Robert Irwin: Age, Net Worth, Relationships, and Recent News

Robert Irwin’s two biggest recent headlines — a risqué dance and a confirmed breakup — are entirely separate events, yet they share one thing: public scrutiny of a young man stepping out of his father’s shadow. This article sorts through the facts, the rumors, and what’s next for Steve Irwin’s son.

Age: 20 (born 1 December 2003) ·
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) ·
Occupation: Conservationist, zookeeper, TV presenter ·
Father: Steve Irwin ·
Sister: Bindi Irwin ·
Home base: Australia Zoo, Queensland

Six facts that define Robert Irwin at a glance:

Is Robert Irwin in a relationship now?

As of early 2024, Robert Irwin is single. He dated Rorie Buckey from 2022 to late 2023, and the pair announced their breakup in a joint statement shared on social media in February 2024 (TODAY). The statement said they would “go separate ways” and wished each other well. Their last public appearance together was at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 25, 2024.

Who was Robert Irwin’s girlfriend?

Rorie Buckey, a social media influencer and swimwear model, dated Robert Irwin for more than a year. The couple kept their relationship relatively private, occasionally posting photos on Instagram. According to a Reddit post linking to entertainment coverage, the relationship lasted about two years (Reddit popculturechat).

Why did Robert and Rorie split?

The exact reason for the split has not been publicly confirmed. The joint statement emphasized mutual respect and a desire to focus on their individual paths. Neither party has elaborated further.

What did Robert Irwin have to apologize for?

In 2023, Robert Irwin participated in Dancing with the Stars Australia. During “TikTok Week,” he and professional dancer Witney Carson performed a salsa routine to Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby.” The performance included a shirtless moment that Irwin later apologized to his mother and sister for (Yahoo Lifestyle Australia).

What happened on Dancing with the Stars?

Irwin said he wanted to showcase “cool Robert” in the performance. He warned his mother Terri and sister Bindi that his shirt might come off, but he admitted they were not prepared for the rest of the routine. After the show, he told the media: “My whole family is in the audience, sorry about that.” Witney Carson later said she had “so many moments of doubt” after agreeing to the shirtless move, and joked that women had messaged her asking for introductions to Irwin.

Robert Irwin’s apology to his mother

The apology was made publicly on social media and in interviews. Irwin expressed regret for the risqué nature of the performance, acknowledging that his family was in the audience and that he felt embarrassed. The moment became a viral topic, but it did not harm his relationship with his family.

What happened to Robert Irwin?

Despite the occasional viral moment, Robert Irwin is doing well. He continues to work at Australia Zoo, appear on television, and serve as an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize. He also won Dancing with the Stars Australia in 2024, going into the final with a rib injury and receiving two perfect scores (RNZ).

Recent events in Robert Irwin’s life

• 2023: Participated in Dancing with the Stars Australia; shirtless performance led to apology.
• February 2024: Split with Rorie Buckey announced.
• 2024: Won Dancing with the Stars finale with 89 out of 90 points.
• 2024: Appointed Earthshot Prize ambassador.

Robert Irwin’s health and safety

No major incidents have been reported. Irwin remains active and healthy, though he competed in the DWTS finale with a rib injury. His conservation work at Australia Zoo involves handling wildlife, but he has not experienced any public accidents.

Is Robert Irwin a Nepo baby?

The term “nepo baby” refers to people who benefit from family connections in their careers. Robert Irwin is the son of the late Steve Irwin, a world-famous wildlife conservationist and television personality. He has undeniably leveraged his family name for opportunities, but he also works to build his own reputation in conservation.

Definition of nepo baby

The debate around Robert Irwin often centers on whether his career is primarily due to his father’s legacy. Critics point to his early television appearances on “Crikey! It’s the Irwins” and his role at Australia Zoo as examples of nepotism. Supporters argue that he has earned his place through hard work, photography skills, and authentic passion for wildlife.

Robert Irwin’s career path

Irwin made his first TV appearance in 2014 on the family show. Since then, he has developed his own style as a conservationist, photographer, and TV presenter. He has been recognized by the Earthshot Prize and has a growing social media following independent of his father’s legacy.

What is the age gap between Bindi and Robert Irwin?

Bindi Irwin was born on 24 July 1998, and Robert Irwin was born on 1 December 2003. The age gap is 5 years, 4 months, and 7 days. Bindi often calls Robert “Bob” or “Robby” as a nickname.

Bindi Irwin’s age

Bindi is currently 26 years old. She is a conservationist, TV personality, and the mother of a daughter named Grace Warrior.

Robert Irwin’s age

Robert is 20 years old. Despite being the younger sibling, he is often seen as the more reserved one, while Bindi is more outgoing.

Timeline of Robert Irwin’s life

• 1 December 2003: Robert Clarence Irwin born (Wikipedia).
• 4 September 2006: Father Steve Irwin dies.
• 2014: First TV appearance on “Crikey! It’s the Irwins.”
• 2022: Begins relationship with Rorie Buckey.
• 2023: Participates in Dancing with the Stars Australia; shirtless performance and apology (Yahoo Lifestyle Australia).
• Late 2023/Feb 2024: Split with Rorie Buckey announced (TODAY).
• 2024: Wins Dancing with the Stars; appointed Earthshot Prize ambassador (RNZ).

Clarity: What we know and what we don’t

Confirmed facts

• Robert Irwin’s birth date and height are publicly recorded (Wikipedia).
• He participated in Dancing with the Stars and apologized to his mother (Yahoo Lifestyle Australia).
• He split with Rorie Buckey in late 2023/early 2024 (TODAY).
• He won Dancing with the Stars in 2024 (RNZ).

What’s unclear or rumored

• Exact reason for the split with Rorie Buckey (not publicly confirmed).
• Current relationship status (presumed single, but not officially stated).
• Net worth — estimates vary widely, with no reliable source.
• Why Bob Irwin and the family are estranged (reasons not detailed).
• The amount Steve Irwin left in his will to Terri (reported $10 million but unconfirmed).

Quotes from Robert Irwin and others

“My whole family is in the audience, sorry about that.”

— Robert Irwin, after his shirtless DWTS performance (Yahoo Lifestyle Australia)

“I had so many moments of doubt after agreeing to the shirtless move.”

— Witney Carson, professional dancer (Yahoo Lifestyle Australia)

“We have decided to go separate ways and wish each other the very best.”

— Joint statement from Robert Irwin and Rorie Buckey (TODAY)

Robert Irwin’s journey is still unfolding. For the 20-year-old conservationist, the challenge is to step out of his father’s shadow while honoring the legacy. The recent media attention — from a shirtless dance to a breakup to a trophy win — shows he is navigating the spotlight with a mix of humility and determination. For the audience, the question is whether they will continue to see him as Steve Irwin’s son or as Robert Irwin in his own right. The answer is likely both.

Frequently asked questions