Wildlife conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin has shared a deeply emotional update while competing on Dancing with the Stars in the U.S., revealing that his beloved dog Stella has been diagnosed with cancer. The heartbreaking news has left fans around the world rallying behind the 20-year-old, who admitted that being away from home during such a difficult time has been “incredibly tough.”
In a heartfelt post on social media, Robert wrote, “This is a tough one. I wanted to give an unfortunate update on my sweet little pup, Stella. A mass was discovered that ended up being cancerous. She’s doing okay post-surgery so far, but it’s been stressful to say the least.”
Alongside his message, Robert shared photos of Stella recovering after surgery, calling her “my little bestie and one tough cookie.” The young conservationist, who grew up surrounded by animals at the Australia Zoo, said that Stella has been “the heart of our home” and “the best friend anyone could ask for.”
While Robert continues to rehearse for Dancing with the Stars, he admitted that it’s been an emotionally overwhelming week. “It’s been hard to focus knowing she’s back home and I can’t be there,” he said. “This week has really tested me. It’s reminded me how connected we are to the ones we love — even when we’re far away.”
During rehearsals, Robert shared that he’s been “tapping into emotions I haven’t shown publicly before,” explaining that dance has become a powerful outlet for his grief, love, and resilience. “This week’s performance is dedicated to my mum, Terri, who has been such a rock through everything — from losing Dad to helping me through the ups and downs of life. She’s the reason I can keep smiling,” he added.
Robert’s emotional openness struck a chord with fans, who flooded his social media with messages of love and support. “Your dad would be so proud of you,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “You’ve got your father’s heart, Robert — full of love and strength.”
The Irwin family has faced their share of heartbreak over the years. Robert was just two years old when his father, legendary conservationist Steve Irwin, tragically passed away in 2006. Since then, Robert, his mother Terri, and sister Bindi Irwin have carried on his legacy through their wildlife work and dedication to animal conservation.
Despite the emotional strain, Robert remains optimistic about Stella’s recovery. “She’s strong, and I know she’s fighting hard,” he said. “All I can do is keep sending her love from across the world.”
His message closed with gratitude to his fans: “Thank you all for the kind words — they mean more than you know. It’s been a tough week, but love always gets us through.”
For Robert Irwin, this experience has not only revealed his resilience but also reminded millions why he continues to be one of the most genuine and compassionate figures in modern television.
