Robert Irwin Shares Photos Of Himself With Robert Downey Jr Taken 16 Years Apart

Robert Irwin has shared snaps of himself with Robert Downey Jr., taken 16 years apart.

Irwin posted a recent photo of himself alongside the Hollywood star, as well as one taken years ago when he was just a tiny baby.

The older pic shows Irwin being held by his late father, 'crocodile hunter' Steve, while Downey Jr. and his son pose with a huge snake.

Instagram/Robert Irwin

Irwin wrote: "The first time I met @robertdowneyjr was when I was just a few months old when he and his family visited @australiazoo - it was awesome getting to catch up again to chat all things #Dolittle.

"One of the kindest people you'll meet, and an incredible advocate for our environment! (Keep an eye out for Robert and I on Australia's @thetodayshow this Wednesday)."

Fans have gone wild for the photograph, which has racked up more than 250,000 likes in just 12 hours.

One social media user commented: "You're the real life version of the character."

With a third posting: "Two legends in one pic."

And a third chipped in: "Omg I love you both so much! You are great people and influencers."

Yesterday, an emotional Irwin held back the tears while appearing on TV to discuss the ongoing bushfires in Australia and the impact they'll have on the environment.

Speaking on Sunrise alongside his mum Terri, the evidently emotional 16-year-old Robert said: "It's definitely an ongoing issue and we're just trying to do our best to help in any way we can.

"But it's a pretty tough situation. We're absolutely heartbroken."

Last week, ecologists from the University of Sydney warned that as many 480 million mammals, birds and reptiles could have died in the fires, which are still tearing through the country.

Science for Wildlife executive director Dr Kellie Leigh told the New South Wales upper house inquiry: "We're getting a lot of lessons out of this and it's just showing how unprepared we are.

"There's no procedures or protocols in place - even wildlife carers don't have protocols for when they can go in after fire."

The Irwins have been on hand to offer help and assistance to animals through their Australia Zoo, which has treated more than 90,000 poorly animal patients.

Opening up about the injuries they see on a daily basis, Irwin added: "We're seeing all kinds of different injuries.

"Obviously smoke inhalation and burns are happening frequently, but also animals are going into areas where they're not supposed to be to escape the horrific conditions."

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, Australia

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19