Young ‘crocodile hunter’ dreams of breaking ‘Lolong’ record
MANILA, Philippines – When asked what his next adventure might be, 10-year-old Robert Irwin said that he’s bent on finding a crocodile bigger than “Lolong”, the largest crocodile held in captivity which was found in the waters of Agusan del Sur last 2011.
“I believe “Lolong” lived in the Philippines, I think he was over 21 feet, the largest crocodile on record. That’s amazing. I love to do some crocodile research here in the Philippines and break the record. Let’s catch a crocodile over 22 feet! I really think we can do that,” gushed a determined and energetic Irwin.
But while finding the largest crocodile has yet to be ticked off from his bucket list, Irwin will try his hands on hosting a new science show which he envisions to capture the interest of his peers about nature and wildlife.
Irwin, who was in the country recently to promote his show, talked with INQUIRER.net and shared how it felt like growing up surrounded with wildlife, his missions as a “Wildlife Warrior”, and how he was planning to change the world – one scientific breakthrough at a time.
Growing in the middle of a zoo
Born on Dec. 1, 2003 to world-renowned television personality, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, and wildlife conservation advocate Terri Irwin, Robert Clarence Irwin grew up into a boy with an insatiable thirst for adventure.
Irwin described how “amazing” it was to grow up right in the middle of the Australia Zoo, a 40 hectare estate which, aside from the zoo, features a veterinary hospital, and a crocodile research institute.
Robert Irwin. Noy Morcoso lll/INQUIRER.net
“Since I can remember, I have always loved wildlife and nature. I am so lucky because my family live right in the middle of a zoo. We literally live in Australia Zoo. We got a house right in the middle and it’s the best life ever. We wake up to the noise of lemurs and tigers calling to each other and any other animal you can possibly imagine. It’s so, so fun,” Irwin said.
With this kind of set-up, it is not at all surprising how Irwin loves catching different kinds of reptiles like lizards and skunks and scouring the vast Australian outback to learn about wildlife and possibly, to discover a new animal species.
Following the footsteps of his father, Irwin is also passionate about crocodiles. When he was eight-years-old, he fed the crocodiles in the Australia Zoo for the first time. Since then, he has been participating in crocodile research trips where he is always stoked on learning the behavior of the “modern day dinosaurs.”
‘Speaking for the voiceless’
Young as he is, Irwin views his first international television debut as an instrument to further spread his advocacy of inculcating to other kids the values of connecting with nature and preserving wildlife. He said that through his educational show “Wild But True”, he wants to inspire people to become wildlife warriors.
“The definition of a wildlife warrior is someone who stands up and speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves. I am really proud to get my message across to millions and millions of people worldwide. Because it really doesn’t matter where you live, you can make a difference,” Irwin said.
He furthered that kids could be positive agents for change and help save the environment by doing the littlest of things.
“Every single little thing you do creates positive change. That was I am trying to do: to make other people involved,” Irwin added.
Learning from nature
“Wild But True” is a an educational series which tackles the subject of biomimicry which shows how the application of nature’s designs, models, and systems have ushered technology for mankind. Irwin will team up with Isabel Yamazaki in teaching kids how humans have utilized nature’s designs to make living on Earth more efficient and safer. Irwin and Yamazaki will perform experiments in the hope of explaining to children how the relationships of nature and man are intertwined.
For his part, Irwin is excited for kids to watch the show and encourage them to learn more about nature.
“I was so thrilled to do “Wild But True.” It really is a show that I hope will get people more passionate about wildlife and conservation and nature. It’s all about how we can learn about nature and how it is so important to go outside and learn more,” Irwin said.
As his parting message, Irwin urged fellow kids to stop being cooped up in gadgets and computer games and enjoy the world outside of the confines of their homes.
“I think every single person in the planet should connect with nature. It is all about getting outsideand enjoy nature. You can connect with nature, wherever you are.” Irwin concluded.
Catch Wild But True on the Discovery Kids channel starting on December 2, Tuesday at 5:00 p.m with encores every Saturday at 9:30 a.m and 1:30 p.m.
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