Wildlife conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin has triumphantly returned to his Queensland home, bringing with him a glittering prize that has reignited a classic family rivalry. The 22-year-old has arrived back at Australia Zoo, the famed wildlife park on the Sunshine Coast, clutching the mirror ball trophy he won on the US version of Dancing with the Stars.
A Cheeky Sibling Showdown
In true brotherly fashion, Robert couldn't resist a playful jab at his older sister, Bindi Irwin, who herself won the Australian version of the celebrity dance competition back in 2015. In a video shared on social media, the young Irwin was seen proudly displaying his new hardware with a grin. "Hey Bindi... Mine's taller," he quipped, directly referencing his sister's own achievement.
He elaborated on his plans for the trophy, stating he is in the process of building a special pedestal to place it right next to Bindi's. This light-hearted competition highlights the close yet teasing bond between the famous siblings, much to the delight of their fans worldwide.
From the Ballroom Back to the Crocs
Now back on home soil, Irwin has swiftly traded his sequinned costumes for khaki, returning to the demanding work of wildlife handling at the family zoo. He humorously noted that his months of intense dance training came in handy during a recent encounter with Murray, one of Australia Zoo's formidable saltwater crocodiles. "Murray gave me a good go yesterday, and I think if I hadn't been dancing for the last four months, I might not have made it to the next show," Irwin revealed, crediting his improved footwork and agility to the ballroom.
Despite being back in his natural habitat, Irwin admits he's already missing the thrill of the dance floor. "I'm like, anyone who's willing, I'm like, let's go, you know?" he said, showing a newfound passion for dance that he's eager to keep alive.
Celebrating Conservation and a Special Visitor
The celebrations at Australia Zoo extended beyond the trophy's arrival. On Saturday, Robert also unveiled the new Crikey Magazine Gallery, a space dedicated to showcasing powerful photographic images from the field. He emphasised that this visual storytelling is crucial for connecting people with wildlife and driving conservation awareness.
Adding to the excitement, Irwin confirmed that his professional dance partner from the show, Witney Carson, is scheduled to visit Australia Zoo in just two days. He looks forward to showing her his world of wildlife conservation, photography, and the creatures he considers family.
Throughout his diverse endeavours, Robert's family remains his biggest supporter. His mother, Terri Irwin, continues to encourage him to forge his own unique path, blending entertainment, education, and the vital conservation work that is the legacy of the Irwin name.
