Video Shows Crocodile Lunging at 'DWTS' Contestant Robert Irwin

After revealing how he nearly died during a previous "DWTS" episode, the Australian conservationist was recently spotted in a heart-stopping moment with a crocodile.

It felt like a scene ripped from the pages of a family legend — and then, in a flash, the jaws snapped shut. Robert Irwin, the dashing wildlife specialist and "Dancing with the Stars" ("DWTS") contestant, once again reminded the world that courage runs deep in his blood.

The TV personality, who proudly follows in his late father’s footsteps, recently left netizens holding their breath with a striking video he shared on Instagram — showing the huge crocodile lunging toward him as stunned fans watched in disbelief.

From Father to Son: Striking Footage Blurs Time as Robert Irwin Echoes Steve Irwin's Daring Legacy

The video begins serenely enough — a bright, grassy patch bathed in golden sunlight, where a familiar figure emerges: Steve Irwin, clad in his signature khakis, hand outstretched with a dangling piece of meat toward a waiting crocodile. It's a scene forever etched into the memory of wildlife lovers.

Then — cut to the present. In a stunning edit that feels like time folding in on itself, the camera shifts to Robert, standing by a glistening pool, holding the same pose, the same expression, the same fearless focus.

There he is — calm, confident, unwavering — extending a piece of meat as a hulking reptile inches forward. The footage continues to toggle between father and son, nearly two decades apart, with the transitions so seamless they feel choreographed.

At one point, Steve swiftly pulls his hand back just as the crocodile lunges. Moments later, Robert does the same, mirroring his father's instincts with uncanny precision.

In another heart-stopping moment, Robert tosses the meat directly into the gaping jaws of the predator, narrowly dodging the animal's aggressive snap. The camera catches every sharp motion, every ripple in the water, every flicker of danger — capturing not just the action, but the weight of legacy passed down from father to son.

Accompanying the reel is Robert's poignant caption, which reads, "Then and now. My dad and I feeding [sic] our same crocodiles, 19 years apart. If there's one place I feel closest to my dad, it's when I'm at @australiazoo working with the very crocs that he worked with and rescued."

It was only toward the end of the clip that viewers could exhale, as Robert emerged from the encounters visibly safe — grounded and entirely in his element.

Social Media Weeps as Fans See the Irwin Bond in Action: 'Why Did This Make Me Cry!'

The video quickly struck an emotional chord online, with viewers flooding the comment section to share their awe, nostalgia, and heartfelt admiration. Many were moved by the father-son parallels and the powerful symbolism behind the footage.

"Why did this make me cry! You guys are truly remarkable! I just know that he is so proud of all you and the work that you guys do to honor his legacy and your guy's! ❤️🐊 [sic]," wrote one fan.

Echoing the sentiment, another added, "That's so incredibly special 🥹❤️❤️ tearing up a little It's like the crocs already know/feel at home with you [sic]." Someone else shared, "It literally took me three watches to realize it was two different videos, [sic] I kept waiting for the video of you feeding them. How amazing. I know he is so proud. And so is your mom🥹❤️."

Others were captivated by the continuity between generations, marveling at the fact that Robert was working with the very same animals Steve once did.

"The same croc really!? That's too cool!!! That croc had a lot of memories with the Irwins," one commenter marveled. "It's amazing that these living dinosaurs are still a part of your family and that you have this connection by tending to them. Thanks for forging your own path while also still walking part of your dad's path," praised another.

The jaw-dropping moment when the crocodile lunged didn't go unnoticed, either. "OMG! He almost got his hand bitten off! 😳🫣," exclaimed a shocked viewer.

"Did you catch the moment when the crocodile went for the food? 🤯🤯🤯 Just a little closer and Robert wouldn't have been able to pull back 🫣," observed someone else, capturing the tension felt across screens.

'Dad Was Such a Passionate, Prominent Figure': Robert Irwin Opens up About His Late Father in Emotional Reflections

The heartfelt reactions online echoed what Robert himself expressed in a June 2025 radio interview, where he called his late father his "superhero," and described following in his footsteps as an "honour." That deep admiration was evident months earlier in a candid 2024 sit-down with Women's Weekly.

Recalling childhood mornings at Australia Zoo, Robert shared how he'd beg his mom to "play a daddy doco" during breakfast — his favorite show being one that starred Steve.

"I remember studying it and watching everything he did," he divulged. "Mum made sure he was in the living room. Dad was part of everything."

Robert Irwin also spoke of how the smallest things — a piece of footage, an old shirt, even a memory from their last family photo shoot — can suddenly bring his father's presence rushing back. "Because Dad was such a passionate, prominent figure, it just really imprinted on me from a young age," he explained.

As he prepared for his then-new chapter — co-hosting "I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!" — Robert admitted he often finds himself longing for Steve's guidance. "There is not a day that goes by that I don't think: 'Gosh, I wonder what I'd ask Dad if he was [sic] here' [...] There are so many things I wish I could ask him on so many levels," Robert shared.

Robert Irwin's Sweet Surprise and a Bond Beyond the Ballroom

Months after his emotional reflections on his father, Robert shared a lighter — yet deeply meaningful — gesture that further revealed his big heart. In a charming video posted by Australia Zoo, the conservationist surprised his "DWTS" partner, Witney Carson, with a pair of very personal gifts during rehearsals.

Standing across from her with a grin, Robert began by saying, "You are an honorary Irwin family member, with your very own parking uniform, which is official. There you go. It just feels right."

As she slipped on the signature khaki shirt, the moment already seemed to seal a bond formed far beyond the dance floor. But the real surprise was yet to come. "Now, back home at Australia Zoo, we had some very exciting news just come through," he continued. "We have had a beautiful baby wallaby. And she's absolutely gorgeous."

He then revealed a photo on his phone and beamed, "I wanted to show you for the first time, this is Witney the wallaby. There she is. She's so cute. She looks just like you [...] It's absolutely uncanny."

Witney's reaction was pure joy, as she gushed, "That is awesome. Thank you so much." Robert then added, "Come to Australia and you can take care of Witney the wallaby."

The zoo's official caption captured the moment perfectly — "Meet Witney the wallaby! 💕 Robert named this little one after his 'Dancing With the Stars' dance partner, and she's already hopping circles around us with her moves! 🦘."

Between Danger and Devotion: Robert Irwin's 'DWTS' Journey Is Far More than Footwork

The thoughtful gesture added yet another heartfelt chapter to Robert's "DWTS" journey — one that has blended joy, legacy, and connection in unexpected ways.

But the tender moments shared with his dance partner and the stirring tribute to his late father have also come on the heels of a far more sobering revelation — one that reminded fans just how close to danger Robert came during his time on the show.

Robert Irwin's Rock and Roll Routine Took a Dangerous Turn Off-Camera

Robert and Witney took the floor on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night with a dramatic Paso Doble to "Icky Thump" by The White Stripes. It was a bold, theatrical routine that left the judges roaring with praise. But it was what happened after the performance that had jaws dropping.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Robert suddenly blurted, "I almost died tonight." As the crowd and hosts leaned in, he elaborated, "I choked on a piece of confetti after the team dance."

Robert continued his detailed and deeply unsettling account. "Legit, I went over to Witney, and I think they cut away, and I inhaled a piece of confetti," he said, explaining how the moment happened so quickly, cameras didn't even catch it.

"I couldn't breathe," he added, turning to Witney while mimicking the gagging expressions he experienced. The interviewer responded with nervous relief, "Thank goodness, Robert Irwin is still here with us."

Robert's reply was blunt, "I almost wasn't." Witney, clearly shocked, said that had she known he was in trouble, she would have protected him — no matter what.

'To Lose You Would Be Beyond Tragic': Fans React With Shock And Emotion

The revelation sent "DWTS" fans into a frenzy of concern, disbelief, and affection. One person wrote, "Like an onion skin can suddenly cover the trachea and stop our breathing. It's very dangerous if accidentally exhaled [sic]."

Another commented, "Oh Robert 😂❤️ how I love this man even his near death experiences are wholesome [sic]." A fan said, "I'm so glad he's okay! They are both great!!"

One person added, "OMG. Thank goodness you are ok!!!!" Another echoed, "Thank God! And I hate confetti! What a mess to clean up and now dangerous. Can also slip on it [sic]."

Others expressed concern about the production aspect, with one noting, "The confetti is ridiculous and messy." A more emotional reaction came from a commenter who divulged, "I don't even want to think about that happening. To lose you would be beyond tragic. Your angel was watching over you."

"Thank God he is okay," another person expressed. Finally, one admirer reflected on the downside of show business —"Risks of the fame and fortune trail."

Paso Doble Earns Praise From The Judges

Before the confetti chaos, Robert and Witney's performance had already made waves for all the right reasons. As the third couple of the night, Robert took the stage focused on improving his footwork and shaping his biggest challenge yet.

Derek Hough praised him as a matador who owned his arena, calling the number fantastic despite a small hiccup. Meanwhile, Flavor Flav gushed, "I loved the performance. You guys are absolutely amazing," and referred to Robert as "the brand new Fred Astaire."

Bruno Tonioli erupted with excitement, saying, "The thunder from the down [sic] under was unleashed!" and applauded Robert's classic and theatrical delivery. Carrie Ann Inaba noted a few wobbles but emphasized that Robert had momentum and gave a strong performance overall.

Speaking with host Julianne Hough after the number, Robert looked back on the journey, "That was so much fun!" he said, describing it as their hardest week of rehearsals yet.

Their hard work paid off with a score of 38 out of 40. Carie Ann and Derek awarded 9s, while Bruno and Flavor Flav each gave a perfect 10.