Terri Irwin ‘Needs a Small Fortune’ to Save Her Zoo and Son Robert Is ‘Her Best Hope’ Amid ‘DWTS’ (Exclusive)

Robert Irwin is taking Hollywood by storm as he struts his stuff on Dancing With the Stars — and a source tells Star that his mom, Terri Irwin, is banking on him to land some major deals that will save the family’s precarious finances.

“The last few years have been very tough. Their zoo has struggled a fair amount over the years, but COVID really took a toll and they’ve been trying their hardest to climb out of debt since,” the source says. “Everyone has done their best to help, but they’re still behind, and Teri is looking at the years ahead with a lot of anxiety.”

While Terri, 61, wants to keep it all running, not just for the family, but for her late husband Steve Irwin’s legacy, that means she “needs to bring in a small fortune and right now, Robert is really her best hope.”

“He’s more than happy to help,” the source explains. “He’s throwing himself at every opportunity and his sole goal is to earn as much as he can so he can fix all their debts and set the zoo and his mum up for the future. And he absolutely seems on track to do that.”

“He’s so handsome, charming and authentic. Everyone has taken such a shine to him, the job offers continue piling in,” the source continues. “And, of course, the ladies are lining up as well, which he’s enjoying, but ultimately he has his eyes on the prize — he’s on a mission to help set his mum up for life.”

The Irwin’s zoo has struggled financially since Steve’s death in 2006, and Terri, along with Robert and her daughter, Bindi Irwin, have been open about the hardships they’ve faced.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australia Zoo closed for more than two months, which meant they weren’t bringing in any gate revenue.

However, despite the setbacks, Terri has continued to keep the doors open and honor her husband’s legacy.