Australian zookeeper and conservationist Steve Irwin died on September 4, 2006. He was killed by a stingray in the Great Barrier Reef. It has been almost two decades since his death, and his legacy lives on as fans around the world fondly remember Irwin. But his children, Bindi and Robert, have also continued his good work, raising awareness for conservation and dedicating their lives to a cause that Steve (and their mother, Terri Irwin) was so passionate about.
Robert Irwin Calls His Father a ‘Super Hero’ in Emotional Moment
Robert Irwin is joining “Dancing With the Stars” Season 34 and is one of two celebrity contestants to be confirmed for the upcoming show. He has shared that his decision to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy has been to bring awareness to animal conservation.
Robert recently sat down for an interview on BBC 2’s “The Scott Mills Breakfast Show.” A video from their interview was posted on Instagram on June 24.
In the video, a short clip of Steve plays as he discusses his dreams for the future. “Is there anything that would wanna make me give away what I’m doing now?” he says. Steve reflects upon the question. The answer is that there is something, and that is when his children can continue his legacy and commitment to wildlife conservation. “I guarantee you, it will be the proudest moment of my life,” Steve says.
He continues, “And my job will be done, like my mum and my dad. Then, and only then, will I know that I have achieved my ultimate goal. To be able to stand aside and let them run up my mission.” Robert reacts to hearing his father’s words and admits it’s “emotional to hear that.” You can see him look visibly emotional as he appears to tear up. “It means so much,” he said. “And when you dedicate your life legacy, it really makes you think about how we all get to create our legacy.”
Fans React to Steve Irwin’s Legacy and What He Means to So Many
In the clip, Robert also refers to his father as “super hero.” He notes that many people viewed his father in this way because they often shared stories about what Steve meant to them. Fans have reacted to the video with praise for Robert. “I went into veterinary medicine because of Steve Irwin,” a fan shared. “This clip of Steve always makes me cry,” another commented.
Other reactions include, “Not crying honest – a beautiful moment when a father’s wish become a reality,” “The pressure on this young man is immense and he handles it so well,” and “I have to say, every time I see an interview with Bindi or Robert, it speaks volumes about Steve’s parenting while they were little. And Terry’s parenting after Steve was gone. Like wow. Just wow.”
