Robert Irwin has been continuing his late father Steve’s legacy of wildlife conservation since the Crocodile Hunter’s tragic death in 2006.
And on Wednesday, the 17-year-old spoke fondly of Steve on Australian breakfast TV show Studio 10.
He told hosts Sarah Harris and Tristan MacManus: ‘I miss him every minute of every day, especially on those milestone moments in my life and what would have been his birthday.’
Gone, but not forgotten: Robert Irwin, 17, said on Wednesday he misses his late father Steve ‘every minute of every day’
‘It really, really hits home, but I think that for us, we just want to make sure everything that he lived and died for continues,’ he added.
The award-winning nature photographer praised his mother, Terri, for keeping the family and zoo together during a tough 2020.
‘We have the most amazing mum, through this amazing, horrible, crazy Covid time that we’ve gone through. She’s kept this zoo running and as a family I think we’ve never been stronger,’ he said.
Memories: ‘I miss him every minute of every day, especially on those milestone moments in my life and what would have been his birthday,’ the wildlife photographer said on Studio 10
Ready to pop! Elsewhere in the interview, Robert spoke about his sister, Bindi Irwin (right), and brother-in-law, Chandler Powell (left), who are expected to welcome a daughter any day now
‘I feel like when you walk through the zoo you can really feel dad’s presence and I’m sure he’s up there somewhere looking down. Crikey, I think he’d be pretty proud.’
Steve died on September 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray at Batt Reef near Port Douglas, Queensland. He was 44.
Elsewhere in the interview, Robert spoke about his sister, Bindi Irwin, and brother-in-law, Chandler Powell, who are expected to welcome a daughter any day now.
Cheeky! ‘Bindi’s amazing. I’ve learnt not to say “massive”. I said that and it didn’t go very well!’ Robert said, referring to his recent gaffe on Channel Seven’s Sunrise when he called his pregnant sibling ‘massive’. Bindi is pictured here in her daughter’s nursery
‘Bindi’s amazing. I’ve learnt not to say “massive”. I said that and it didn’t go very well!’ the younger Irwin said, referring to his recent gaffe on Channel Seven’s Sunrise when he called his pregnant sibling ‘massive’.
‘She’s very round and very ample in her pregnancy in the most beautiful and glowing way she looks amazing,’ he cheekily added.
‘She’s doing great, she’s gorgeous,’ he said.
Just married: The young couple were married on March 25 in a makeshift ceremony at Australia Zoo, just before the Covid-19 lockdown took effect
It’s a girl! Bindi and Chandler announced their baby news in August last year, and revealed the following month they were expecting a daughter
Bindi and Chandler announced their baby news in August last year, and revealed the following month they were expecting a daughter.
The young couple were married on March 25 in a makeshift ceremony at Australia Zoo, just before the Covid-19 lockdown took effect.
They first met in November 2013 when Chandler, who hails from Florida, was touring Australia for a wakeboarding competition.
First love: They first met in November 2013 when Chandler, who hails from Florida, was touring Australia for a wakeboarding competition