Robert Irwin has yet again reminded fans of the similarities he shares with his legendary dad, Steve Irwin.
Until his death in September 2006, Steve had been known for his love for wildlife, treasuring any chance to instill the same passion in his children. And if the clip of Robert showing his little niece — Grace Warrior Irwin Powell — the ropes at their famous zoo is any indication, his father’s lessons more than paid off, and fans are so glad to see it.
Robert Irwin Brought Back Memories Of His Late Father For Fans In A Sweet IG Video
Robert looked at home as he went from one part of the Australia Zoo to the alligator sanctuary, where he wanted to show his two-year-old niece how to feed the reptiles. Grace was held in place by her doting mom Bindi as her 19-year-old uncle jumped into the enclosure to hand-feed a thick, scaly reptile named Daisy.
“We’re going to watch Uncle Robert and Dada [Chandler Powell] feed the alligators,” Bindi is heard saying from a safe distance behind the fence as her daughter started wiggling her fingers and counting aloud.
Robert explained that his niece was “counting the alligators” before getting into the business of feeding Daisy. After showing off the reptile’s “‘blunt” teeth and “strong” jaws, the teenager, who looked just like his dad in his monochromatic shirt and shorts, fed her some sausage-styled meat. As he carried out the daunting task, he explained:
“They’re really sweet. My dad called them frogs with shark teeth because that’s pretty much what they are.”
Once Daisy finished her dinner, the zookeeper turned the camera back to Bindi and Grace, asking the latter what she thought. She simply — and eagerly — responded, “Love you, Daisy.” The footage struck a chord in the hearts of those who were familiar with his late father’s work, and the comment section expectedly went agog with nostalgic reactions.
“I grew up watching Steve as a kid, and I was just taken back to sitting in my Grandparent’s house and feeling those same feelings again,” this fan wrote. A second person effused, “He is definitely a chip off the ole block from his dad. Such a love for all the animals. Truly amazing. Little Grace is so freaking adorable.”
A third fan commented, “Robert is such a natural. What a sweet video, with a powerful Daisy- the teeth!” and a fourth declared, “Steve would have been so proud of his babies and grandbabies! ❤️💔❤️.”
Besides making his father proud, Robert is a photographer specializing in nature photography and showing them off via his website. So far, his portfolio includes shots of nature and animals, street and architecture, and landscapes.
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Luckily, juggling his wildlife photography and conservationist careers did not stop him from walking his sister down the aisle during her 2020 wedding to Powell. In fact, it was one of the best experiences of his life, as he gushed at the ceremony, per The Blast:
“Walking my sister down the aisle was one of the most special moments of my life. Bindi, you are the most amazing sister and friend, always there for me through it all, and I just couldn’t be happier you found Chandler.”
The “Crikey! It’s the Irwins” Star Considers Himself Lucky To Have A Father Like Steve
One month after the Irwins marked the 16th anniversary of Steve’s death, The Blast reported that Robert had opened up about what he was doing to emulate the late patriarch. In the “Free Willy: Escape from Pirate’s Cove” star’s words:
“I think what Dad really showed the world was, of course, to have that appreciation for the natural world and to treat every living being on this planet as you would wish to be treated.” After pointing out that it was a lesson his dad taught him and his sister before his passing, the television personality added:
“I think that’s something that I’ll always carry with me. I think that more than anything, I would hope that I really continue this message that life is short and we have to live every day to the fullest.”
Robert also acknowledged that he would “always just feel so lucky” about having “the most amazing Dad in the world, who was literally a superhero.”
