The relationship between a father and son is a special one, and while Robert Irwin sadly lost his father at just two years of age, the 17-year-old is working hard to keep that bond alive.
Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Robert shared an old photo of himself as a toddler sitting on his late father Steve’s red motorbike. The sweet snap was followed by an updated one of Robert on the very same bike all these years later, with the young wildlife conservationist explaining in the caption that he recently fixed up the bike. Both photos were taken on the grounds of Australia Zoo.
“I have so many memories of Dad’s old motorbike – hanging onto the front with Bindi as we’d ride around the zoo with Dad. And now after being in the shed for a few years, it’s all fixed up and running again,” he wrote. “It’s so special to be riding it after all this time!”
Fans of Robert’s were quick to comment on the heartwarming post and congratulate the young man on his efforts, with one writing, “I can’t even begin to think how big your dad’s smile is right now.”
Another added, “So amazing. Congratulations on getting it working again.” While a third wrote, “Like many of us, I grew up watching your father on TV and it’s amazing that you decided to follow in his footsteps but by carving your own path. Much respect for you.”
Others couldn’t help but point out how similar the young wildlife conservationist looked to his late father Steve in the snap, with one writing, “Omg, you look more and more like him every day.”
This isn’t the first time fans have picked up on the duo’s uncanny resemblance. Last month, Robert caused quite the frenzy on social media after he posted a rather terrifying video of himself feeding a crocodile at Australia Zoo.
The young conservationist, along with 22-year-old sister Bindi, have followed in their father’s footsteps in many ways. Robert has been taking part in the world-famous crocodile shows at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast for years, and is a regular at media events such as The Logies and on TV chat shows. And he may be just 17, but Robert is also an established wildlife photographer in his own right. So it’s no surprise that fans of Steve’s compare the youngster with his late father.