The late Steve Irwin didn’t have a chance to meet his granddaughter, Grace Warrior, but the Irwin family has kept his memory alive for the 2-year-old. And Steve and Terri Irwin’s son Robert Irwin (Grace’s doting uncle!) is sharing one special way his dad helped him meet baby Grace when she was still in the hospital with her parents Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell.
The wildlife photographer shared several Instagram photos this week of his dad’s ute — basically Australia’s version of a truck — which the Crocodile Hunter passed down to his now 19-year-old son. In the first one, a blonde-haired, toddler-version of Robert holds the steering wheel with both hands while sitting on Steve’s lap. He’s dressed in a little Hawaiian shirt and looks so cute!
The second is a photo from more recent times, with Robert driving the car as an adult, wearing his Australia Zoo khakis. He is the spitting image of his late dad, and it’s giving us all the feels! The last shows Robert standing next to the ute, holding up a parking pass, which he explains in the caption.
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“My dad’s ute… it’s a special car,” the Crikey! It’s The Irwins star posted. “From early memories when Dad would park and let me pretend to drive, to more recently when I took my drivers test in it (and somehow managed not to stall it 😂).”
He continued, “I remember my first solo drive in this car after I got my license – it was to the hospital to meet my niece for the first time, right after she was born. And now, the ute still comes on road trips to this day…”
How awesome is that! From the very first moment he met baby Grace, his dad was right there with him in the form of his beloved car. And the car is still going on road trips with the Irwin family? It’s such a cool way to keep Steve present in their lives.
The Comments Were So Precious
Fans couldn’t get over Robert’s sweet story about his dad.
“I love that you drive your dad’s car ❤️,” one person wrote.
Another said, “That’s pretty special mate. Would have felt like you were bringing the old man with you to meet the newest Irwin 🤍.”
Some people shared their own memories of Steve. “First time we went to Australia zoo Steve proudly announced Terri was pregnant with you. He was so happy. We went home to find out I was too.”
“Your dad would be proud of you, Robert🙏,” another said.
Steve Irwin Died Too Soon
Steve died on Sept. 4, 2006, after a stingray barb pierced his chest while filming a wildlife documentary. Robert was just a few months shy of his 3rd birthday at the time, and Bindi was 8 years old.
On what would have been Steve’s 61st birthday in Feb. 2023, his family shared heartwarming posts in remembrance of their dad.
“Happy Birthday, Dad,” Bindi wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for instilling a love for all species, courage to follow my heart and determination to make a difference in the world for wildlife and wild places. Your legacy lives on and the world is forever changed because of your dedication to conservation. Mum, Robert and I love and miss you so much.”
Robert wrote, “Happy birthday, Dad ❤️,” along with a throwback of Steve holding him as a baby as Bindi looks on.
Terri shared photos on Twitter, writing, “Happy birthday, Steve. You did good.”
Robert and Grace Are Really Close
Robert has a special bond with his niece, Grace. He hunts seashells with her, teaches her guitar,goes exploring with her, and, of course, takes tons of beautiful photos of her.
Maybe one day, in a beautiful full-circle moment, he’ll teach her how to drive Steve’s ute.
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