Robert Irwin Just Called All of The Attention on That Viral Underwear Shoot a Little Strange
At just 21 years old, Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, the world-famous Crocodile Hunter, has made headlines for everything from his wildlife conservation work to his growing celebrity presence. But this past April, Irwin unexpectedly became the internets heartthrob when he appeared in a cheeky campaign for Bonds Australia underwear, posing in nothing but briefs, surrounded by venomous snakes, lizards, and spiders.The campaign, titled Made for Down Under, marked a major shift in the publics perception of the young conservationist. And while the ad may have left jaws on the floor, Irwin says the reaction was far more intense than he ever imagined.Indeed, Irwin has grown up in the public eye, from his early appearances as little Bobby on his fathers iconic wildlife shows to his own ongoing work at Australia Zoo. But hes now stepping into a new chapter of his life, one that blends media, activism, and yes, a bit of body confidence.The Underwear Ad That Shocked the InternetShot with all the style of a fashion editorial (and a dash of Aussie irreverence), the Bonds campaign featured Irwin posing shirtless in tight briefs, confidently wrangling snakes and insects. It was a stark contrast to his usual khakis-and-boot attire.Despite the playful premise, Irwin emphasizes that the campaign wasnt just about showing off a new six-pack. His true motivation? Using his growing platform to spread awareness about wildlife conservation.And it worked. The ad went viral, trending across social media platforms particularly in LGBTQ+ circles, where fans praised both Irwins physique and his message. For many, it was refreshing to see a young man so openly embracing body positivity, self-confidence, and environmental activism in one package.From Wildlife Warrior to Ballroom StarIrwins bold turn in the underwear ad was only the beginning. Hes now preparing to debut on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, which premieres September 16 on ABC and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. And while Irwin may be fearless with crocodiles, he admits dancing has him completely out of his comfort zone.Teaming up with pro partner Witney Carson, Irwin says hes channeling the same adrenaline hes used to in the wild into the ballroom.Body Image, Mental Health, and RepresentationBeyond dancing and animal wrangling, Irwin says hes increasingly aware of how his platform, and his image, impact young people.He added that staying mentally and physically fit was key when training for the Bonds campaign, and now, for Dancing with the Stars.More Than Just a Pretty FaceWhat sets Robert Irwin apart from other rising public figures is that his fame isnt built on social media clout alone, its built on legacy, activism, and passion. He continues to work full-time at Australia Zoo, walking the wildlife reserve daily, educating the public, and championing causes close to his heart.Irwins unique blend of charisma, confidence, and conservationist values makes him a refreshing presence in a digital culture that can often feel superficial. And whether hes wrangling snakes in his underwear or doing the cha-cha in sequins, his message remains the same: authenticity matters.Source