A tearful Robert Irwin, 16, reveals he is ‘heartbroken’ by the devastating injuries suffered by animals in the Australian bushfires during a live TV interview
He has spent his life dedicated to animal conservation.
And Robert Irwin – the 16-year-old son of late ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin – became emotional on Monday while discussing how the Australian bushfires have affected native wildlife.
Appearing on Sunrise alongside his mother, Terri, the teenager fought back tears as he described the injuries sustained by animals due to the fires.
Robert was visibly anguished as he spoke about animals suffering smoke inhalation and burns, as well as creatures being hit by cars while escaping the flames.
‘It’s definitely an ongoing issue and we’re just trying to do our best to help in any way we can. But it’s a pretty tough situation,’ the award-winning wildlife photographer said.
‘We’re absolutely heartbroken’: Robert Irwin, 16, choked back tears as he and mother Terri appeared on Monday’s Sunrise to reveal the devastating injuries suffered by bushfire-affected wildlife
‘We’re absolutely heartbroken,’ added Robert, his voice wavering.
Last week, Robert’s sister Bindi, 21, shared an emotional message about bushfire crisis via Instagram.
‘With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much,’ Bindi wrote next to a photo of her late grandmother Lyn and father Steve.
Anguished: Robert was visibly anguished as he spoke about animals suffering smoke inhalation and burns, as well as creatures being hit by cars while escaping the flames
Legacy: Despite being just 16 years old, Robert has continued his late father Steve’s legacy by working as a wildlife conservationalist at Australia Zoo
‘I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE. There are no fires near us @AustraliaZoo or our conservation properties,’ she added.
Bindi, who is engaged to former professional wakeboarder Chandler Powell, 23, said that the wildlife hospital is ‘busier than ever’ due to the fires.
‘Our Wildlife Hospital is busier than ever though, having officially treated over 90,000 patients.’
She finished: ‘My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother. We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can.’
‘My heart breaks’: Bindi (pictured bottom right) called the Australian bushfire crisis ‘devastating’ on Thursday and vowed to carry on the work of her late grandmother and father Steve (both pictured) to save as many animals as she can