‘Dad would be stoked’: Robert Irwin’s emotional milestone for late father Steve at Australia Zoo

Steve Irwin's son Robert has celebrated breeding a rare turtle named after his late father. 

The 19-year-old star shared footage on social media of the very first Elseya Irwini - Irwin's turtle - hatched at a zoo anywhere in the world. 

Robert said: "This is one of the highlights of my entire life, one of the most special moments ever for Australia Zoo. 

"This species is a turtle that dad originally discovered out in the wild and for the first time we have got a little baby." 

The emotional 'Crikey! It's the Irwins' star added: "It's so surreal. All the stories from dad about how beautiful they are... 

"Dad would be stoked with that. We did it." 

Photo / Twitter

Irwin's turtle was first discovered by Steve and his father Bob Irwin during a crocodile-catching trip on the Burdekin River in 1990, although the species has been threatened by the construction of the Burdekin Dam - which has caused a decline in the river's water quality. 

Steve, nicknamed 'The Crocodile Hunter', died in 2006 after being stabbed by a stingray but Robert and his sister Bindi, 25, have continued their father's animal-loving legacy. 

Robert - who was infamously taken to a crocodile feeding by his father when he was just a month old - paid tribute to the conservationist on the 16th anniversary of his death last month and pointed out that it coincided with Australia's Father's Day. 

He shared a picture of himself as a toddler being held by his dad and wrote: "It's Father's Day today in Australia, and I am sending my love to those who are missing their dad today. I cherish all the good times with my dad and feel grateful to be able to keep his memory and legacy alive." 

- Bang! Showbiz