Robert Irwin has grown up around some of the world's most dangerous animals.
The son of late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin has been fully involved in the Australia Zoo alongside his family, all working together to preserve and honor Steve's legacy. In that work, he handles a lot of animals who could cause serious injury if one thing goes wrong.
Yet for many situations, he can foresee the danger and plan for it. That was the case when Robert helped check in on a 12-foot leucistic saltwater crocodile who had been moved from one enclosure to another. Casper, who was brought to the zoo years before by Steve, was becoming too territorial over his previous digs, so he was moved to a new area where he could also become the star of the zoo's mid-day croc show.
Robert Irwin shared footage of the scary crocodile encounter on Instagram after it aired on the season finale of Crikey! It's the Irwins. In the caption, he called it "one of the most intense croc feeds I've done."
The video shows Robert explaining why they don't know what to expect from Casper. They're hoping for a big reaction, an indication he's happy in his new environment, but they didn't expect a reaction quite so big.
"We prioritise natural behaviour with our crocs," Robert explained on Instagram.
"By getting in their enclosures with them, and letting them put on those huge strikes from the water's edge, they get to use all of their predatory instincts and they just love it!" he continued.
"Plus we can educate everyone about their conservation. But safety for us is also crucial and you definitely have to know when to call it. And with such a powerful and quick croc like Casper we had no choice but to bail!"
The crocodile lunged quickly at Robert. It ignored the animal carcasses that were meant to be its meal and fixated instead on Robert, which is when it was clear to the 18-year-old that they needed to get out.
"Bail!" he can be heard instructing the crew.
It's far from Robert's first croc encounter, of course. He has his father's way of laughing off his close calls with these giant creatures, who despite exhibiting their instincts trust Robert and the team.
