Robert Irwin is facing fierce backlash online after a tense moment with a crocodile aired on national television, sparking a wave of criticism and calls for his cancellation.
Born into Australia’s most famous wildlife family, Robert has grown up with nature in his DNA.
As the son of the late Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin, he was practically raised in the wild at Australia Zoo, surrounded by everything from kangaroos to crocodiles. From his earliest days, he’s been in the spotlight—first as a toddler on TV with his parents and later as a wildlife ambassador in his own right.
After losing his dad at just two years old, Robert and his family have stayed committed to preserving Steve Irwin’s legacy. Over the years, Robert has carved out his own identity through TV appearances, wildlife documentaries, and a deep passion for conservation.
Robert Irwin’s connection to his dad’s crocodile legacy
Recently, Robert shared a touching tribute to his father by posting a side-by-side video of both of them feeding the same crocodiles, nearly two decades apart.
“Then and now. My dad and I feeding our same crocodiles, 19 years apart. If there’s one place I feel closest to my dad, it’s when I’m at @australiazoo working with the very crocs that he worked with and rescued,” he wrote.
Terri Irwin has also spoken about her son’s commitment to the craft, per Distractify: “There are days where you cut it finer than other days, but I know that Robert’s well-rehearsed with crocodiles.”
Laughing, she added: “Because I watched the crocs that used to try so diligently to kill your dad, and now they’re after you in the same way.”
But a dramatic new video has some viewers questioning Robert’s actions—and the zoo’s practices altogether.
Robert Irwin. Credit: Don Arnold / Getty
Viral croc clip triggers online outrage
The controversy erupted after a segment aired on Today featuring Robert and his mother promoting the reopening of Australia Zoo and the latest season of Crikey! It’s the Irwins.
During the appearance, a clip showed Robert inside an enclosure with a crocodile named Casper. What was meant to highlight their conservation work quickly spiraled into outrage online, with critics accusing the Irwins of endangering animals and people for entertainment.
Some viewers didn’t hold back. “Zoos should never exist, wild animals shouldn’t be held captive for the amusement of humans,” one person wrote.
“When will they learn? This is sad. For a show, was it worth it?” another viewer questioned.
A third comment read: “This is just wrong. Make Robert STOP!!!” while another declared, “He shouldn’t be allowed to do it.”
The crocodile demonstration is a key event at the Australia Zoo. Credit: Matrix / Getty
Supporters rush to Robert Irwin’s defense
Despite the uproar, many fans have defended Robert and the work his family does at the zoo.
“People need to chill out and leave this guy alone, do people realize the croc has gone through this routine hundreds of times and it’s not been a problem before?” one supporter wrote.
Another added: “It’s funny how the internet says cancel but yet his zoo is still running, they still have a website to visit and I’m sure they still have videos on YouTube to watch. Sounds a lot like y’all trying to cancel, but failing.”
What happened in the crocodile enclosure?
The footage in question shows Robert facing a potentially dangerous situation as Casper charges at him during the segment. Robert is seen yelling: “Bail, bail bail!” as other keepers rush in to help.
Although the moment looked intense, Robert downplayed the danger and shared a lighthearted take on social media.
“We can educate everyone about their conservation. But safety for us is also crucial and you definitely have to know when to call it. And with such a powerful and quick croc like Casper, we had no choice but to bail!” he explained on Instagram.