From crocodiles to choreography: Robert Irwin's dancefloor debut was truly wild

From stomping around in swamps chasing crocodiles to strutting his stuff on stage, Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin has earned top marks in “Dancing With the Stars” in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old son of legendary conservationist Steve Irwin, who died in 2006 after being pierced by a stingray, wowed judges and the audience with his Australian-themed debut with pro dance partner Witney Carson.

Their upbeat jive dance kicked off with Irwin jumping off a Land Rover, joining Carson in a fast-paced routine, set, naturally, to “Born to Be Wild”.

The performance during the season 34 premiere was met with critical acclaim and put Irwin and Carson in a tie for the top score of the night, with 15 out of 20 points.

And to crown it all, the best accolade came from judge Derek Hough, who exclaimed afterwards: “That was probably the best first dance I’ve ever seen on this show.”

"Los Angeles Times" reported that immediately after nailing the routine, Irwin ran to his sister, Bindi, who was in the audience with family and friends, giving her a big hug.

Family affair

That's because Bindi, 27, had encouraged him to follow in her footsteps and enter the competition, which she had won in season 21, alongside Hough, who was her dance partner at the time.

“Crocs are my comfort zone, dancing is not,” Irwin said in the introductory package that was shown ahead of his performance. Carson explained that a jive is difficult for a first dance and praised Irwin’s positivity.

Earlier in the episode, Irwin said that when he watched his sister win 10 years ago, he had thought, “One day, that’s going to be me.”

Watching Bindi win in 2015 also served as preparation for Robert, it reported.

Ahead of his mesmerising performance, "CNN" reported that Irwin had doubts about how he would do on the big night, quoting him telling "The Hollywood Reporter": “I don’t expect to do half the job she did, but it was like a little childhood dream that I’ve had for 10 years. It feels pretty wild that I’m finally fulfilling it.

“It’s so funny, I go from neck deep in mud in the mangroves catching crocodiles in remote Australia, and I literally fly direct to Hollywood from there to start dancing.

“I don’t know what’s scarier, crocodiles or West Hollywood.”

Other stellar performances

"ABC News" reported that other contestants who also brought their A-game were Jordan Chiles, doing flips to Beyonce's "Break My Soul" with her partner Ezra Sosa and Whitney Leavitt and pro Mark Ballas shining as they tangoed to "Golden" from the hit movie "KPop Demon Hunters."

Baron Davis also channelled MC Hammer as he and pro Britt Stewart danced the cha cha to Hammer's “U Can’t Touch This”.

Irwin works at the family's Australia Zoo, continuing his father's mission of wildlife conservation through public shows and hands-on animal care, including handling snakes and wrestling crocodiles.

He is also a television personality and an Earthshot Prize Global Ambassador.