“The Crocodile Hunter,” Steve Irwin, is still remembered fondly all around the world. Despite his unfortunate passing in 2006, his memory lives on through his family, especially the children who picked up their father’s mission.

Robert Irwin celebrated his 16th birthday on the 1st of December by feeding crocodiles with the visitors at Australia Zoo. As the big day approached, many took the time to send their best wishes to the young lad. Among them were, of course, his family.

Robert’s mother Terri shared an especially heartwarming message on Twitter along a photo of Steve holding the newborn Rob. The mother expressed how much Steve would’ve been proud of his son and reiterated just how much his father loved him.

Just before Robert Irwin’s birthday, his mother Terri posted a touching message on Twitter

Image credits: TerriIrwin

She also shared some unseen snaps from the family archives

Image credits: TerriIrwin

Terri also posted a series of unseen photos showcasing just how close Robert was to animals from his very first days. A snake named Jenny is wrapped around the toddler in the very first pic, followed by progressive photos as the boy matured. “Jenny has been [Robert Irwin]’s pal for 16 yrs,” Terri’s tweet read.

Image credits: TerriIrwin

Image credits: TerriIrwin

Image credits: TerriIrwin

Robert’s sister, Bindi, also chimed in with an adorable photo of the boy from his childhood. Robert sports an adorable duck costume in the picture for which Bindi calls her brother “the cutest ducky [she’s] ever known”.

Image credits: TerriIrwin

Robert’s sister, Bindi, also joined in with the birthday wishes and another adorable family photo

Image credits: BindiIrwin

Robert Irwin picked up his father’s legacy and continued his work, becoming a television personality and wildlife photographer. Just last week, he was seen at ARIA Awards red carpet event at The Star Sydney with a giant snake wrapped around his shoulders! Crikey!

Image credits: BindiIrwin

Image credits: TerriIrwin

Image credits: RobertIrwin

Robert’s fascination with wildlife definitely stems from his father

Image credits: robertirwinphotography

The young man took a particular interest in photography, embarking upon photography expeditions around the world “from the Savannah of Africa to the mountains of New Zealand, the wilderness of Europe and everywhere in between the world”. He was also a runner up in the junior category of the 2016 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition. His photos have been praised by critics and fans alike.

Who was excited to share the wonders of the animal world with his two children

Image credits: robertirwinphotography

Although Steve Irwin passed away in 2006, his legacy lives on through his children

Image credits: robertirwinphotography

Many people have even compared Steve and his son’s photos side by side

Here’s how people reacted to the family’s messages and photos

Image credits: herzigoner

Image credits: Wolverinelover3

Image credits: SteveMaraboli

Image credits: nixcolejade

Image credits: JohnpMy

Image credits: nummy_cookie

Image credits: SolomonsKareena

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