Sydney, Australia – Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin was deeply moved when he saw the wax figure of his late father, Steve Irwin, for the first time at Madame Tussauds in Sydney. The unveiling took place during the debut of Robert’s own wax figure at the popular tourist attraction.
Robert, who follows in his father’s footsteps as a conservationist and zookeeper, expressed his emotions upon seeing Steve’s lifelike sculpture. Fighting back tears, the 20-year-old shared that it was a surreal experience to see his father represented in such a realistic manner.
Steve Irwin, known as the “Crocodile Hunter,” tragically passed away in 2006 after an encounter with a stingray when Robert was just 2 years old. Today, Robert works alongside his older sister, Bindi, at the Australia Zoo, a facility founded by their parents.
During an appearance on the Australian morning show “Sunrise,” Robert described the moment of seeing his father’s wax figure as one of the most profound experiences of his life. He expressed gratitude for being able to continue his father’s legacy and acknowledged the emotional impact of seeing Steve’s figure in person.
In addition to being immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds, Robert was recently honored as a global ambassador for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize. The Earthshot Prize is a global initiative aimed at addressing major environmental challenges on a worldwide scale.
Reflecting on the unveiling of his wax figure in the presence of his father’s statue, Robert shared that the moment was overwhelming but filled with a sense of purpose. He emphasized the importance of carrying on Steve’s legacy and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be recognized for his contributions to conservation efforts.
As Robert continues to make strides in wildlife preservation and environmental advocacy, his presence at Madame Tussauds alongside his father’s figure serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of the Irwin family’s dedication to protecting and preserving the natural world. Through their work and legacy, the Irwins inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps and make a difference in the world of conservation.