Robert Irwin proved he’s definitely following in his father’s footsteps, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday night.
The budding conservationist, 15, who has appeared on the show regularly over the past two years, took the opportunity to discuss his family’s conservation efforts with their famed Wildlife Warriors organisation and to address crocodile culling in Australia.
Appearing alongside his mother, Terri, and sister, Bindi, he said: “In Australia, crocs have now been really on the decline. Their eggs are being taken and harvested to be turned into meat. So we’re really working hard to really change society’s perspective on conservation because ultimately it’s about us as well.”
Speaking about the organisation, which his parents established in 2002, Robert added: “Mum and dad first started it as a way to unite everyone together, to stand up for those that don’t have a voice. It covers humanitarian and wildlife issues all over the world.”
Australia’s two crocodile species are protected in the wild, which means it is illegal to interfere with them or remove their eggs without a licence from the government. However, there have been recurring calls in northern parts of the country where crocs live for legal culling to be allowed to reduce the number of attacks on humans.
While crocodile conservation is an important issue for the family, the fun-filled segment wasn’t all serious business. Earlier in the segment, proud sister Bindi spoke about the first time Robert made an appearance on the popular US show and reiterated just how similar Robert is to his famous father.
“Tomorrow marks the second year that Robert’s been coming on your show, how exciting is that,” she said.
“And when he first came on your show I actually posted a picture of Robert and Dad side-by-side on the Tonight Show. I think you have the photo, they’re both holding a snake. And it brought tears to my eyes because it was so special, and Robert is more and more like Dad every single day.”
A video of the show, which has since been shared on social media, received a flurry of comments from fans who were quick to compliment Robert on his friendly personality.
“What a beautiful family! Steve Irwin would be so proud,” one commentator wrote.
Another added: “Robert looks and behaves so much like his dad.”
While a third wrote: “I love this family. Bindi and Robert are two of the most well spoken people I’ve ever seen. Steve is smiling, for sure.”