Steve Irwin’s son weighs in on viral 100 men vs. gorilla debate: “I’m being asked about this on the street”

Steve Irwin’s son Robert has weighed in on the 100 men vs. one gorilla debate after saying he is “being asked about it” by people on the street.

Robert, 21, is the son of the late Australian zookeeper and broadcaster commonly known as The Crocodile Hunter, who rose to fame in the ‘90s and ‘00s and became well known for his enthusiastic presenting style and outspoken conservation work. He tragically died after being pierced by a stingray barb while filming a documentary in 2006 at the age of 44.

Now Robert, himself known for his wildlife photography and conservation work, has posted a video on social media responding to the viral debate about whether 100 grown men could beat an adult male gorilla in a fight.

“I have been asked this question so much in the last week, it’s ridiculous,” he said in the video. “Like, I’m getting asked in the street now. Who would win, a hundred people or a gorilla?”

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A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)

“First of all, I dunno, gorillas are strong, mate. Like, really strong. But it’s a hundred people. I’m not sure. Just as an animal conservationist, fighting an endangered species just doesn’t sit right with me. How many people does it take to save gorillas, that is the question we should be asking, because there’s not many of them left.”

“Anyway, the one thing that people aren’t really saying in this whole discussion – yes, gorillas are super powerful, all of that, but also, they’re pretty chilled. Most of the time, they kind of just keep to themselves. 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.”

He concluded: “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.”

The debate is thought to have originated in a Reddit discussion in 2020 and was revived in recent weeks on X, with countless posts and videos musing on the philosophical conundrum. As reported by the Washington Post, some primatologists believe that despite silverback gorillas’ overwhelming power advantage, 100 co-ordinated humans might eventually be able to overpower one, albeit with significant casualties.

Robert Irwin continues to uphold his family’s legacy, releasing photography books and promoting education about wildlife conservationism.

The post Steve Irwin’s son weighs in on viral 100 men vs. gorilla debate: “I’m being asked about this on the street” appeared first on NME.