Robert Irwin Gets Emotional Over Lost Footage: 'My Father, My Superhero'

TEAR-JERKER MOMENT! Robert Irwin Fights Back Tears as He Watches Emotional Clip of Late Dad Steve

In a heart-wrenching moment that left fans swooning, 21-year-old Robert Irwin struggled to hold back tears on Wednesday while watching a long-forgotten clip of his late father, the legendary Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin. The emotional video, played during an appearance on BBC Radio 2's Scott Mills Breakfast Show, showed Steve outlining his dreams for his children, Robert and sister Bindi, just years before his tragic death in 2006.

As the clip began, Steve asked himself if there was anything that would make him want to give up what he was doing – wildlife conservation. His response? "Yes, yes, there is." And then, with a beaming smile, he revealed his ultimate goal: for Robert and Bindi to take over the reins of their family's mission and continue their father's legacy.

The usually stoic Robert Irwin couldn't help but get choked up as he watched his dad's words on screen. "It's emotional to hear that," he admitted, his voice cracking with emotion. "It means so much... when you dedicate your life to legacy, it really makes you think about how we all get to create our own legacy."

And yet, despite the tears, Robert couldn't help but feel proud and honored to be carrying on his father's work. "He is my superhero – he always will be," he said, visibly moved by the clip. "And he was, I think, a superhero to an entire generation."

The Scholary Note has learned that even 19 years after Steve's untimely passing, friends and fans still regale Robert with stories of his dad's bravery, humor, and passion for wildlife conservation. And it seems that those memories continue to fuel Robert's determination to honor his father's legacy.

As the world remembers Steve Irwin on the anniversary of his death, his wife Terri has been sharing poignant tributes to their beloved "Crocodile Hunter" on social media. In a post shared last year, she wrote: "Steve had so much love for Robert and Bindi. He was the best dad... It warms my heart to see how much they always wanted to be just like him. I know he would be proud of the way they have continued his message and mission for conservation."

Fans around the world have been pouring in with messages of support and admiration, praising Steve's impact on their lives and thanking Robert and Bindi for carrying on his work.

And yet, despite the tears and tributes, it seems that Steve Irwin's legacy is very much alive – and stronger than ever. As Robert said during his emotional radio appearance: "When my children can take the football that I call wildlife conservation and run it up... then, and only then, will I know that I have achieved my ultimate goal: to be able to stand aside and let them run up my mission."

Stay tuned for more updates on Robert Irwin's emotional journey as he continues to honor his father's legacy – only on The Scholarly Note!