Honestly, if you’ve been anywhere near TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the chaos. Robert Irwin, the kid we all remember as the tiny "Crocodile Hunter" in training, has officially become the internet’s favorite bachelor. It’s wild. One minute he’s wrestling a 14-foot croc in Queensland, and the next, half of America is trying to figure out if he’s actually found his "American dream girl."
Is Robert Irwin dating right now? That’s the question that won’t go away.
The short answer, straight from the source as of January 2026, is that he’s officially single. But man, the journey to that "single" status over the last few months has been a total whirlwind of red carpets, breakup statements, and some very public flirting on the Dancing with the Stars ballroom floor.
The Rorie Buckey Breakup: What Went Wrong?
Before we get into the new rumors, we have to talk about Rorie. For a long time, it felt like Robert had finally found "the one." Rorie Buckey—who just happens to be the niece of the late Heath Ledger—was by his side for over a year. They weren’t just "dating"; they were the real deal. Rorie was even working at Australia Zoo and wearing those iconic khakis.
They looked perfect.
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Then, in February 2024, they dropped the bombshell. A joint Instagram statement. You know the type—lots of talk about "gratitude" and "different paths." It felt very mature for a couple of 20-year-olds, but it still bummed everyone out.
Rumor has it the "zoo life" is just a lot to handle. Being an Irwin isn't a 9-to-5 job; it’s a lifestyle. While Rorie was reportedly a "sweet soul" (Bindi’s words, not mine), the pressure of the spotlight and the intensity of the wildlife mission might have just been too much for a long-distance-turned-work-romance to survive. They scrubbed their socials, unfollowed each other's families, and that was that.
Is Robert Irwin Dating a Marvel Star?
Fast forward to late 2025. Robert joins Dancing with the Stars Season 34. Suddenly, he’s not just the "animal guy" anymore—he’s a Mirrorball champion. But it wasn’t his pro partner, Witney Carson, who got people talking. It was Xochitl Gomez.
You probably know her as America Chavez from the Marvel movies.
When they paired up for a special jive during the show’s 20th anniversary, the chemistry was... well, it was loud. Even the judges noticed. Derek Hough literally called out their connection on live TV. Then TMZ caught Xochitl showing up to Robert’s trailer with a massive bouquet of flowers right before the finale.
So, did it happen?
Robert has been kida cagey about it. He told reporters they had "the best time" and that she’s "the best," but he never used the word girlfriend. In fact, in a November interview with the New York Times, he admitted that dating in the spotlight is "holy moly, so challenging to navigate." Basically, if he goes to lunch with someone, it’s on TikTok before he’s even paid the bill.
The Search for the "American Tourist"
Robert has this theory about his love life that is actually pretty sweet. He calls it the "American Tourist" curse (or blessing, maybe?).
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Think about it:
- His dad, Steve, met Terri when she was an American visiting the zoo.
- His sister, Bindi, met Chandler Powell when he was—you guessed it—an American visiting the zoo.
Robert has joked multiple times that he’s just waiting for his own American tourist to wander into Australia Zoo. He wants that "serendipitous" moment. He’s looking for someone adventurous, kind, and positive. Someone who has their own passion but is down to join him in the mud with a monitor lizard every now and then.
There was a brief moment where people thought he was dating a troupe dancer named Hailey Bills, mostly because of a fun TikTok they did together, but that seems to have just been "work friends" vibes.
Why We Care So Much
It’s weirdly personal for a lot of us. We watched this kid grow up through the most public tragedy imaginable. Seeing him happy, thriving, and maybe falling in love feels like a win for everyone.
But right now, Robert seems more focused on his legacy than a wedding ring. Between winning DWTS, hosting I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, and running a massive conservation empire, the guy barely has time to sleep, let alone go on traditional dates.
He’s 22. He’s successful. He’s incredibly polite. He’s basically the world’s most eligible bachelor, and he’s clearly in no rush to change that unless it’s for a love story that matches his parents'.
What to Keep an Eye On
If you’re following the "Robert Irwin dating" saga, here’s how to spot the real news from the clickbait:
- The "Khaki Test": In the Irwin family, a relationship isn't official until the partner is seen working or volunteering at Australia Zoo in the uniform.
- The Bindi Approval: Bindi is Robert’s biggest protector. If she starts posting heartfelt captions about a "beautiful friend," that’s your biggest clue.
- The Red Carpet: Robert tends to keep things private until they are very serious. If he shows up to a Gala with someone on his arm, believe it.
For now, he's single, he's busy, and he's still waiting for that "stars to align" moment. Whether it's Xochitl Gomez or a random tourist with a camera and a love for crocs, we'll probably see it on Instagram when it’s finally real.
Next Step for Fans: Keep an eye on the Australia Zoo social feeds during the upcoming "Steve Irwin Day" celebrations. That's usually when the inner circle—and any potential new partners—make their most authentic appearances.