Robert Irwin took a moment away from his Dancing With the Stars updates to share a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Steve Irwin.
Since the passing of the famed Crocodile Hunter in 2006, Robert, his sister Bindi Irwin, and their mother Terri Irwin have carried forward the passion and conservation work their father championed.
In a recent Instagram post, the 21-year-old wildlife photographer wrote an emotional message honoring his dad and reaffirming his commitment to wildlife conservation:
“Continuing this legacy is the honour of my life. If I can make my dad proud, I’ve done my job. Behind everything I do is a conservation mission that my dad began.”
The post included a nostalgic video of Steve Irwin, visibly emotional, speaking about his family and his enduring love for wildlife.
Robert Irwin reflected on the moment when he might carry on his father Steve Irwin’s conservation work fully on his own. “If there’s anything that would make me step aside from what I’m doing now, yes, there is,” he said. “When my children are ready to take the football I call wildlife conservation and run with it, I will gladly step back. That will be the proudest moment of my life, and I’ll know my job is done.”
He added that seeing this happen would mark the fulfillment of his father’s ultimate mission. True to Steve Irwin’s legacy, both of his children have followed in his footsteps, working together to continue the family’s conservation efforts at Australia Zoo.
Robert’s post struck a chord on social media, with many followers moved by the emotional tribute. One commented, “Your dad has been so proud of you since the day you were born. You are his legacy.” Another wrote, “You’ve made everyone proud, Robert. There is no greater man.”
The heartfelt message left many in tears, capturing the enduring bond and promise to his late father. “Jesus Christ, Robert! Can you give us one day to not cry?!?!?” one user exclaimed, while another added, “Crying for real. Wow. Absolutely tender and precious. An amazing man! You are carrying it on, Robert!”
Steve Irwin tragically died in September 2006 while filming the underwater documentary Ocean’s Deadliest in the Great Barrier Reef.
He suffered a fatal injury when a stingray’s barb pierced his chest, causing catastrophic trauma to his heart. He was 44 years old at the time.