Robert Irwin shares a heartbreaking video featuring his late father Steve as he reflects on the Crocodile Hunter’s legacy on his 17th birthday
Robert Irwin was just two years old when his father, Steve ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin, died in a freak accident while filming a nature documentary.
But despite his premature death, the legendary conservationist has clearly had a significant impact on his son’s life.
In an emotional post on Instagram on Tuesday to celebrate his 17th birthday, Robert shared a touching video featuring archive footage of his dad.
Unbreakable bond: Robert Irwin may not have even been three years old when his dad, Steve Irwin, died tragically, but he’s still had a huge impact on his life
‘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.’
He added: ‘I want to thank you for all of your lovely birthday messages and thanks to all who joined us for the celebrations at Australia Zoo today.
‘Looking forward to seeing what this next year brings, in the last year of my childhood!’
Daddy’s boy: In an emotional post on Instagram on Tuesday, Robert shared a touching video of himself and his late father for his 17th birthday
‘Our lovely Australia Zoo crew made this beautiful video to celebrate my birthday, and it means the world to me,’ he wrote, adding a red love heart emoji
The video begins with Steve talking about Robert’s birth on December 1, 2003, saying: ‘At that very moment, I saw the light.’
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.
Love at first sight: The video begins with Steve talking about Robert’s birth on December 1, 2003: ‘At that very moment, I saw the light’
‘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.
‘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,’ Steve said in the video
‘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.
‘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 said