Robert Irwin Perfectly Re-creates Late ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Father’s Likeness in Photo Cuddling a Koala

Getty Images | Australia Zoo

Robert Irwin, the teenage son of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, has posted a photo on social media bearing an uncanny resemblance to one taken of his father from the early 2000s. Robert has seemingly inherited both Steve’s love for wildlife and his expert handling skills, and millions are astounded by the physical similarity between them.

In Robert’s photo, posted to Instagram on Feb. 10, 2020, the teen cradles a koala, burying his head in the creature’s soft fur while smiling warmly.

The 16-year-old wildlife advocate prompted countless double-takes from netizens unable to believe that the uncanny likeness was, in fact, Robert and not his late father. Steve passed away in 2006 from a stingray strike while filming a documentary about marine wildlife.

He was just 44 years old. Robert was a toddler when he lost his father.

Eagle-eyed netizens quickly noticed that Robert’s koala selfie looked astonishingly similar to a famous picture taken of Steve holding a baby alligator at the San Francisco Zoo on June 26, 2002. In this photo, Steve is cradling the baby alligator in much the same way as Robert cradles the koala, head tilted to one side and smiling; the likeness is undeniable.

Steve Irwin poses with a 3-foot-long alligator at the San Francisco Zoo on June 26, 2002. ©Getty Images | Justin Sullivan

Responding to Robert on social media, many Irwin family fans expressed shock and delight at the famous father and son’s extraordinary resemblance. “You look just like your dad,” wrote one netizen, as per Bored Panda. “He is smiling down and very proud of you!”

“You inherited your father’s looks, but I see you have also inherited his kind, gentle, and loving heart,” added another.

Just weeks before Robert’s uncanny social media post, Australia Zoo had taken to Facebook to share another throwback photo of their founder, Steve, holding a small koala in his arms. In comparing these photos, many felt it was clear to see that both father and son share the same dusty blond hair, earnest smile, and affinity for living creatures.

“We all have a soft spot for koalas,” Australia Zoo wrote beside their throwback photo of Steve. “Steve and Terri opened the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital in 2004 to treat sick, injured, and orphaned animals. Since then we have treated over 90,000 animals, including an average of 800 koalas per year.”

“Thanks to your generous support,” they signed off, “we are able to continue Steve’s dream of giving wildlife a second chance at life.”

Steve Irwin poses with his young son, Robert, at Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Australia, on Aug. 2, 2006 ©Getty Images | Australia Zoo

Robert’s social media post on Feb. 10 was not the first time that one of the teen’s pictures has prompted double-takes. In July 2019, Robert posted a side-by-side photo comparison, one with his father feeding a crocodile named Murray, and the other with Robert feeding the very same crocodile, 15 years later.

The side-by-sides, later shared online by People, garnered over 700,000 “likes” on Instagram.

Robert, Bindi, and Terri Irwin view a statue of the Irwin family unveiled during "Steve Irwin Memorial Day" at Australia Zoo on Nov. 15, 2007. ©Getty Images | Bradley Kanaris

Robert, born on Dec. 1, 2003, may be only 16 years of age yet has already committed to living the life of a bonafide “Wildlife Warrior,” just like his father.

He contributes to the work of the Irwin family’s Australia Zoo in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast with his sister, Bindi, and their mother, Terri. Robert is also a popular, regular guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” usually with a few furry, feathered, or scaled friends by his side, and he stars in the Animal Planet series “Crikey! It’s the Irwins” alongside his mom and sister.

Robert is also a budding wildlife photographer. The fruits of his labor, much like his uncanny koala selfie, are already bringing joy to followers around the globe.