Robert Irwin, the 22-year-old son of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, has opened up about his ambitious future career plans as his profile continues to soar internationally.
Juggling Conservation and Stardom
It has been a monumental year for the young conservationist. Robert won the US version of Dancing With The Stars in November and is co-hosting the new season of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, which premiered on Sunday. Despite his growing fame, he remains a dedicated keeper at his family's Queensland-based Australia Zoo, championing his father's legacy. However, he admits that managing his wildlife commitments with media opportunities is becoming a complex task.
In an interview with The West Australian's Play magazine, Robert stated he is actively trying to find the right balance. "I want to take on the right projects that can mesh this world of conservation and connect it to a larger audience," he explained. He grew up watching his parents, Steve and Terri, use wildlife documentaries to spread their message, a path he always assumed he would follow.
A Modern Storyteller's Vision
Robert's perspective has evolved with the modern media landscape. He recognises the power of diverse platforms, from social media and streaming services to traditional broadcast television. "I have come to realise that I am a storyteller – that is what I came here to do – and I see myself doing the wildlife documentary side of things, 100 per cent," he affirmed.
But his ambitions extend far beyond the documentary format. Robert revealed he is keen to explore scripted television, more hosting roles, and even feature films. "I would love to do other TV shows, and I would love to do movies one day," he said. His success on Dancing With The Stars has reportedly caught the attention of American producers, with industry insiders suggesting multiple US shows are keen to sign him.
Life at the Zoo Continues
Amid the Hollywood buzz, Robert's life at Australia Zoo remains filled with the thrilling, hands-on work he is known for. This week, he shared an Instagram clip of a heart-stopping moment during alligator feeding time. The video showed Robert calmly stroking and even lying on the tail of a large young male alligator, which at one point snapped its jaws near him. The reptile could grow to an impressive 12-14 feet (3.6-4.2 metres).
In a sweeter moment, he also reunited with his Dancing With The Stars partner, Witney Carson, and her family at the zoo. The visit was a poignant reminder of the diverse worlds Robert Irwin is now navigating, from the muddy enclosures of Queensland to the bright lights of global television.
