Honestly, it’s hard to look at Robert Irwin without seeing a ghost. The khaki, the chaotic energy, that wide-eyed "crikey" grin—it’s all so familiar. But if you’ve been paying attention lately, you’ll notice something shifted. Steve Irwin’s son isn't just a carbon copy anymore. He’s becoming a global powerhouse in his own right, and the 2026 version of Robert is a far cry from the little boy we remember feeding "tiny" crocodiles.
He’s 22 now. Let that sink in for a second.
While most guys his age are still figuring out how to fold a fitted sheet, Robert is busy winning Dancing with the Stars in the States, co-hosting massive reality TV shows, and acting as a global ambassador for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize. It’s a lot. People often think he’s just "doing what his dad did," but that’s actually the first thing everyone gets wrong.
Robert Irwin is Carving a Different Path
Look, the wildlife conservation part is non-negotiable. That’s in the DNA. But Robert’s approach to the family business at Australia Zoo is much more tech-focused and media-savvy than the raw, handheld-camera vibe of the early 2000s. He’s a legitimate, award-winning photographer. Like, actually good. He’s won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award, and his work isn't just for Instagram; he uses it to fund-raise for Wildlife Warriors by auctioning off high-end prints.
It’s about storytelling.
He recently admitted in an interview that he used to think wildlife documentaries were the only way to save the planet. Then he won season 34 of Dancing with the Stars in November 2025. Suddenly, he realized that if you want to talk to the world about habitat loss, sometimes you have to do it while wearing sequins and a spray tan. It sounds ridiculous, but it works.
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The timeline of his life is basically a blur at this point. After lifting that Mirrorball Trophy with partner Witney Carson, most people would have taken a nap. Not Robert. He was on a flight to South Africa almost immediately to film the 2026 season of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia.
The Reality of Being "The Crocodile Hunter's Son"
Life at the zoo isn't all TV glitz. It’s dirty. It’s dangerous. And it’s constant.
Earlier this month, Robert shared a video of himself bringing his trophy home to the zoo. He didn't put it on a mantle. He showed it to a koala, a snake, and a bird to see what they thought. (The snake seemed mostly interested in whether it was edible.) But right after that, he was back in the Crocoseum.
He hadn't fed the crocs in five months because of his filming schedule in the U.S. Think about that for a second. You go from a choreographed jive in front of millions of people to standing a few feet away from a 15-foot saltwater crocodile that wants to turn you into lunch. That’s a wild career pivot.
Why He’s Not Just a "Mini-Steve"
- The Photography Factor: Robert is arguably more of a visual artist than his father was. His focus on the "lens" as a tool for conservation is a distinct, personal brand.
- Mainstream Entertainment: Hosting I’m a Celebrity alongside Julia Morris has shown off a comedic, quick-witted side of him that doesn't rely on animals for a punchline.
- Global Diplomacy: He’s been seen rubbing shoulders with King Charles III and Prince William, discussing policy and environmental protection on a level that feels very "next generation."
Basically, he’s playing the long game.
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What’s Happening Right Now in 2026?
If you’re wondering what he’s up to this week, he’s likely in the middle of the South African jungle. The newest season of I’m a Celebrity premiered on January 18, 2026. This year is supposedly "the most intense yet," and Robert has been teasing that they’re "upping the ante" with the challenges.
There's also a bit of a personal transformation happening. Robert debuted a new mustache over the 2026 holiday period. He’s leaning into a sort of Top Gun or Magnum P.I. look. His mom, Terri, apparently isn't a fan, but hey—at 22, you’ve gotta find your own style, right?
He’s also gearing up for a guest speaker spot at the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens gala on February 10, 2026. He’s helping them launch their new Manatee River habitat. It’s this constant back-and-forth between "Hollywood Robert" and "Zoo Robert" that makes him so fascinating to watch.
Addressing the Skeptics
Some people wonder if it’s all just a big PR machine. "Is he really that nice?" "Is it all for the cameras?"
Those who work with him, like his co-host Julia Morris, say the sincerity isn't an act. He’s described as having "first-series energy"—that rare, unjaded excitement that usually wears off after a year in show business. But Robert has lived his entire life in front of a camera. He was literally on Bindi the Jungle Girl as a toddler. If he were going to burn out or turn into a diva, it probably would have happened by now.
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Instead, he’s leaning into the "power of vulnerability." He’s been more open lately about the pressure of the Irwin legacy and the difficulty of navigating the public eye.
What You Can Do Next
If you want to support what Robert is actually trying to do (beyond just watching him dance), look into the Wildlife Warriors programs. They do the heavy lifting when it comes to animal rescues and habitat preservation.
You can also check out his photography gallery online. Seeing the world through his eyes gives you a much better sense of who he is than any 30-second TikTok clip ever could. He’s not just "Steve Irwin’s son" anymore. He’s a guy who realized he has a massive platform and decided to use it for something better than just being famous.
Keep an eye on his upcoming work with the Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro later this year. It’s going to be a massive year for him, and honestly, the mustache might even grow on us by then.