Robert Irwin and His Role at Australia Zoo
At the Australia Zoo, Robert participates in the daily Wildlife Warrior Show at the Crocoseum, sells the photographs he took in the zoo’s gift shop and is a part of the annual Australia Zoo crocodile research trip to catch and tag crocodiles with tracking devices before releasing them back into the wild. Just recently, he also hosted his first solo crocodile show at the Wildlife Warrior show, which saw him feeding the saltwater crocodile, Graham.
Photo: @robertirwinphotography
Besides his day-to-day work, Robert also actively promotes wildlife conservation by inviting people from around the world to get up close and personal with the animals at the Australia Zoo. Celebrities who have stopped by the zoo include Stranger Things star, Millie Bobby Brown, and Getaway* host, Jason Dundas, in March 2019 and early 2018 respectively.
This gesture by Robert contributes to his conservation efforts. Not only does this create publicity for Australia Zoo and wildlife conservation, research has shown that there is a positive correlation between zoo visitors and environmental identity. A study conducted by Fraser, Gruber and Condon (2008) showed that zoo visitors value interactions with wild animals which result in them thinking about their own environmental identities and responsibilities to the biological world. Additionally, Clayton, Fraser, and Burgess (2011) propounded that visits to the zoo induce human to think about the connection and commonality between humans and animals and evoke their sense of appreciation for this symbiotic relationship that they share with animals.
Clayton, Fraser, and Burgess (2011) also explained that what Robert has done can:
- Bolster Millie and Jason’s identity as interdependent with the natural world. This is associated with a greater care and concern for animals.
- Induce a socially shared identity within Millie and Jason, which includes value and respect for animals and for the natural environment. This is achieved through the group activities that visitors engage in at the zoo.
*Getaway is Australia’s longest-running travel and lifestyle television program
Photo: @robertirwinphotography