Robert Irwin’s Close Encounter with a Crocodile

Robert Irwin recently shared a harrowing experience involving a crocodile during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The 22-year-old conservationist recounted a frightening moment from his childhood when a 14-foot alligator, humorously named Jimmy Fallon, “rolled him to death.”

“He’s a big guy now,” Robert noted. “I named him Jimmy Fallon years ago, and now he’s what we call a bos alligator.” The goal of their research is to find better ways to protect alligators in the wild, and interestingly enough, Robert shared his father’s method: jumping on the alligator.

In the midst of telling his story, he explained, “I jumped on him. I kid you not, a 14-foot alligator, death rolling me over.” He added, “My arms were stuck underneath him while he weighed about 700 pounds. I just thought, ‘What do I do?’ Luckily, he rolled off me eventually.” He seemed to have mixed feelings about the experience, calling the alligator “enthusiastic.”

Robert Irwin is the son of the late Steve Irwin, famously known as “The Crocodile Hunter.” Steve dedicated his life to environmental advocacy and teaching people to respect wildlife. Tragically, he passed away in 2006 due to an accident while filming, leaving Robert and his sister Bindi to continue that mission along with their mother, Terry, at Queensland’s Australia Zoo.

Reflecting on his legacy, Robert mentioned, “It has been the honor of my life to carry on this legacy.” He recently shared a reel featuring nostalgic footage of himself and his father, emphasizing his desire to make his dad proud. “Behind everything I do is the conservation mission that my father started,” he remarked.

Both Robert and Bindi have made a splash in the entertainment world, winning on “Dancing with the Stars.” While Bindi took home the Mirror Ball Trophy in 2015, Robert joined the competition later and also claimed victory with his partner, Whitney Carson, in fall 2025.

Reflecting on his experience, Robert said, “When I came from Australia, I didn’t know what to expect. I was surprised by how supportive America has been. It means so much to me because what I represent goes beyond just dance.” In conversations about his journey, he expressed gratitude for being brought back each week to showcase his cause.

“When I walk into a ballroom, I represent the legacy my father left behind,” Robert said, adding that he strives to be a role model for young individuals and to spread positivity and passion through his efforts.