Robert Irwin has shared a terrifying story about how he survived a very close call with an enormous crocodile. Appearing on The Jimmy Fallon Show on Monday, the 22-year-old conservationist told how the 317-kilogram reptile rolled on top of him.
The Death Roll Encounter
The Dancing with the Stars champion said he was using a method devised by his father, the late Steve Irwin, when the crocodile pinned him to the ground. 'We research crocodiles in the wild to better conserve them, right?' Robert began. 'The way you do that – my dad came up with this – is you actually have to jump on them.'
Robert told the host he leapt onto the creature's back only to have the crocodile go into a 'death roll' – flipping over, landing belly up with Robert still holding on. 'I jumped onto him. I kid you not – 14 feet [4.2 metres] of crocodile, big croc,' Robert continued. 'So I'm stuck underneath him with my arm hanging out. I've got like, probably, I don't know, maybe 700 pounds [317kg] on top of me, and I'm just like, "What do I do?"'
Robert went on to say the scary encounter ended happily when the crocodile rolled back onto its belly. Robert had called the giant animal 'Jimmy Fallon' when it was born, which amused the late-night TV host. 'I was fine, but he's a goer, Jimmy,' Robert told Fallon cheekily, referring to the croc, adding, 'He's a goer.'
Dancing with the Stars Success
Elsewhere in his chat, Robert discussed his appearance on Dancing with the Stars US, which he won alongside pro dancer Witney Carson. Admitting he had 'no idea' about dancing before his appearance on the TV hit, Robert then proceeded to demonstrate a 'ballroom dancing hold' with Fallon. With Robert assuming the role of 'the male', he showed the talk show host how to do a dramatic turn, which wowed Fallon's studio audience.
Upcoming Spin-off Series
It comes after Robert Irwin's Dancing with the Stars spin-off recently wrapped filming in Brisbane. Insiders say that producers are banking on Robert's star power to lure viewers and confirmed that the famed zookeeper is prominently featured throughout the show. 'Fans can look forward to a wholesome family reality series,' the source said, dismissing early reports that the show would focus on Big Brother-like behind-the-scenes drama.
The Disney/BBC production features hopefuls trying out for a role on Dancing with the Stars. All the cast members are based in America and are competing for a spot as a professional dancer on DWTS US. 'Robert has become incredibly popular with American audiences,' the source added, and claimed it was Robert himself who pitched the idea for the show. Still, Daily Mail understands that Robert only signed off as host shortly before filming began in March, with the blessing of his mother. Meanwhile, Robert's former Dancing with the Stars partner, Witney Carson, is also expected to be a part of the production.
