'DWTS', Robert Irwin Lost Dad, Steve At 2 To Stingray Attack, Here's Why He Still Doesn't Hate Them

Dancing with the Stars Season 34 has shown a never-before-seen side of Australian zookeeper and environmentalist, Robert Irwin. He had been seen as a lively, energetic animal whisperer, tackling crocodiles and swimming with sharks. However, since competing in DWTS, Robert has won hearts by showing that he is not shy of being vulnerable. Robert has always stated that he owes his sensitivities to his late father, Steve Irwin, who passed away from a stingray attack. However, Robert and his sister still love the animal, and here's why. 

Robert Irwin lost his father, Steve Irwin, to a stingray attack when he was only two years old 

Steve Irwin was an iconic figure known as the 'Crocodile Hunter'. However, despite this moniker, Steve was an environmentalist, conservationist, and educated people on wildlife. He and his wife, Terri, founded the Australia Zoo and passed down their love for the environment to their children, Bindi and Robert. However, his love for the wildlife cost Steve his life at the age of 44. 

Steve Irwin was filming for the documentary, Ocean's Deadliest, when a short-tailed stingray pierced his chest with its barb. The tail pierced his chest cavity, and Steve went into massive trauma. He was reportedly administered CPR immediately, but was pronounced dead. Steve Irwin died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44. Robert was only two years old when he lost his father, and his older sister, Bindi was nearly 7. It is believed that Steve's death is the only stingray attack death caught on camera. Hence, this shocking death of the beloved zookeeper was met with a lot of shock and mourning, not only in Australia but around the world. 

Robert Irwin and Bindi Irwin still do not hate stingrays after losing father, Steve Irwin

Despite being dealt a massive and irreparable loss in their life, Robert and Bindi do not blame stingrays or hate the species for their father's death. The reason is that Steve himself loved animals and never faulted them for hurting him while working in the zoo. Some things are in their nature and instincts. In an interview with Larry King, Bindi also shared that she and Robert love stingrays, and their dad had too. Robert agreed with her. She was quoted as saying:

"Honestly, I don't have any bitterness towards stingrays. It was a crazy accident that happened. And stingrays are really beautiful animals. Dad loved them, we love them and they are important to our environment. And I know dad would be the first person to say ‘I love stingrays'.”

Even Steve Irwin's wife, Terri, isn't scared about their son, Robert, encountering a stingray in the waters when he goes exploring, she shared with the Australian Women's Weekly. And the 'Crocodile Hunter's son also seems to have a love for marine life, such as crocodiles, sharks, and stingrays, as much as he did. Last year, in 2024, Robert shared photos of himself diving underwater with different marine life, especially with a manta ray. 

What are your thoughts on Robert Irwin still loving stingrays even after his father's fatal accident? 

Also Read: 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 34 Grand Finale Date And Time REVEALED, What's In Store?

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