Robert Irwin shares emotional reaction to seeing waxwork of dad Steve for the first time

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By Kim Novak

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Robert Irwin was overcome with emotion after the young conservationist and zookeeper saw his dad's waxwork for the first time.

GettyImages-2187206962.jpgRobert Irwin saw the waxwork of his dad, Steve Irwin, for the first time. Credit: Don Arnold/WireImage/Getty Images

Steve Irwin died in 2006 at the age of 44 after being pierced in the heart by a stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef.

His children, Robert and Bindi Irwin - now 26, were just small children when their father died but went on to take over his role at the Australia Zoo that Steve and his wife, Teri Irwin, ran.

GettyImages-2187206882.jpgRobert Irwin now has his own Madame Tussauds waxwork, too. Credit: Don Arnold/WireImage/Getty Images

Robert has now become the youngest Australian celebrity to be featured in Madame Tussauds Sydney, according to Sunrise.

Video footage saw him choke up as he saw his own model placed next to that of his father at the attraction on November 28.


He said in the clip, shared by News.com.au: "That is amazing. It’s the first time in a long time that he’s not just a picture."

He was seen wiping his eyes as he shook his head and took a deep breath, before walking away from the cameras.

Robert was just two years old when his father tragically died, while his sister Bindi was just eight.

They went on to continue their father's work at the Australia Zoo, keeping his legacy alive.

GettyImages-83635985.jpgThe late Steve Irwin tragically died aged 44 in 2006. Credit: SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images

He told Sunrise after seeing the new model of himself: "This is one of the most surreal moments of my entire life. This is just incredible.

"I just keep looking at every little bit going, ‘It’s me! It is me!’ I don’t know if the world is ready for two of me."

Robert called the moment "really special" and was delighted to see himself next to the model of his dad, which was made in 2015.

"It was the first time I’d ever gotten to see my dad’s wax figure. I’d seen pictures of it, but I’d never seen it in real life," he revealed.


"I was overcome with emotion. And I didn’t think that was gonna happen, but I was actually quite emotional seeing it.

"Dad, for the last 17 years of my life, has been pictures and video, and to actually see him kind of just standing there, it was a lot. It was actually a lot to take in."

He added: "It was very emotional,” he said. “But you know what? My life’s about continuing his legacy, so the fact that I get to be there with him now means a lot. I’m truly so grateful."

What a special moment.

Featured image credit: Don Arnold/WireImage/Getty Images