How Old Is Robert Irwin? The Crocodile Hunter Heir Just Turned 21 and Drops Major Single Status Revelation

How old is Robert Irwin takes on new meaning now that the Crocodile Hunter heir has officially turned 21 years old. The Australian conservationist marked his milestone birthday with emotional tributes to his late father, and this week he made significant disclosures about his relationship status that have fans talking. The wildlife photographer confirms he’s single and opens up about the unique challenges of dating in the public eye.

The Crocodile Hunter Heir Reaches Adult Milestone

Robert Irwin hit a major milestone on November 30, 2024, celebrating his 21st birthday. The wildlife conservationist marked the occasion in typically heartfelt fashion, sharing throwback photos of his late father Steve Irwin from his own 21st birthday years ago. In his birthday post, Robert reflected on the difficulty of celebrating without his father present, stating it can be “hard to celebrate the milestones when there’s someone missing.”

The young conservationist emphasized that he will carry his father’s memory and passion forward in his work. As a wildlife photographer, nature presenter, and zookeeper, Robert continues the family’s conservation legacy through his work at Australia Zoo. His sister Bindi Irwin, now 26, also honored their father during the February milestone, showing the family’s enduring commitment to remembering Steve Irwin’s contributions to wildlife awareness.

Robert Irwin Confirms Single Status and Dating Struggles

In a candid interview published November 23, 2025 with The New York Times, the 21-year-old confirmed what fans have been wondering: he is currently single. Robert opened up about the unique pressures of navigating romance as a public figure, revealing that dating in the spotlight presents significant challenges. “Holy moly, that’s so challenging to navigate,” he stated, explaining that anything you do will be on TikTok the next day.

Despite the pressure, Robert emphasized that he has no persona to hide behind and remains true to himself regardless of where he is. He explained, “I never change what I say, what I do, who I am one bit, wherever I am.” The young conservationist has been vocal about waiting for the right person, previously telling People magazine in April 2025 that he is single and “so open to” finding love when the stars align.

Previous Relationship and Moving Forward

Robert previously dated Rorie Buckey, the niece of late actor Heath Ledger, for approximately two years before the couple announced their split in February 2024. The pair released a joint statement, confirming they had decided to end their relationship. According to reports, the couple felt they were on different life paths and wanted different things going forward.

Since the breakup, Robert has focused on his career and personal growth. He appears content with his single status while remaining open to future romance. The conservationist’s recent comments highlight the reality that public figures in the entertainment and social media space face distinct challenges when it comes to personal relationships.

Dancing with the Stars Competition Adds New Dimension

This season, Robert is competing on Dancing with the Stars season 34 alongside professional dancer Witney Carson. The 21-year-old has been transparent about his current status while navigating the show, which recently sparked dating speculation when he performed with Xochitl Gomez during a January retrospective dance. When asked about the performance, Robert focused purely on the dance itself, describing it as “so much fun” and highlighting the energy and passion he and Xochitl brought to the jive.

The Dancing with the Stars season 34 finale was scheduled for November 25, 2025, with Robert and Witney competing for the mirror ball trophy. Throughout his time on the competition show, Robert has demonstrated his commitment to the craft while maintaining his grounded personality, proving that he stands by who he is no matter the circumstances.

What Does the Future Hold for the Wildlife Warrior?

As Robert Irwin moves forward into his twenties, his priorities remain centered on wildlife conservation and honoring his father’s legacy. The Australian conservationist regularly finds peace through surfing, which he describes as his “meditation,” and he dedicates himself to raising awareness about wildlife through photography expeditions and television work. He and his family—including his mother Terri Irwin and sister Bindi Irwin—continue to operate Australia Zoo and support conservation projects through Wildlife Warriors.

Regarding his romantic future, Robert remains optimistic but patient. His recent candid interview about the challenges of dating in the spotlight shows a maturity beyond his years. Whether or not he finds love on television screens is secondary to his mission of protecting wildlife and inspiring others through his work as a photographer, conservationist, and TV presenter. For now, the 21-year-old Crocodile Hunter heir is single, focused, and determined to make his mark on the world in his own unique way.

Sources

• E! Online – Robert Irwin’s candid interview about dating challenges in public eye
• The New York Times – Exclusive November 2025 interview with Robert Irwin
• People Magazine – Robert Irwin’s relationship status confirmation and dating goals

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.