Steve Irwin’s Son Follows In His Crocodile Hunting Footsteps and is Put to Work in His Father’s Zoo

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, which must be why Steve Irwin’s son has the same strange compulsion to be within inches of creatures who could have his hands for breakfast.

Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter died in 2006

New images released today show Robert Irwin, wearing what seems to be his father’s hand-me down kaki shorts and shirt as he feeds toothy crocodiles at the family’s zoo on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.

While we’d never let our child within feet of vicious predators, Terri Irwin clearly thinks it’s okay to allow her eight year old to fulfill his ambition to feed saltwater crocs by the time he's 10, just like his dad.

Robert Irwin with his mom Terri before tackling the crocs

"I'm so proud of Robert. He's growing up to be a chip off the old block," she said.

Steve Irwin died in 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb at the age of 44.

It’s not just Robert who is interested in following in the same dangerous footsteps of his father as Irwin’s daughter Bindi is also quite keen on donning the obligatory crocodile hunting costume and wrestling with creatures that should never be disturbed from the deep dark depths of the swamp.

Robert feeding a baby crocodile for his new show

Meanwhile the family is launching their new show Robert & Bindi, where the children coincidently discover their passion for crocodile hunting.

"You'll see how Robert and Bindi are continuing his legacy," said Terri.

Her.ie thinks that Terri must be one pushy parent. It’s one thing to marry someone as danger-seeking as Irwin, but to push your children into reenacting their father’s famous stunts is a bit ridiculous.

Robert helps zookeepers care for the animals

We certainly won’t be tuning in to watch eight-year-old Robert wrestle with a great white shark anytime soon.

Do you think Terri is being irresponsible?