Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old son of the late Steve Irwin, has taken a bold step into the modeling world with a new underwear campaign for the Australian brand Bonds. The campaign, titled "Made for Down Under," features Irwin posing in nothing but his underwear while surrounded by a variety of reptiles, including snakes, a spider, and a lizard. This daring photoshoot has not only showcased Irwin's modeling talent but has also sparked a flurry of excitement and admiration from fans across social media.
Irwin, who has nearly 7 million followers on Instagram, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, "It was a pretty immediate yes" when asked to participate. In an interview with People, he elaborated, "I wish I could say I was very suave and cool about the whole thing, but I was like, ‘Yes! Let's do it!’ Because Bonds in Australia is an absolute icon." His excitement is palpable, as he embraces the opportunity to combine his passion for wildlife conservation with a fresh and adventurous experience.
While the images are certainly eye-catching, they also highlight Irwin's lifelong connection with wildlife. He remarked, "I've spent my life wrangling crocs and snakes and rescuing animals. And so to feature a little slice of that excitement in this new campaign, mate, it has been so much fun. I mean, I'm surrounded by spiders and snakes except [this time] I'm in my undies." Irwin's playful approach to the campaign is a testament to his upbringing and the legacy of his father, known as the "Crocodile Hunter." Steve Irwin's passion for wildlife conservation continues to inspire Robert in his endeavors.
In addition to showcasing his modeling skills, the campaign has prompted discussions about Irwin's personal life, particularly his relationship status. Currently single, he shared with People that he is open to finding love, saying, "I’m so open to that, but I’m just waiting for the stars to align." Interestingly, he mentioned that his parents and sister Bindi met their spouses at the Australia Zoo, hinting at a whimsical notion that he might find his future partner among the American tourists visiting the zoo. "I’m waiting for that American tourist to come into the zoo and for it all to happen!" he said, adding a hopeful and humorous touch to his outlook on romance.
Irwin's previous relationships have also been a topic of interest. He dated Rorie Buckley, the niece of late actor Heath Ledger, from November 2022 to February 2024. Their relationship was publicly acknowledged when they appeared together at the premiere of Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning in July 2023. However, the couple parted ways, citing the pressures of Irwin's demanding schedule and public life as contributing factors. His most recent romance with Charlotte Briggs, an Australia Zoo worker, began in July 2024 but ended in February 2025.
As Irwin embarks on this new chapter in his career, he reflects on the impact of his father’s legacy. In discussing his motivations, he stated, "My dad is and always will be my hero. He's my absolute hero, my inspiration through everything I do." Irwin aims to honor his father's memory by continuing to promote wildlife conservation, a cause that was at the heart of Steve Irwin's life and work. He believes that through his platform, he can inspire a new generation to appreciate and protect the natural world.
The reaction to Irwin's campaign has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing their admiration and excitement. Comments on social media have ranged from playful to supportive, with one fan humorously stating, "I watched your birth episode, and now you look like this?! God damn." Another fan remarked, "Brb, booking my flight right now," highlighting the campaign's impact on Irwin's fanbase.
Moreover, Irwin's commitment to fitness has played a role in preparing for the campaign. He shared that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is part of his everyday routine at the Australia Zoo, where he engages in various physical activities to keep fit. "I’ve got to stay pretty fit with all the crazy stuff I’m doing," he explained, noting that he enjoys running on the expansive 700 acres of the zoo.
As Bonds launches its campaign in the United States, the brand is excited to introduce Robert Irwin as its new ambassador. The campaign aims to celebrate Australia’s unique wildlife and promote the importance of conservation, aligning perfectly with Irwin's own values. Bonds expressed their vision, stating, "We want to exemplify what makes Australia so awesome. We’re so laid back, we’re so chill, but we’ve also got the best wildlife in the world."
Irwin's foray into modeling is not just a personal milestone but also a significant step in merging entertainment with wildlife advocacy. As he continues to navigate his career, Robert Irwin remains committed to honoring his father's legacy while carving out his own path in the world. The combination of his modeling endeavors and dedication to conservation paints a promising picture for the future of wildlife awareness and appreciation.
In a world where the lines between celebrity and activism often blur, Robert Irwin stands out as a figure who embodies both. His recent campaign for Bonds not only showcases his growth and confidence but also reinforces his commitment to the values instilled in him by his father. As he steps into the spotlight, Irwin is not just a model; he is a passionate advocate for wildlife, ready to inspire a new generation to cherish and protect the natural world.
