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Robert Eric Irwin (born 8 June 1939) is an Australian natural history, animal conservationist, former zookeeper, and a herpetologist known for his conservation and husbandry work with and . He is the founder of the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park (now known as Australia Zoo). His son was the television personality Steve Irwin.
Irwin purchased of land to construct a wildlife refuge, and constructed the Australia Zoo.
Irwin also resigned from his role as manager of Ironbark Station at Blackbutt where he lived, moving to a new property surrounded by forest and national park between Kingaroy and Murgon where he would continue his son's conservation work.Green, Glenis (2 March 2008). "Help for Bob Irwin as he retires from Australia Zoo". The Sunday Mail (Qld).
Irwin's memoir, The Last Crocodile Hunter: A Father and Son Legacy, was released on 25 October 2016.
On 2 March 2008, it was announced that Bob Irwin had resigned from Australia Zoo.
On 12 April 2011, Bob Irwin was arrested and charged for contravening police direction as part of his civil disobedience actions against the Queensland Gas Company. He was protesting the construction of a gas pipeline. He faced court in May 2011.Burgess, Sam (17 May 2011). "Bob Irwin to front court over gas protest". ABC News.
On 1 July 2011, Bob Irwin announced he was considering challenging Labor incumbent Kate Jones and Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman for the seat of Ashgrove in Brisbane. On 5 September 2011, it was reported that Irwin had become disenchanted with politics and felt he could best carry on his passion for animal conservation and fight against the coal seam gas industry from outside of the political arena.
In June 2018, Irwin announced his retirement, and his Foundation announced suspension of its operations, "for the foreseeable future".
In June 2021, Irwin's granddaughter Bindi Irwin claimed that her entire life "has been psychological abuse from him." She also stated that Bob "never said a single kind word to her personally", and had “shown no interest” in spending time with her or her family. Irwin denied these comments through a spokesperson (fellow conservationist and family friend Amanda French) not long after.
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