Robert Irwin turned 21 on the last day of November, and amid the celebration, it was a time of sober reflection from the wildlife conservationist. He admitted that he has yet to get over the death of his father, Steve Irwin, who died on the job from a stingray attack off the coast of Queensland in Australia.
Robert was only 3 when the tragic event happened and has grown up committed to continuing his late father’s legacy. He conceded that his life would never be complete without Steve, even if his mother, Terri, had done well in parenting him alone ever since his death.
Robert Irwin makes a birthday post in tribute to his late father
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Robert shared a photo of Steve from his 21st birthday, featuring a large cake with lit candles in front of him. “Today I turn 21…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,” he wrote.
The birthday boy acknowledged his amazing family, including Terri and his older sister Bindi. “Time to celebrate!” he exclaimed. This came right after Robert shared his throwback as a 2-year-old and thanked fans for their wishes.
Fans encourage Robert Irwin as he turns 21
Fans were touched by Robert’s emotional note as Steve’s death shook millions of people around the world. “Keep up the amazing work you’re doing out there, Robert. Yes, your dad would be the proudest man on earth,” someone wrote, assuring Robert.
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They even reminded him about events he was unaware of as a baby, including when people thought Steve was going to feed him to a crocodile in 2004. Robert was only one month old when Steve took him to feed a big croc during a live show on Australia Zoo.