Bob Irwin facts for kids

Robert Eric Irwin (born 8 June 1939) is an Australian naturalist and conservationist. He was also a zookeeper and a herpetologist, someone who studies reptiles. Bob Irwin is famous for his work protecting animals, especially large apex predators and reptiles. He started the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, which is now known as Australia Zoo. His son was the well-known television personality Steve Irwin.

Early Life of Bob Irwin

Robert Irwin was born on June 8, 1939, in Melbourne, Victoria. Before his work with animals, he was a successful plumber. He also spent time building sheds and houses.

Bob Irwin's Career in Conservation

Irwin's journey in animal conservation began in 1970. He moved his family from Essendon to Queensland.

He bought a piece of land to create a safe place for wildlife. This became the Beerwah Reptile Park.

Later, Irwin moved to a new property surrounded by forests. Here, he continued his conservation work. This work was also a way to honor his son's legacy.

In 2016, Irwin released his book, The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy. The book shares stories about his life and his family's dedication to wildlife.

Bob Irwin's Family Life

Irwin married Lyn Hakainsson, who was a nurse. They had three children together: a daughter named Joy, a son named Steve, and another daughter named Mandy.

Bob Irwin later married Judy. In 2008, he was named Queensland's Grandfather of the Year. Irwin and his wife live on a property near Kingaroy. From there, he continued to support wildlife and environmental protection. He did this through his organization, the Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation Inc.

In March 2008, Bob Irwin announced he was leaving Australia Zoo.

In June 2018, Irwin shared that he was retiring. His Foundation also announced it would stop its operations for a while.