Robert Irwin broke the internet in early April with his head-turning Bonds underwear ad—but recently, the animal conservationist weighed in on another viral topic: the man vs. gorilla debate. And he sent a bold message in the process.
On May 5, the son of Crocodile Hunters stars Terri Irwin and the late Steve Irwin posted a TikTok video responding to the thought exercise.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
For those unfamiliar with the debate, folks on social media have been arguing over who would win in a hypothetical battle involving 100 unarmed men and just one silverback gorilla.
“I cannot believe I am weighing in on this right now,” Robert began his video. “But I have been asked this question so much in the last week, it’s ridiculous.”
Robert, 21, finally caved to fan pressure and offered his two cents.
“I have a couple of thoughts on this. First of all, I don’t know, gorillas are strong, mate. Like, really strong. But it’s 100 people. I’m not sure,” he offered.
Robert continued, “As an animal conservationist, fighting an endangered species just doesn’t sit right with me. But how many people does it take to save gorillas? That’s the question we should be asking because there’s not many of them left.”
Additionally, he brought up another valid point: Gorillas aren’t typically aggressive for no reason.
“The one thing that people aren’t really saying in this conversation—yes, gorillas are super powerful—but also, they’re pretty chill. Most of the time, they kind of just keep to themselves,” he explained. “They’ll defend themselves and protect each other and all of that. But if they don’t really have a reason, they kind of just do their thing.”
Robert concluded, “So I guess what I’m trying to say is we don’t need to fight gorillas. Maybe let’s just let this one remain a mystery.”
In the comments, TikTok users loved the upcoming Dancing With the Stars contestant’s answer.
One fan wrote, “‘How many people does it take to save Gorillas’ a true man.”
Another shared, “You’re so correct and hot,” as someone else pointed out, “Not him gentle parenting yall 😭😭😭.”
A different TikTok user commented, “100 men vs. 1 Robert Irwin I’m betting on Robert.”
“The main man has spoken. The debate is over,” yet another declared.
Next: Robert Irwin’s BTS Photos of Underwear Shoot Has Fans Saying They’re “Endangered & in Need of Rescuing”