Continuing the Irwin Legacy: Robert Irwin Hatches First Irwin’s Turtle in Captivity
Robert Irwin, the son of the late Australian conservationist and television personality Steve Irwin, is following in his father’s footsteps as a conservationist and wildlife advocate. Recently, Robert celebrated the birth of the first-ever Irwin’s turtle hatched in captivity—an incredible achievement in the world of wildlife conservation.
The Irwin’s turtle, known as Elseya irwini, was discovered by Steve Irwin himself in 1990, and it was named in his honor. Unfortunately, the species is endangered due to the construction of the Burdekin Dam, which has caused significant damage to their specialized habitat. However, Robert is determined to give these remarkable creatures a fighting chance.
In a heartwarming video shared by Robert Irwin, he can be seen cradling a baby Irwin’s turtle at Australia Zoo in Queensland. Overwhelmed with joy, he expressed, “This is one of the highlights of my entire life, one of the most special moments ever for Australia Zoo. This is the very first Elseya irwini, Irwin’s turtle, ever hatched for any zoological facility anywhere in the world.”
Saving a Unique Species
Elseya irwini, also affectionately known as the “bum-breather,” has a rare ability to breathe underwater through its cloaca. Steve Irwin’s discovery of this species during a crocodile-catching trip on the Burdekin River shocked the world of zoology, as it had been previously unknown until that moment. Steve Irwin’s tragic passing in 2006, at the age of 44, left a void in the hearts of fans worldwide, but his noble legacy lives on through his family.
Robert was only three years old when his father tragically died, but that hasn’t deterred him from pursuing his father’s mission. In a touching tribute, he wrote, “I think Dad would be pretty proud that we’ve become the first to successfully breed the turtle that he discovered. A rare and unique species under threat in the wild has just been given a second chance.”
A Tragic Loss, an Unforgettable Legacy
In 2006, while shooting a documentary called “Ocean’s Deadliest,” Steve Irwin and his longtime cameraman Justin Lyons encountered a massive stingray at the Great Barrier Reef. In a fateful moment, Irwin found himself fatally pierced by the stingray’s tail. Despite Lyons’ efforts to save him, Irwin tragically passed away, leaving behind his wife and cohost, Terri Irwin, and their two children, Bindi and Robert.
Steve Irwin’s love for animals and unwavering dedication to their conservation have left an indelible mark on the world. The Crocodile Hunter’s impact is felt to this day, as his children continue to carry his torch by inspiring and educating others about wildlife and the environment through their own endeavors.
“Dad Would Be Stoked”
The successful breeding of the Irwin’s turtle by Robert Irwin is a testament to the Irwin family’s commitment to wildlife conservation and Steve Irwin’s enduring legacy. As Robert expressed in the video showcasing the newly-hatched turtle, “Dad would be stoked.”