Some legacies transcend death.
And when that includes fighting to keep animals from going extinct, your mark left on the world can be defined by the animals you have saved.
In a heartwarming moment captured on social media, Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, shared the joy of successfully breeding the rare Elseya Irwini turtle, also known as “Irwin’s Turtle,” at the Australia Zoo, marking a historic first for any zoological facility worldwide.
In the video, Robert holds the newly hatched turtle, a species his father discovered during a crocodile-catching trip on the Burdekin River in 1990.
View this post on Instagram
Visibly emotional, Robert expressed, “This is one of the highlights of my entire life, one of the most special moments ever for Australia Zoo.”
The Irwin family has been dedicated to continuing Steve’s legacy of wildlife conservation since his death by a stingray barb in 2006. Both Robert and his sister, Bindi, share their parents’ passion for animals and the natural world, contributing educational content through TV programs and social media.
The significance of this achievement is not lost on Robert, who acknowledged his father’s role in discovering the species and highlighting the challenges it faces due to the construction of the Burdekin Dam. Steve Irwin, known globally as The Crocodile Hunter, left behind a profound impact on wildlife awareness and education.
Robert Irwin holds the newly-born turtle. Photo from Instagram
In the video, Robert releases the baby turtle into the zoo’s pond, symbolizing a second chance for this rare and unique species threatened in the wild. “For the first time, we’ve got a little baby, and he’s gonna get his first swim in a brand new pond,” Robert shares, reflecting on the accomplishment.
The emotional weight of the moment is palpable as Robert reflects on what this achievement would have meant to his father.
My dad would be stoked with that. We did it.”
The late Steve Irwin, known as the Crocodile Hunter. Photo by Getty
As the comments poured in from fans and followers, Robert took a moment to respond, adding, “I think Dad would be pretty proud that we’ve become the first to successfully breed the turtle that he discovered. A rare, and unique species under threat in the wild has just been given a second chance.”
Fans and followers flooded the comments with congratulations and heartfelt messages. Many noted the parallels between father and son, expressing that Steve Irwin would be proud to see his legacy continue through Robert’s dedication to wildlife conservation.
This milestone not only celebrates the successful breeding of the Irwin’s turtle but also pays homage to Steve Irwin’s enduring influence on the world of wildlife preservation. As the Irwin family forges ahead, the Irwin legacy lives on, touching the hearts of those who fondly remember “The Crocodile Hunter.”
Watch the emotional moment below.
Sources: Independent | 1 News | ET
