Animal rights organisation PETA has launched a direct public appeal to television host and conservationist Robert Irwin, calling on him to halt the alleged exploitation of animals on the set of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!.
A Public Plea to a Wildlife Warrior
In a sharply-worded open letter published on 13 January 2026, the American group appealed to the 22-year-old's famed dedication to wildlife conservation. They have asked him to use his influential new role as co-host to urge producers to stop using animals in the show's challenges.
"We're writing today to appeal to your dedication to wildlife conservation and to ask that, as a show of respect for all species, you urge I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! producers to stop exploiting animals," the letter stated. The group claims that for a decade, the programme has "used and abused hundreds of rats, insects, arachnids, and reptiles."
Allegations of Misrepresentation and Mistreatment
PETA's letter details specific concerns about how creatures are portrayed and handled. They argue the series unfairly depicts crocodiles as "bloodthirsty human hunters" and spiders as "fearsome foes," contrary to their true natures as complex or gentle animals.
The organisation also highlighted past incidents involving larger mammals. In 2016, the use of a white lion and a leopard cub drew widespread criticism. PETA noted that cubs used in such entertainment often cannot be returned to the wild and may face bleak futures.
It is important to note that Robert Irwin, who replaced Dr Chris Brown as co-host in 2024, was not involved with the programme during the 2016 season.
Irwin's Power and Responsibility
The letter concludes by placing the onus firmly on Irwin, suggesting his credibility as a conservationist is at stake. "If a celebrity, famed for their work protecting dogs, hosted a show where dogs were thrown around or eaten, viewers would surely question the host's dedication to their cause," they wrote.
They framed it as a matter of responsibility: "As someone known for representing wildlife, you have great power – and responsibility – to help animals by steering I'm a Celebrity... in a kinder direction."
The appeal comes amid reports of Irwin's soaring television career. According to a recent claim by New Idea, the young presenter's fee could now command up to $3 million per season, with significant interest from American networks following his success on Dancing with the Stars US.
Daily Mail Australia has approached Channel Ten for comment.
