Robert Irwin channels his late dad Steve Irwin as he wrestles a massive crocodile

Robert Irwin went face to face with a giant crocodile at the family’s zoo – and appears to have inherited his famous father’s fearlessness. 

The 15-year-old channeled his late dad – Steve Irwin – while wrestling Bosco, the giant saltwater croc, at Australia Zoo in Queensland. 

The nail-biting moment was featured on Crikey! It’s the Irwins, as the family prepared for its 50th birthday celebration earlier this month.

The zoo’s famous crocodile environmental park was undergoing renovations, meaning Robert was faced with the daunting task of having to remove the massive reptiles from their enclosures.  

The dangerous procedure involved the team luring giant gators and crocs out of the water, wrangling them, and taking them to a temporary holding area.  

Robert Irwin emulated  late Steve Irwin while wrestling Bosco, the giant saltwater croc, at the family’s zoo 

Steve Irwin was famously known as the 'Crocodile Hunter' - taking part in dangerous stunts with reptiles. He died in 2006

Steve Irwin was famously known as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ – taking part in dangerous stunts with reptiles. He died in 2006 

Although wrangling crocodiles was a regular pastime for Steve Irwin, mum Terri and sister Bindi couldn’t help but watch nervously as Robert tackled the huge reptile.

‘This is actually a really big moment for me personally, because this is the biggest croc I’ve ever had jumped and it’s all about timing,’ the teen said. 

After zookeepers lured Bosco out of his home, Robert and the team prepared for action. 

The young wildlife conservationist led the group of six men as they jumped on the croc on his call.  

‘Even though we’ve got all these people on him, we’re holding him down and using all of our strength, he could still give us a go,’ he said while pinning down the animal.  

The team quickly tied and taped up Bosco’s jaws before successfully transferring him into a holding box.    

Robert was faced with the daunting task of having to remove the massive reptiles from their enclosures as the zoo's famous crocodile environmental park prepared for renovations

Robert was faced with the daunting task of having to remove the massive reptiles from their enclosures as the zoo’s famous crocodile environmental park prepared for renovations

The young wildlife conservationist led the group of six men as they jumped on the croc on his call

The young wildlife conservationist led the group of six men as they jumped on the croc on his call

Viewers were quick to point out how the boy, who turns just 16 next month, heavily resembles his father and had clearly inherited his skill and passion for handling wildlife. 

‘Robert is the very image of his Dad with the same enthusiasm and happy nature. Wonderful. Steve would be so proud of both Robert and Bindi,’ one sure said.    

Last week, Robert stunned viewers again while swimming with a python for the first time

Last week, Robert stunned viewers again while swimming with a python for the first time

‘He’s the spitting image of his father. I know Steve is smiling down on his son,’ said another.  

‘Man, I still can’t get over the fact that Steve is not with us anymore. Still makes me so sad about it.

‘God bless the Irwins. Robert is doing so Steve in the heaven so proud,’ another person commented. 

Last week, Robert stunned viewers again while swimming with a giant python for the first time. 

Viewers were quick to point out how the boy, who turns just 16 next month, heavily resembles his father - in addition to inheriting his skill and passion for handling wildlife

Viewers were quick to point out how the boy, who turns just 16 next month, heavily resembles his father – in addition to inheriting his skill and passion for handling wildlife

Irwin is survived by wife Terri, daughter Bindi, 21, and Robert, who are now following in his footsteps at the Australia Zoo

Irwin is survived by wife Terri, daughter Bindi, 21, and Robert, who are now following in his footsteps at the Australia Zoo

‘Man he looked just like his dad, when he was swimming underwater. Major nostalgic vibes,’ one person said. 

‘My god, does Robert ever look even more like Steve when he dives underwater. Love the Irwins forever,’ said another. 

Steve Irwin, famously known as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’, tragically died from fatal stingray barb to the heart while filming footage for his daughter’s show in Batt Reef in 2006. He was 44 years old.  

He is survived by wife Terri, daughter Bindi, 21, and Robert, who are now following in his footsteps at the Australia Zoo.  

  

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