost his late father Steve when he was only two years old, after Steve died in 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb
‘You realise just how special they are, you see their cute little feet, soft little tummies, they are just beautiful aren’t they,’ Robert remarked about the alligator.
He also spoke about becoming an uncle after sister Bindi welcomed daughter Grace Warrior three months ago and said: ‘Mate, it’s incredible.’
He added: ‘I’m honoured I get to be a part of Grace’s life and it feels like a new chapter for our family, it’s really lovely.’
Following in his father’s footsteps: During the live appearance, Robert was dressed in his signature khaki Australia Zoo Uniform and held a young American alligator. Robert gushed about the animal and clearly shares the same passion for wildlife as his late father
Before his death in 2006, Steve would often promote Australia Zoo on late-night TV, and was known for his unbridled enthusiasm and ‘ocker’ personality – which Robert seems to have inherited.
He appeared on the Late Night with Conan O’Brien show in November 2005 and surprised American viewers by bringing a massive python on stage.
He appeared on stage in his Australia Zoo uniform and was as bubbly as ever, appearing in high spirits and even using colloquial Australian terms including ‘fair dinkum,’ ‘sheila’ and the word ‘mate,’ like Robert used.
He was also a natural in front of the camera; his son is no different.
Remember that? Before his tragic death in 2006, Steve would often do live TV interviews and promote Australia Zoo and his brand by bringing animals to the interview with him. In November 2005, Steve appeared on the Late Night with Conan O’Brien show on American television and at one point bought out on stage a massive python
So similar: Steve appeared so natural and comfortable in front of the camera, just like Robert did when he appeared on Sunrise this week
When Steve died in 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb off the Batt Reef at the age of 44, Robert was just two years old and his sister Bindi was eight.
In December last year, Robert shared a touching video of his late father Steve that the team at Australia Zoo made for him for his birthday.
Robert said in his Instagram post that he hopes his late father would be proud of him.
‘Our lovely Australia Zoo crew made this beautiful video to celebrate my birthday, and it means the world to me,’ Robert wrote, adding a red love heart emoji.
‘I am beyond honoured to continue my dad’s legacy and I hope more than anything that he would be proud.’
The video began with Steve talking about Robert’s birth on December 1, 2003, saying: ‘At that very moment, I saw the light.’
‘I hope he would be proud’: In December last year, Robert shared a touching video of his late father Steve that the team at Australia Zoo made for him for his birthday. Robert said in his Instagram post that he hopes his late father would be proud of him
It then leads into a montage of a young Robert with his dad, while Steve provides the voice-over using clips from old TV shows.
Steve speaks about wanting his children to carry on his legacy of conservation.
‘When Bindi was born, I had the same sensation now with little Bob… it’s like this is why I was put here, because I could be dead tomorrow,’ he says.
‘So I need these blokes to come up as quick as they can. This little bloke’s going to have to catch the crocs with Bindi!’
He adds: ‘When they’re ready to run up our mission, I will gladly step aside. Then and only then will I know that I achieved my ultimate goal.
‘And my job will be done, and I guarantee you, it will be the proudest moment of my life.’
Steve died on September 4, 2006, after being pierced through the chest by a stingray barb while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef.
In the years since Steve’s death, the Irwin family – including Robert’s sister, Bindi, and his mother, Terri – have continued his conservation work at Australia Zoo.
Wildlife Warriors: In the years since Steve’s death, the Irwin family – including Robert’s sister, Bindi, and his mother, Terri – have continued his conservation work at Australia Zoo
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