Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin has returned home with his Dancing with the Stars mirror ball trophy, taking it straight to Australia Zoo and reviving a dose of playful sibling rivalry with his sister Bindi Irwin.
The 22-year-old touched down in Australia proudly carrying the mirror ball trophy, wasting no time sharing the win with his family.
“It feels good to bring the mirror ball home. I can’t lie, it’s pretty nice,” Irwin said.
In classic sibling fashion, he couldn’t resist slipping in a cheeky jab at his sister in a video shared to social media.
“Hey Bindi … Mine’s taller,” he said in the video.
Keeping the playful banter going, Irwin revealed exactly where he plans to display his trophy – a clear nod to rival his sister’s mirror ball win from 2015.
“I’m currently in the midst of building, like, a little pedestal next to it. You know, I want to set it up right next to my sister’s (trophy),” he said.
Back at Australia Zoo, Irwin is in his element – having swapped the sequins for saltwater crocs – his footwork has never been better.
“Murray gave me a good go yesterday, and I think if I hadn’t had been dancing for the last four months, I might not have made it to the next show,” he said in reference to one of the zoo’s saltwater crocodiles.
While it’s clear where Irwin feels most at home, he hasn’t quite let go of his new love for dancing – with a special visitor set to arrive soon and get those twinkle toes moving again.
“Witney’s coming. She’s coming in like two days,” he revealed about his Dancing with the Stars partner.
Witney Carson will soon be introduced to the world Irwin describes as his family – wildlife conservation, photography and life at Australia Zoo.
On Saturday, Irwin also unveiled the Crikey Magazine Gallery, which will feature images captured in the field as part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
“That is what’s going to connect people with our wildlife,” he said.
Despite returning to his conservation work, Irwin admitted he is already missing the ballroom.
“I’m like, anyone who’s willing, I’m like, let’s go, you know?” he said while preparing to tango.
Images: 7NEWS
