For years, Robert Irwin has carefully kept his personal life away from the headlines. But in recent months, growing speculation surrounding his rumoured relationship with American wildlife photographer Ashleigh Scully has captured the attention of fans—and now, new reports suggest those closest to him may be quietly encouraging a more cautious approach.
A Rumoured Romance That Continues to Spark Interest
The 22-year-old Wildlife Warrior first fuelled romance rumours earlier this year after being seen spending time with Ashleigh Scully while filming the American Dancing With The Stars spin-off, The Next Pro, on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Although neither Robert nor Ashleigh has publicly confirmed a relationship, their relaxed chemistry during filming quickly attracted attention. Since then, public interest in the pair has continued to grow, particularly as they have been spotted together on several wildlife-related adventures.
Despite the speculation, Robert has remained characteristically private, choosing not to discuss his personal life publicly.
Terri and Bindi Reportedly Have One Concern
According to reports from In Touch Weekly, Robert’s mother Terri Irwin and sister Bindi Irwin are not opposed to Ashleigh herself. Instead, their reported concern centres on how quickly the relationship appears to be progressing.
A source claimed the family believes Ashleigh comes across as “lovely” and understands why Robert enjoys spending time with her.
However, the insider suggested that Terri and Bindi feel Robert may already be thinking well ahead, despite the relationship still being in its early stages.
Rather than questioning the match, the concern is reportedly about making significant life plans before the couple has had enough time to build their relationship naturally.
Hopes of Bringing Ashleigh Into the Irwin World
Reports also suggest Robert is enthusiastic about introducing Ashleigh to the family business and the life that has shaped him since childhood.
According to the source, he hopes she will spend more time at Australia Zoo, become familiar with the conservation work carried out by the Irwin family, and gradually become part of their close-knit world.
While the idea reflects Robert’s excitement about the future, it has reportedly prompted some hesitation among family members, who believe there is no need to rush such important milestones.
Shared Passions May Explain Their Strong Connection
One reason fans believe Robert and Ashleigh seem so compatible is their remarkably similar backgrounds.
Like Robert, Ashleigh developed a passion for wildlife photography from an early age, picking up a camera when she was just eight years old.
She has since built an impressive career specialising in Arctic wildlife and underwater photography.
Her achievements include being named Outstanding Young Nature Photographer by the North American Nature Photography Association in 2021.
Away from photography, Ashleigh has also excelled academically, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Literature from Texas Christian University, where she also served as captain of the university’s equestrian team during the 2024–25 season.
Their shared commitment to conservation, wildlife and the outdoors has only strengthened public speculation that they could be a natural match.
Romance Rumours Didn’t Begin Overnight
Although attention surrounding the pair intensified this year, rumours linking Robert and Ashleigh stretch back several years.
As early as 2019, Australian media reported that the two had become friends after meeting in the United States.
They have also worked together professionally, serving on the judging panel for the Crikey! Magazine Photography Competition, giving them opportunities to reconnect through their shared interests.
Speculation reached a new level in February when Robert and Ashleigh joined television personality Dylan Efron on a deep-sea diving expedition.
Photos from the outing showed the pair sitting beside one another on a boat in scuba gear, smiling alongside friends. Fans quickly flooded social media with comments suggesting the images looked like a subtle confirmation—or “soft launch”—of a relationship.
Robert Has Always Preferred Privacy
Despite increasing public curiosity, Robert has consistently kept his romantic life out of the spotlight.
During his successful appearance on the American version of Dancing With The Stars, he was briefly linked to actress Xochitl Gomez, although neither publicly confirmed a romance.
His last confirmed relationship was with Rorie Buckey, niece of the late Australian actor Heath Ledger. The couple made their red carpet debut in July 2023 before quietly ending the relationship in early 2024.
Following the split, reports suggested differing family views may have played some role, although none of the Irwins publicly addressed those claims.
A New Chapter Still Unfolding
Whether Robert Irwin and Ashleigh Scully are simply close friends or building something more serious remains unconfirmed.
For now, Robert continues to focus on wildlife conservation, filming commitments and representing the Irwin family legacy. Yet as interest in his personal life continues to grow, every public appearance with Ashleigh is drawing renewed attention.
If recent reports are accurate, the Irwin family is less concerned about who Robert is dating than about ensuring that any new relationship has the time and space to develop naturally before life-changing decisions are made.
