Robert Irwin has fans in stitches after confessing one of his most awkward dating blunders — a story that blends his trademark wildlife fearlessness with a dash of teenage overconfidence. In a candid new interview, the 21-year-old conservationist admitted he once tried to impress a girl by rescuing a snake during a date. The result? Not quite the smooth move he had in mind.
Sitting down with People magazine, Robert was asked if he’d ever used his animal-handling skills to charm someone. With a laugh, he blushed and confessed: “I’m going all red now.” He then recalled the cringe-worthy moment. “I went on a date once, and I was driving her back when a snake crossed the road. In my mind, I was like, ‘Yes! Thank you, snake!’”
Slamming on the brakes, Robert jumped out to scoop up the non-venomous reptile, certain that the act of bravery would win him instant admiration. Instead, it left his date more startled than smitten. “I thought it was perfect timing,” Robert joked, “but it didn’t quite go as planned.” Fans quickly dubbed it the ultimate “Irwin move” — bold, risky, and maybe just a little over the top.
The story sparked laughter online, with many pointing out how the late Steve Irwin’s son clearly inherited not only his dad’s love of animals but also his knack for unforgettable encounters. Yet while Robert’s wildlife heroics didn’t score him romance points that day, it gave the internet a priceless new tale to add to the Irwin family legacy.
This isn’t the only time Robert has been trending recently. He’s currently training for his upcoming appearance on Dancing With the Stars in the U.S., a challenge that’s proving tougher than wrangling crocodiles. In a video he shared, Robert could be seen collapsed on the studio floor, gasping for breath after a grueling rehearsal. His dance partner, Witney Carson, teased from behind the camera: “I’ve killed him!” To which Robert weakly replied, “No, you haven’t.”
Fans were quick to cheer him on, flooding his comments with encouragement and admiration for his determination. The clip, which Robert cheekily captioned “Post-rehearsals mood,” showed a different side of the young wildlife warrior — vulnerable, human, and willing to laugh at himself.
Between snake-saving escapades and dance floor struggles, Robert continues to balance his life in the spotlight with his passion for conservation. And if his snake stunt proves anything, it’s that whether he’s on a date, on stage, or on safari, Robert Irwin knows how to keep life interesting — even if it means turning bright red afterward.
In true Irwin fashion, what could have been an embarrassing misstep has instead become another story fans will cherish — a reminder that even when things don’t go perfectly, Robert’s heart is always in the right place.
