Robert Irwin is finally "feeling 22," and honestly, he’s earned it. If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately and felt a sudden jolt of "where did the time go," you aren't alone. It feels like just yesterday he was a tiny kid in oversized khakis trailing behind his dad, Steve Irwin. Now? He’s a grown man with a Mirrorball trophy on his shelf and a schedule that would make most CEOs crumble.
So, let's get the big question out of the way immediately. How old is Robert Irwin? As of January 2026, Robert Irwin is 22 years old.
He hit that milestone on December 1, 2025. To celebrate, he did what any Gen Z icon would do: he posted a TikTok montage dancing to Taylor Swift’s "22." It’s kinda surreal seeing the "Crocodile Hunter’s" son transition from the "zoo kid" we all grew up with into a global TV powerhouse.
The Timeline: From Australia Zoo to Global Stardom
Robert Clarence Irwin was born on December 1, 2003, in Buderim, Queensland. He was only two years old when the world lost Steve Irwin in 2006. While most toddlers are just learning to put their shoes on, Robert was already being immersed in the world of wildlife conservation. It’s his DNA.
But 2025 was the year everything shifted.
Basically, he decided to conquer America. Joining Dancing With the Stars (Season 34) in the U.S. was a wild card move. Nobody really expected the "croc guy" to have those kinds of moves. He and his partner, Witney Carson, didn't just participate—they dominated. On November 25, 2025, just days before his 22nd birthday, he won the whole thing.
The timeline is actually insane. According to his I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! co-host Julia Morris, Robert didn't even take a week to sleep off the victory. He literally flew from the DWTS finale in Los Angeles straight to the South African jungle to start filming.
What Is Robert Irwin Doing in 2026?
If you think he’s slowing down now that he’s 22, think again. He’s currently back in the spotlight for a bunch of different reasons, some more professional than others.
- I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!: He’s currently co-hosting the 2026 season of the Australian version alongside Julia Morris. Their chemistry is legendary at this point—mostly because of that weird, chaotic energy they both bring to the screen.
- The Moustache Saga: Recently, Robert debuted a new look—a ginger-tinted moustache that he says is a tribute to Top Gun and Magnum P.I. His mom, Terri, isn't exactly a fan, but the internet has been having a field day with it.
- The Lookalike Contest: Just this week (mid-January 2026), a "Robert Irwin Lookalike Contest" popped up in Caloundra, Australia. People are literally dressing in khakis and trying to master his "Crikey!" catchphrase for a $500 prize. He’s not even running it; he’s just become that much of a cultural icon.
- The Lodge Life: He’s also been pushing his latest "passion project" at Australia Zoo—the Crocodile Hunter Lodge. It’s basically a luxury eco-stay where you can live among the wildlife.
Why People Are Still Obsessed With His Age
The obsession with how old Robert Irwin is usually stems from two things: nostalgia and his career trajectory.
People who grew up watching Steve Irwin see Robert as a living bridge to their childhood. Seeing him at 22—looking more and more like his father every day—is a bit of a trip. Also, the sheer amount of work he’s done by this age is staggering. He’s a professional wildlife photographer, a TV host, a conservationist, a "genius" (according to some critics), and now a champion ballroom dancer.
Most 22-year-olds are still trying to figure out how to do their taxes. Robert is meeting with world leaders and managing a global brand.
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Breaking Down the Family Legacy
It's not just Robert, though. The Irwin family—Terri, Bindi, and Robert—operate as a tightly-knit unit. While Bindi (now 27) has shifted more toward the administrative and "CEO" side of the Australia Zoo operations while raising her daughter Grace Warrior, Robert has become the "face" of the field work.
He’s often seen wrestling the same crocodiles his father did decades ago. There’s a specific kind of pressure that comes with that, but Robert seems to handle it with a weirdly calm maturity. He’s gone on record saying he feels "closer to his dad" every year he gets older.
Actionable Takeaways for Irwin Fans
If you’re looking to keep up with what Robert is doing now that he’s entered his 22nd year, here’s the best way to do it:
- Watch the new season of I'm a Celeb: It’s airing now (January 2026) and shows off a much more improvisational, comedic side of him than the nature documentaries do.
- Check out his photography: His Instagram isn't just "celeb stuff." He’s a legitimately world-class photographer. His "People's Choice Award" from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year isn't just a pity prize—the work is stunning.
- Visit the Australia Zoo: If you’re actually in Queensland, the Crocodile Hunter Lodge is his current big project. It’s where he’s spending a lot of his "off-camera" time managing day-to-day operations.
Robert Irwin isn't just "the kid" anymore. He’s a 22-year-old powerhouse who has successfully navigated the impossible transition from "son of a legend" to "legend in his own right." Whether he’s sporting a questionable moustache or lifting a Mirrorball trophy, he’s definitely not slowing down.
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To see the most recent updates on his conservation work, you can head over to the official Australia Zoo website or follow his verified social media channels, where he posts daily updates from the "office"—which, for him, usually involves a 12-foot saltie.