Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old Australian conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, has recently taken the internet by storm. On April 3, 2025, he became a trending sensation after appearing in a bold advertising campaign for Bonds, an iconic Australian clothing brand celebrating its expansion into the U.S. market. The campaign, titled Made for Down Under, featured Robert posing confidently with native wildlife—including a snake draped around his neck and a spider resting on his shoulder—dressed only in underwear.
Social media users reacted instantly and passionately to the striking images, flooding platforms with humorous and admiring comments. From “Put me in that zoo now!” to “What a charming gentleman,” Robert’s sudden transformation from eco-warrior to fashion icon left many stunned. But this surprising campaign was more than just a marketing win for Bonds—it also sparked renewed interest in Robert’s work as a dedicated environmentalist.
The very next day, Robert returned to his usual khaki attire for a virtual call with Prince William and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha. During the video conference, the Prince of Wales revealed that the next edition of the Earthshot Prize—a global environmental award he founded—would be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November 2025. Overjoyed, Robert responded enthusiastically, “That’s incredible! When it comes to habitat preservation and biodiversity, it’s the first place that comes to mind.”
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Robert’s participation in the Earthshot Prize reflects his growing international presence in environmental activism. The prize, launched in 2020 by Prince William, aims to discover and scale innovative solutions to the planet’s greatest ecological challenges. Robert, now one of the award’s ambassadors, is honored to contribute. He believes this milestone will mark an important point in what he calls a “decade of change.”
Born on December 1, 2003, in Buderim, Queensland, Robert was raised amidst wildlife and conservation efforts. He is the son of Terri Irwin and the legendary Steve Irwin, better known as the “Crocodile Hunter.” Tragically, Robert was just two years old when Steve died in 2006 after a stingray incident while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. Despite the loss, Robert and his sister Bindi continued their father’s legacy, being homeschooled within the Australia Zoo, where they still live and work.
The Irwin family owns and operates the Australia Zoo and runs a non-profit called Wildlife Warriors, which supports global conservation projects. Robert, deeply passionate about wildlife photography, uses his art to raise awareness and funds for environmental causes.
In 2018, Robert met then-Prince Charles, now King Charles III, during a royal visit to Lady Elliot Island. It was a defining moment in Robert’s youth. Years later, his collaboration with Prince William through the Earthshot Prize feels like a natural continuation of his father’s legacy.
In an interview with The Telegraph in 2023, Robert recalled his first encounter with the Earthshot Prize. “When I heard about it, I thought, wow. It’s not just doom and gloom anymore. It’s hope. It’s action,” he said. “Being a part of Earthshot lets me continue my dad’s legacy in a new, powerful way.” He added that his father would have loved engaging in passionate conversations about conservation with Prince William.
Although Robert is currently trending for his striking looks in the Bonds campaign, his commitment to conservation remains central to his identity. The attention may have introduced him to new audiences, but he’s using the moment to highlight the issues he cares about most: protecting wildlife, supporting sustainable development, and continuing his father’s lifelong mission.
Robert Irwin is more than a viral heartthrob—he’s a passionate advocate for nature, a bridge between royal-led global initiatives and grassroots environmentalism, and a powerful voice for the planet’s future.
This article is originally published on pointdevue.
