Robert Irwin Honors His Dancing with the Stars Partner Witney Carson by Naming a Newborn Wallaby After Her at the Australia Zoo
Robert Irwin has melted hearts once again — this time not with his wildlife rescues or on-screen charm, but with an incredibly thoughtful gesture for his Dancing with the Stars partner, Witney Carson. The 20-year-old conservationist, who has been dazzling audiences both on the dance floor and in his lifelong mission to protect wildlife, announced that a newborn wallaby at Australia Zoo has been named “Witney,” in honor of Carson. The surprise, captured in a lighthearted and emotional video shared on Instagram, quickly spread across social media, where fans praised Irwin’s kindness and humor.
In the clip, Irwin can be seen grinning ear to ear as he tells Carson, “We have had a beautiful baby wallaby, and she’s absolutely gorgeous. And I wanted to show you for the first time — this is Witney the wallaby.” The professional dancer, dressed casually in her rehearsal clothes, gasps and laughs as she looks at the screen. “Stop! That’s so cute!” she exclaims, beaming as Irwin adds, “She looks just like you. Uncanny, right?” Their chemistry, already evident on Dancing with the Stars, shines just as brightly in this off-screen moment.
The Australia Zoo later confirmed the story in a post of its own, introducing “Witney the wallaby” to fans with an adorable photo and the caption: “Meet Witney the wallaby! Robert named this little one after his Dancing with the Stars partner — she’s already hopping circles around us!” The comment section quickly filled with love from around the world. Fans gushed over how sweet and wholesome the gesture was, with one writing, “This might be the cutest thing Robert has ever done — and that’s saying something!”
For Irwin, this isn’t just about showbiz camaraderie. It’s part of how he lives — blending his work in conservation with moments of genuine human warmth. As the son of the late Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin, Robert grew up surrounded by animals and the ethos of kindness toward all living things. Every new life born at Australia Zoo represents another opportunity to educate, inspire, and connect people to the natural world — and naming one after his dance partner brings that mission a little closer to pop culture audiences who might not otherwise follow zoo news.
Witney Carson, who has long been a fan-favorite professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, has spoken often about the importance of positivity and teamwork. Since being paired with Irwin, the two have developed an easy friendship that has resonated with fans of both the show and wildlife enthusiasts. Their joint Instagram posts, often showing behind-the-scenes moments from rehearsals, have racked up millions of views. “He’s one of the kindest humans I’ve ever met,” Carson said in an earlier interview. “He brings the same compassion to people that he does to animals — it’s really special.”
That compassion was on full display during the naming surprise. Carson, visibly touched, thanked Irwin for the tribute, saying it was “the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done.” Irwin, ever modest, brushed it off with a laugh. “She’s adorable,” he said, referring to the wallaby. “And so are you. It just made sense.”
The gesture also highlights how seamlessly Irwin’s worlds — wildlife conservation and popular entertainment — now overlap. As a second-generation ambassador for the Australia Zoo, he’s spent much of his life in khaki, educating the public about endangered species and carrying forward his father’s legacy. But appearing on Dancing with the Stars has given him a new audience — one that includes millions of viewers who may not have known much about conservation before.
The crossover has been powerful. Throughout the season, Irwin has used his platform not just to dance, but to draw attention to wildlife issues. During one rehearsal, he spoke emotionally about the work his family continues to do at the zoo and their rescue programs for injured animals. His openness and humility have endeared him to fans beyond his existing following.
Carson, for her part, has embraced the connection to Australia Zoo wholeheartedly. In several posts, she’s joked about becoming an “honorary wildlife ranger” and even wore the zoo’s iconic uniform shirt in one of their videos. When Irwin revealed that a wallaby would bear her name, she laughed and said, “Well, I guess I’m officially part of the zoo now!”
It’s not the first time Irwin has celebrated a friend through the animals he helps care for. In past years, he’s named rescued wildlife after mentors and close family friends — each one a token of appreciation and a reminder of his deep connection to both people and nature. But this particular gesture felt especially fitting. Carson has spent months helping him master the rhythm and discipline of ballroom dance; naming a newborn creature known for its energetic hops seems almost poetic.
Australia Zoo, located in Queensland, has long been known for blending education with heart. Founded by Steve and Terri Irwin, the zoo continues to be a global leader in wildlife preservation, rescue operations, and environmental awareness campaigns. Visitors from around the world travel there to see the animals and meet the Irwin family, who remain deeply involved in daily operations. Irwin’s sister, Bindi, and her husband, Chandler Powell, also work at the zoo and often share updates about new animal births and conservation milestones.
In this sense, “Witney the wallaby” is more than a cute story — she’s part of a broader ecosystem of meaning. The zoo’s team reports that she’s healthy, playful, and thriving under the care of dedicated keepers. She represents hope, resilience, and the continuation of the Irwin family mission. “Every new life here is a miracle,” Irwin said in one interview. “It’s a reminder of why we do what we do.”
Fans have been quick to draw parallels between Irwin’s lighthearted gesture and the spirit of his father, Steve Irwin. Many commented on social media that the moment felt like something Steve himself would have done — blending humor, heart, and humanity. “Steve would be so proud,” one fan wrote. “You can see the same joy in Robert’s eyes that his dad always had.”
As for Carson, she’s taken the gesture in stride, embracing the newfound title of “animal namesake.” In a post shared shortly after the reveal, she wrote, “I can’t believe there’s a little wallaby out there named after me! Thank you, Robert — you’ve truly made my week!” The post was accompanied by a screenshot of the tiny joey, wrapped in a blanket, with her name printed on a small tag.
In the world of celebrity partnerships and television pairings, moments like this often come and go, but Irwin and Carson’s camaraderie feels refreshingly genuine. Their connection — one rooted in kindness, laughter, and shared respect — has transcended the confines of a TV show. Whether they’re rehearsing for the next episode or laughing over a baby wallaby, their friendship reminds audiences why authenticity matters.
As the Dancing with the Stars season continues, fans are watching closely to see how far the duo will go in the competition — but for many, the most memorable moment has already happened. The image of two people from different worlds — one from the wilds of Queensland, the other from the glamour of Hollywood — coming together over the naming of a baby wallaby, has left a lasting impression.
For Robert Irwin, it’s another chapter in a story that continues to inspire. His ability to merge conservation with compassion has made him one of the most beloved young figures in both entertainment and environmentalism. And for Witney Carson, it’s a sweet, unexpected honor — one that will forever tie her to the legacy of the Irwin family and their work at Australia Zoo.
Somewhere in the rolling grasslands of Queensland, “Witney the wallaby” hops freely under the Australian sun — a living symbol of friendship, joy, and the simple, extraordinary kindness that continues to define the Irwin name.
