Wildlife conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin has once again captured the public's affection with a spontaneous act of kindness towards an animal in need. The 22-year-old, fresh from his recent victory on the US version of Dancing With The Stars, is currently in South Africa preparing for the new season of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!
A Roadside Rescue Caught on Camera
On Friday, Irwin took to Instagram to share a video documenting a heart-stopping moment. The clip showed him approaching a small chameleon that had wandered perilously into the middle of a road. With cars audibly speeding past in the background, Irwin gently scooped up the reptile to safety.
"Alright buddy, it's ok," he reassured the creature in the video. "Crossing the road, this little chameleon." With the animal now safely perched on his arm, Irwin admired it, noting, "Isn't he so cute? He's not particularly happy with me." He emphasised the imminent danger, stating, "You can hear the cars just whizzing past. He's really, really lucky to be alive."
A Tribute to His Father's Legacy
Irwin, visibly delighted by the encounter, shared his expertise on the animal's mood. "You can tell he's not too grumpy because he's nice and green. You can actually tell the mood of a chameleon based on their colour," he explained. "He's green, that means he's happy, and I like to think it's because he knows I was trying to help him." After ensuring the chameleon was secure in a nearby tree, Irwin declared it his "favourite animal in Africa."
The post prompted an outpouring of emotional responses from fans, with many drawing poignant comparisons to his late father, the beloved "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. One fan commented, "I know you get compared to your dad all the time, but this could have been him talking." Another added, "It makes me happy that Robert is doing what Steve did. I remember seeing you as a potato on the show as a kid and now you’re showing my son the same stuff your dad showed me."
Continuing a Family Tradition of Conservation
This tender moment follows another recent viral clip that showcased Irwin's softer side. He recently shared behind-the-scenes details about a popular video where he dressed as Prince Charming to dance with his four-year-old niece, Grace Warrior, for Halloween. Irwin recounted how he sourced the costume from the Dancing With The Stars wardrobe team after learning his niece was dressed as Cinderella.
Robert Irwin's consistent dedication to wildlife conservation and his heartfelt interactions, both with animals and family, continue to endear him to a global audience, firmly establishing him as a worthy successor to his father's incredible legacy.
