‘DWTS’ Robert Irwin’s Family Broke, Zoo In Danger Of Closing?
Television personality and conservationist “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin took over his family’s zoo in Australia in 1991. His wife, Terri, continued carrying his legacy after his death in 2006. The couple’s children, Bindi and Robert, have followed in their father’s footsteps as conservationists and work at the zoo.
But the family’s legacy is in danger amid claims that Terri Irwin is broke. Is the family counting on Robert to win DWTS to keep the zoo from closing?
Robert Irwin Stuns In DWTS Debut
Robert Irwin was eleven years old when his sister, Bindi, was a contestant on Dancing With The Stars. She competed on Season 21 in 2015. Bindi and her pro partner, Derek Hough, took home the Mirrorball Trophy that season.
Her brother’s dream of competing on the show finally came true. He was the first contestant announced for Season 34. The new season started on Tuesday, September 16, and Robert Irwin did not disappoint.
In fact, fans were shocked that he was so good on the first dance of the season. His tango with pro partner, Witney Carson, received a 15 out of 20. He was tied with Whitney Leavitt for the top spot. Several DWTS viewers wrote on social media that the show might as well give Robert Irwin the Mirrorball Trophy now.
Irwin Family Broke, Zoo In Danger Of Closing?
Robert Irwin’s mother and sister were in the audience to cheer him on. He immediately ran into the crowd to give Bindi a hug after his routine. But did the smile hide a secret about the family’s finances?
Star magazine reported that the Australia Zoo owned by the Irwin family is in danger of closing. The COVID pandemic and flooding incidents caused the zoo to be temporarily closed several times over the last few years.
“The last few years have been very tough. Their zoo has struggled a fair amount over the years, but COVID really took a toll and they’ve been trying their hardest to climb out of debt since,” the source said.
The insider added, “Everyone has done their best to help, but they’re still behind, and Teri is looking at the years ahead with a lot of anxiety.”
Terri Irwin allegedly needs a “small fortune” to keep the zoo from closing. The source said Robert Irwin is doing anything he can to bring in the money. “He’s throwing himself at every opportunity and his sole goal is to earn as much as he can so he can fix all their debts and set the zoo and his mum up for the future,” the insider claimed.
DWTS contestants get paid for how long they stay on the show. Winning the season would get a huge payday of up to $345,000 for Robert Irwin.
But the season is just starting. Robert Irwin will likely advance far into the season. However, any one of the other contestants could pull out a win instead.
Do you think he joined Season 34 hoping to win money to save his father’s legacy?
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