Robert Irwin has become one of the most recognized young conservationists in the world, carrying forward the extraordinary legacy of his late father, Steve Irwin. Known as the “Crocodile Hunter,” Steve introduced millions to the beauty of wildlife, and Robert has followed in his footsteps while building his own career as a photographer, television personality, and zookeeper. At just 21 years old, Robert Irwin has already amassed a net worth of $5 million, with his fortune built from media appearances, photography, conservation work, and his family’s Australia Zoo holdings.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Robert Clarence Irwin was born on December 1, 2003, in Buderim, Queensland, Australia, to Steve and Terri Irwin. His family lived and worked at the Australia Zoo, the wildlife park founded by his grandparents Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970. Robert grew up alongside his sister Bindi Irwin, and both were immersed in the world of animals from the beginning.
Robert was only two years old when tragedy struck. His father, Steve, died in September 2006 while filming an underwater documentary after being struck by a stingray. The loss left the family devastated, but Robert, Bindi, and their mother Terri committed themselves to continuing Steve’s mission of global wildlife conservation.
Because of his dual heritage—an Australian father and an American mother—Robert holds dual citizenship. From his earliest days, he was in the public eye, even appearing on his father’s show The Crocodile Hunter. Famously, Steve once carried infant Robert into a crocodile enclosure, sparking international headlines and leading to changes in Queensland’s animal-handling laws.
Building a Career in Television and Conservation
Despite losing his father at a young age, Robert grew up to mirror his dad’s charisma and passion for animals. Along with his family, he became a central figure at Australia Zoo, appearing regularly on the television series Crikey! It’s the Irwins, which follows the family’s conservation work.
Robert’s first independent project came in 2013, when he co-authored the children’s book series Dinosaur Hunter. That same year, he received a Logie Award nomination for Most Popular New Male Talent after appearing in Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors. He later hosted Wild But True on Discovery Kids, a show that went on to earn an International Emmy nomination.
Over the years, Robert has appeared on several television programs, including multiple guest spots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he delighted audiences by showcasing animals from the zoo. He has since become a frequent ambassador for Australian wildlife and a familiar face on international TV.
A Passion for Photography
One area where Robert has established his own unique identity is in wildlife photography. His images have been displayed in galleries and published in magazines, raising awareness about the importance of conservation.
In 2016, Robert was the runner-up in the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition’s junior category. Since then, he has earned further recognition, including winning the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award. His work is sold as high-quality prints, with proceeds often supporting conservation projects.
Photography has not only allowed Robert to share wildlife stories in a new way but has also become a significant source of his personal income.
Australia Zoo and the Irwin Estate
Robert’s financial security is closely tied to the Irwin family’s most important asset: the Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland. The zoo spans 750 acres and remains the crown jewel of Steve Irwin’s legacy.
After Steve’s death, Terri revealed that the family faced serious financial difficulties, as Steve had reinvested nearly all of his earnings into conservation projects and the zoo itself. She kept the zoo afloat by selling non-essential properties, such as a luxury waterfront home in Minyama and a rural Peachester parcel. However, she held on to major conservation sites like the 135,000-hectare Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Cape York and a 118,000-acre sanctuary in the Brigalow Belt.
According to a 2024 Australian Financial Review profile, the Irwins’ landholdings in Queensland are now conservatively valued at $25 million. Upon Terri’s passing, both Robert and Bindi are set to inherit control of the zoo, ensuring that the family’s legacy will remain intact for future generations.
Robert Irwin’s Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, Robert Irwin’s personal net worth is estimated at $5 million. His wealth comes from multiple sources, including:
- Television appearances on Crikey! It’s the Irwins and other international programs.
- Book royalties from his Dinosaur Hunter series.
- Wildlife photography sales and international exhibitions.
- Conservation ambassador roles and speaking engagements.
Robert’s age, global following, and family legacy position him for continued financial growth. His ability to engage audiences worldwide, coupled with his business ventures tied to the zoo and photography, ensure that his net worth will likely rise in the coming years.
Personal Life
Like his sister Bindi, Robert’s personal life has been followed closely by the media. Since 2022, he has been in a relationship with Rorie Buckey, the niece of the late Hollywood actor Heath Ledger. The couple confirmed their relationship in 2023, and they have made several public appearances together.
Robert has also been linked to a few other names in the past, including Emmy Perry and Ashleigh Scully, but he has generally kept his private life out of the spotlight.
Legacy and Future
At just 21, Robert Irwin has already made a global impact as a conservationist and wildlife photographer. With a net worth of $5 million, deep family ties to the Australia Zoo, and international recognition, he is well on his way to continuing his father’s legacy while also building his own.
He represents the next generation of wildlife advocates—balancing television fame, conservation work, and creative pursuits. Much like Steve Irwin did for his generation, Robert is inspiring millions of young people to respect nature, protect endangered species, and appreciate the natural world.
Conclusion
Robert Irwin may have inherited his passion for wildlife from his father, but his career is uniquely his own. From television to photography and conservation, he has become a respected figure and a symbol of youthful commitment to protecting nature. With his family’s land valued at tens of millions and his own net worth at $5 million, Robert’s future looks secure both financially and professionally. Above all, he remains a dedicated conservationist ensuring that the Irwin name continues to stand for wildlife preservation around the globe.
