Robert Irwin, the son of the late Steve Irwin, has achieved a remarkable feat in his father’s legacy. He has successfully bred a rare turtle named after his father at Australia Zoo. The Irwin’s turtle is a freshwater species that Steve discovered in 1990 during a crocodile-hunting trip with his father Bob.
Robert shared a video of himself holding the hatchling and said it was one of the highlights of his life and that his dad would be proud. “This is one of the highlights of my entire life. I’m so proud to announce that we have successfully hatched this little guy here at Australia Zoo. This is the first Irwin’s turtle to ever hatch here at Australia Zoo. This is so special to me because this turtle was actually named after my dad,” Robert said in the video.
The turtle has distinctive yellow markings on its head and neck and can grow up to 25 cm in length. It is also one of the most endangered species in Queensland, as its habitat is threatened by the construction of a dam. Robert said he was honored to continue his father’s legacy and be able to breed this species that he discovered. “It’s such an honour for me to continue his legacy and be able to breed this species that he discovered. It’s just absolutely incredible,” he said.
Robert also praised the turtle’s speed and cuteness, saying that he was already running around everywhere. “This little guy is so cute, he’s got these beautiful yellow markings on his head and he’s very, very fast. He’s already running around everywhere,” he said.
Robert said he knew his dad would be smiling and proud of him for achieving this milestone. “I know dad would be so proud right now, I know he’d be smiling,” he said.
Robert’s video has received over 1.2 million views and thousands of comments from fans who congratulated him and expressed their admiration for his father. Many also said they were moved to tears by Robert’s emotional tribute to Steve, who died in 2006 after being stung by a stingray.
Robert is following in his father’s footsteps as a wildlife warrior and conservationist, along with his mother Terri and sister Bindi. The family runs the Australia Zoo and stars in the Animal Planet series Crikey! It’s the Irwins. Robert is also an award-winning photographer and author who has traveled around the world to document wildlife and nature.
Relevant articles:
– Robert Irwin Gets Emotional Sharing Zoo Milestone Tied to Late Father Steve, People, 2023-10-16
– ‘One of the highlights of my entire life’: Robert Irwin breeds rare turtle named after late TV star, World News, 2023-10-15
– Robert Irwin Shares First Baby Turtle of Species His Dad Discovered and Everyone’s Emotional, Celebrity, 2023-10-15
– Steve Irwin’s son Robert Irwin becomes emotional after breeding rare turtle named after late TV star, Yahoo, 2023-10-15