At a Glance
- Robert Irwin met Ben Marshall, the winner of a hometown look-alike contest, on Jan. 22.
- The 30-person competition in Caloundra, Australia, crowned Marshall with a $500 prize.
- The pair tested their resemblance by holding a Burmese python together at Australia Zoo.
- Why it matters: The moment highlights Irwin’s playful side and his return to the zoo after a stint in Los Angeles.
Robert Irwin’s return to Australia Zoo was marked by an unexpected encounter that had fans laughing and cheering. After spending six months overseas, the 22-year-old conservationist met Ben Marshall, the winner of a local Robert Irwin look-alike competition. The two shared a hug, a high-five, and a moment of disbelief that the resemblance was more than skin-deep.
The Lookalike Competition
On Jan. 17, Caloundra hosted a 30-person contest dedicated to the new Dancing with the Stars champion. Participants wore khaki shorts and performed various acts to win the title. Ben Marshall, a local father, won by break-dancing his way to victory and taking home a $500 prize.
The event was organized to welcome Irwin back after his three-month stint in Los Angeles. According to 9 News Australia, the competition was a celebration of the Australian icon’s return to his hometown. The winner’s appearance sparked a conversation between Irwin and Marshall.
> “This guy really does look like me,” Irwin admitted, reacting to Marshall’s appearance.
Meeting the Double
Irwin’s enthusiasm led him to bring Marshall to Australia Zoo. He posted a TikTok clip on Jan. 22 in which he said, “I said, ‘Wait a minute, bring him into Australia Zoo.’ I want to see how ‘Robert Irwin’ this bloke really is.” The video captured the moment the two met.
They shared a high-five and a hug before testing the authenticity of the resemblance. Irwin asked Marshall how he feels around snakes and introduced him to one of the zoo’s Burmese pythons. The pair held the snake together, and Irwin declared, “He passed the test.”
At the end of the clip, the duo posed side-by-side in nearly identical khaki outfits, laughing at their uncanny likeness.
A Day at Australia Zoo
Irwin’s return to the zoo is part of his ongoing work as a wildlife conservationist. He recently secured the Mirrorball Trophy with dance partner Witney Carson in November 2025. In an interview with The West Australian, he expressed excitement about being back in the bush.
> “Being in L.A. for the last three months has been wonderful, but I am not a city kid,” Irwin said. “I live out in the bush and have grown up there, so it’s good to be back where there’s a bit of greenery.”
His daily routine involves guiding visitors through the zoo’s exhibits, educating them about Australian wildlife, and participating in conservation projects. The look-alike event added a lighthearted touch to his otherwise serious work.
Looking Ahead
Irwin’s presence at Australia Zoo comes at a time when he is also hosting the show I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! The program brings international celebrities to Australian wildlife settings, echoing the environment that Irwin has championed for decades.
The look-alike competition and the subsequent TikTok video demonstrate Irwin’s willingness to engage with fans in creative ways. While the event was a one-off moment, it underscores the enduring connection between Irwin and his Australian roots.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Irwin met Ben Marshall, the winner of a local look-alike contest.
- The competition in Caloundra attracted 30 participants and awarded a $500 prize.
- The pair tested their resemblance with a Burmese python at Australia Zoo.
- Irwin’s return to the zoo follows a three-month stay in Los Angeles and a recent dance-trophy win.
- The event highlights Irwin’s playful side and his deep ties to Australian wildlife.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 17 | Look-alike competition in Caloundra, Ben Marshall wins. |
| Jan. 22 | Irwin meets Marshall at Australia Zoo, TikTok video posted. |
| November 2025 | Irwin wins Mirrorball Trophy with Witney Carson. |
The encounter between Robert Irwin and his doppelgänger reminds fans that even the most iconic figures can enjoy a moment of fun and surprise. The event was a fitting welcome back to the Australian bush, where Irwin’s legacy as a wildlife conservationist continues to thrive.
