“A legacy larger than life”: Robert Irwin shares rare snap in emotional tribute
Robert Irwin shared a touching tribute to his parents on the 31st anniversary of their engagement.
The 19-year-old shared an old photo of Terri and the late Steve to Instagram, where both Irwins can be seen smiling in the sun, with Steve in his iconic khakis and Terri with a lizard in her hand.
“It was on this day 31 years ago that my parents got engaged and set in motion what would become a legacy larger than life,” Robert captioned the image, “I love my mum and dad so much… I’m proud to be their son”.
In three days, the post has amassed over 1,200 comments from fans eager to share their love and support for the Irwins.
“And they're proud to call you their son!” One fan declared, scattering a couple of yellow hearts throughout, “this legacy will continue on for millennia … The real warriors of our world are you guys''.
“I’m sure you make them both so so so proud!” One follower agreed, “you are them and they are you. You have honoured your father’s legacy, Robert.”
“Your dad was the reason I love animals and have adopted them throughout my life and the respect I have for nature. Truly a one of a kind human,” wrote another.
One noted on the likeness of Robert and his sister, Bindi, to their parents, writing, “you can see by this photo that Bindi is just her father and Robert is Terri when they were young.”
Terri and Steve were married in 1992, and launched the worldwide phenomenon The Crocodile Hunter in 1996. Footage filmed during their honeymoon was used for the first episode of the show. The couple were blessed with Bindi in 1998 and Robert in 2003, before Steve tragically lost his life to a stingray in 2006.
Terri, Robert, and Bindi have dedicated their lives to keeping Steve’s memory alive and continuing his legacy through their conservation work at home in Australia Zoo - the same zoo founded by Steve’s father, Bob Irwin.
“Your dad would be beyond proud of the hard work you do to keep his legacy alive,” one of Robert’s 3.6 million followers stated, with many liking the shared sentiment.
Another referenced the late Steve’s own words in their comment for Robert, writing, “as your dad always said: ‘Everything I do in my life I do to make my mum and dad proud. I want to carry on in my dad's footsteps and make sure that his legacy lives on forever’”.
As Robert himself told Esquire Middle East in 2017, “I hope in every aspect of my life that I can make him proud, and make sure that his message never dies.”
If Robert’s latest tribute is anything to go by, the young Irwin is not only keeping that dream alive, but also close to his heart.
Image: Instagram