Robert Irwin has shared an emotional tribute to his father Steve as he marked his 21st birthday.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, the wildlife warrior posted a touching photo of his dad celebrating his own milestone birthday decades ago.
The image shows Steve, a fresh-faced young man, cutting into a vibrant birthday cake while surrounded by family.
In the caption, Robert expressed the bittersweet nature of his special day, admitting it’s hard to celebrate milestones without his father by his side.
‘Today I turn 21. I was looking through the archives a few days ago and found these pictures of my dad on his 21st,’ he began.
‘It can be hard to celebrate the milestones when there’s someone missing, but I will carry his memory and passion with me in this new chapter of life’.
Robert Irwin has shared an emotional tribute to his father Steve as he marked his 21st birthday
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, the wildlife warrior posted a touching photo of his dad Steve celebrating his own 21st birthday decades ago
Robert continued to express his gratitude for the support of his family, saying, ‘I am one lucky guy to be surrounded by my amazing family today. Time to celebrate!’
The heartfelt post drew an outpouring of love from fans and family alike, with his sister Bindi Irwin leaving a touching comment.
‘Dad is so proud of you,’ she wrote.
Fans also flooded the comments with birthday wishes and praise for the way Robert honours his father’s memory.
‘Steve would be so proud of you, Robert,’ wrote one follower, while another added, ‘You are a shining example of your dad’s legacy. Happy birthday!’
The post resonated deeply with fans of the Irwin family, who have followed their journey since the tragic loss of Steve in 2006.
Known as ‘The Crocodile Hunter,’ Steve’s legacy continues to inspire millions, carried forward by Robert, Bindi, and their mother, Terri.
Robert, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a passionate conservationist and photographer, has grown up in the public eye.
Known as ‘The Crocodile Hunter,’ Steve’s legacy continues to inspire millions, carried forward by Robert, Bindi, and their mother, Terri
Steve died on September 4 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a short-tail stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef with Philippe Cousteau Jr.
Robert was just two years old at the time while Bindi was eight.
A private funeral service was held on September 9 and Steve was buried in a private ceremony at Australia Zoo later that same day.
A public memorial service was held in Australia Zoo’s 5,500-seat Crocoseum on 30 September, and was broadcast live to an estimated audience of more than 300 million.
