Robert Irwin is remembering his dad.
On Sunday, Feb. 23, the Australian TV presenter, 21, appeared on an episode of the Australian talk showThe Project, where he opened up about his earliest memory of his late father, Steve Irwin.
“Every morning, it didn’t matter rain, hail or shine, he’d load up Bindi [Irwin, Robert’s sister] and I on the front of his motorbike and we’d go rip around the Zoo and get ice cream,” Robert said.
He continued, “So I just remember being on the front of the motorbike covered in ice cream just loving life.”
Robert’s father died at age 44 on Sept. 4, 2006, after being attacked by a stingray while snorkeling and filming in the Batt Reef off the coast of Australia.
In addition to Robert, he shared Bindi, 26, with his wife Terri Irwin, whom he was married to from 1992 until his death.
Robert Irwin as a child with his late dad Steve Irwin.
Newspix/Getty
Celebrating what would have been Steve’s 63rd birthday on Feb. 22, Robert spoke about his father’s legacy during his appearance on The Project.
“It was his birthday yesterday, what would have been his birthday, and it’s always amazing to me to see the global reaction and impact that dad has till this day,” he said. “It’s very, very special.”
On Saturday, Feb. 22, Robert posted a tribute to his father on his own Instagram, writing, “Always my greatest inspiration.”
The post featured a throwback photo of Steve holding a crocodile while barefoot in a forest.
“So much love❤️,” Terri, 60, wrote underneath her son’s post in the comment section.
Bindi also shared a throwback photo of herself as a child kissing Steve on the cheek to mark the occasion.
Steve Irwin, with his wife Terri Irwin, daughter Bindi Irwin, and son Robert Irwin.
Newspix/Getty
“Happy Birthday, Dad. To the world, you will forever be remembered as the greatest Wildlife Warrior,” she wrote. “To me, you’ll always be the most incredible dad and now our family’s guiding light. I love you and I miss you every day.”
Adding a second photo of herself and her father on her Instagram Stories, she added: “Happy Birthday, Dad.”
