Dating is tricky for anyone—but for Robert Irwin, it comes with the added challenge of living life in the public eye. The 21-year-old conservationist and son of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin recently shared insights into his personal life in an interview with The New York Times on November 23, 2025, as he prepares to compete in the Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) Season 34 finale.

“Holy moly, that’s so challenging to navigate,” Robert admitted about dating publicly, especially in a world where “anything you do will be on TikTok the next day.”

Living Life Without a Persona

Robert has been in the spotlight since birth, and he says he doesn’t hide behind a public persona.

“I never change what I say, what I do, who I am one bit, wherever I am,” he explained. “It’s just me, and I stand by who I am.”

This authenticity, while admirable, also makes dating more complicated, as fans and social media often scrutinize every move.

Looking for an “American Tourist”

Robert has previously shared that he is seeking a partner in a similar way his family members have found love. Both his parents, Steve and Terri Irwin, and his sister Bindi Irwin and her husband Chandler Powell met when their significant others were visiting from abroad.

“I’ve been saying, when is that going to happen for me?!” Robert joked. “That American tourist is not quite lined up.”

While his dating life remains largely private, he appreciates humor and lightheartedness in navigating the intense public interest surrounding him.

Family and Sibling Support

With fame comes concern from family. Bindi, 27, has admitted she feels protective of her younger brother, especially as public curiosity about his love life has grown.

“We’re about five and a half years apart, so I kinda feel like his second mom… I’m always trying to protect him, make sure he’s okay,” Bindi shared.

She also joked about the attention Robert receives:

“Do I get a little bit scared of the women and girls and some guys that are very intense? It’s a lot. It can be a lot, but he’s doing really well with all of it, and I am very proud of him.”

DWTS Fan Attention

Robert’s participation in DWTS Season 34 has further amplified public interest in his personal life. His dance partner Witney Carson revealed the flood of fan messages she received asking about dating Robert when the show premiered in September.

“Girls, I love ya, thank you for the applications through somehow my email and flooding the DMs. If I could line you all up with Robert, I would because you’re all 10/10 perfect cuties,” Carson joked on Instagram Stories.

She playfully added:

“Robert for The Bachelor?! Idk this is too stressful for me to handle lol!”

Staying Focused on Career and DWTS

Despite the public’s curiosity about his love life, Robert remains focused on his professional goals and his journey on Dancing With The Stars. The experience has allowed him to share his passion for wildlife conservation while continuing to grow as a performer.

“I really do feel like I’ve already won in this experience with Witney as my partner,” Robert shared previously, reflecting on his time on DWTS.

For Robert Irwin, dating in the public eye may be a challenge, but authenticity, humor, and family support keep him grounded as he navigates love, life, and the spotlight.