Steve Irwin fans have made a plea for his teenage son, Robert, to launch his own television series after he brought his favourite creatures to a US chat show.
Robert, 13, delighted the New York City audience on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show as he introduced the nervous presenter to Beetlejuice the African dwarf crocodile, Micky the screaming armadillo, Lady the red-tailed boa constrictor and Valentino the baby sloth.
Robert Irwin, 13-year-old son of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, introduces Jimmy to a few animals: https://t.co/MfCO2SeEPy pic.twitter.com/ciNvc0HSrp
— Fallon Tonight (@FallonTonight) February 18, 2017
“It’s in my blood,” said Robert, whose bright blonde hair and traditional explorer’s khakis made for an uncanny resemblance to his late father, the famous wildlife enthusiast who died in 2006 after being pierced in the chest with a stingray barb.“I’m the luckiest kid on the planet.”He spoke so passionately about his life at Australia Zoo that Jimmy said: “It’s so cool to see you like this – you’re your dad!”Viewers equally infected by Robert’s adoration for his animals suggested it was about time the teenager had his own television programme.
Robert Irwin is incredible. He's a mini Steve. https://t.co/WpmAHBNX8r via @YouTube.
— Lewis Hunt (@LewwHunt) February 18, 2017
One thing I want to see in the future is Robert Irwin getting his own show on Animal planet an continuing the legacy of the Crocodile hunter
— Mason Maze (@MasonMaze) February 18, 2017
Give Robert Irwin his own TV show. Right now.
— Eric Rose (@ericrose1313) February 18, 2017
Robert Irwin, you'd make your dad so proud! & You make those of us who loved him so hopeful. https://t.co/AVjMOpKlCq
— Elizabeth Tapanes (@LizTapanes) February 18, 2017
Robert Irwin on @FallonTonight is what the world needs right now! #FallonTonight
— AGJ! (@ArmandoGJR) February 17, 2017
Loved Robert Irwin on the tonight show. Total clone of his dad, Steve! #crochunter
— Matthew Ballman (@mjballman20) February 18, 2017
According to E! News, it was the teen’s solo debut on the NBC show years after his father made a similar appearance, wrapping an enormous snake around presenter Jay Leno.
He promised to help Jimmy “overcome his fear” of animals by letting him cuddle and feed 25lb sloth Serenity and officially naming him the nation’s sloth-whisperer.
Jimmy said: “I love this, I love you, thank you for bringing all these fun animals, what a treat.”