Robert Irwin Reflects On Memories With Late Father Steve In Emotional Tribute

Robert Irwin, the son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, recently paid a heartwarming tribute to his father almost 17 years after his unexpected passing — in September 2006 — from a fatal sting by a stingray while filming a wildlife television show. The 19-year-old took to Instagram to share a picture of himself behind the wheel of his dad’s truck in an attempt to recreate a photo of his dad, which he took over a decade later.

“My dad’s Ute … it’s a special car. From early memories when Dad would park and let me pretend to drive, to more recently when I took my driver’s test in it (and somehow managed not to stall it),” Robert wrote in the caption. “I remember my first solo drive in this car after I got my license — it was to the hospital to meet my niece for the first time right after she was born. And now, the Ute still comes on road trips to this day.”

Robert Irwin says he wants to maintain his late father’s legacy

During a recent interview with E! News, the young conservationist and photographer spoke about the aspects of his father’s life that motivate him to this day. “I think what dad really showed the world was, of course, to have that appreciation for the natural world and to treat every living being on this planet as you would wish to be treated,” he said. “I think that’s something that I’ll always carry with me.”

RELATED: The Biggest Way Bindi Irwin Has Honored Her Father Steve Irwin, 17 Years After His Death

Robert Irwin expressed in an interview with Esquire that his primary ambition in life is to make his father Steve proud. “I hope in every aspect of my life that I can make him proud, and make sure that his message never dies,” Robert explained. “I want to have an even bigger voice to make sure that that message never dies.”

Robert Irwin reveals that he is grateful that most of his father’s works are documented

According to Robert, he considers himself fortunate to have a lot of footage of his father captured on video or film. He expressed that whenever he begins to forget certain moments or details about his dad, he can always look back on this old footage to remember. “It completely sparks these memories. I’ll go, ‘I remember that moment, I remember when we were there!’ And I feel very lucky.”

The teenager revealed that he and his sister, Bindi Irwin, indulged themselves in watching their late dad’s documentary instead of watching cartoons and other TV programs. “Especially when I was younger. I remember, actually, every day, every morning, before school, this was what I was really doing.” Robert said. “I absolutely loved that so much and it really made me feel close to him.”