Ten years after Steve Irwin was killed, his son Robert has made his solo television debut, and proved a hit with US audiences.
The 13-year-old delighted viewers and Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, on Friday night in New York as he introduced the nervous presenter to a dwarf crocodile, an armadillo, a baby sloth and a boa constrictor.
Dressed in khakis and with his blond hair cut short, Robert was relaxed and confident with both the host and the live studio audience.
He spoke passionately about his life at Australia Zoo, prompting Fallon to quip: "It's so cool to see you like this – you're your dad!"
He said "it's in my blood", adding: "I am the luckiest kid on the planet."
As Robert gets ready for @FallonTonight , remembering Dad filming The Tonight Show with Jay Leno & @russellcrowe #BestMemories pic.twitter.com/uKCY6uQzUL— Bindi Irwin (@BindiIrwin) February 16, 2017
He promised to help Fallon overcome his fear of animals by letting him cuddle and feed a huge sloth named 'Serenity'.
Following his appearance, proud sister Bindi shared a photo of her brother alongside a similar photo of her father when he appeared on The Tonight Show and wrapped an enormous snake around then host Jay Leno.
Tears in my eyes.
So proud of Robert tonight
Robert, you are more and more like Dad every day.
I'm forever thankful to be your sister. pic.twitter.com/XE0qcbcAIY— Bindi Irwin (@BindiIrwin) February 17, 2017
"Robert, you are more and more like Dad every day. I'm forever thankful to be your sister," she tweeted.
Fairfax Media
