Robert Irwin splits from girlfriend Rorie Buckey: Couple splits after almost two years of dating – 'we wish each other all the best in the future'

Robert Irwin and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey have announced their separation after almost two years of dating.

The couple made the shocking announcement in a joint statement shared on Rorie's Instagram Story on Saturday morning.

“We wanted to share that we have decided to go our separate ways, but greatly appreciate the time we have spent together and wish each other all the best for the future,” the statement said.

“We want to express the gratitude and respect we have for each other as we continue our journeys on different paths.

“We will have no further comment on this matter and appreciate your respect and privacy at this time.”

Robert (19) and Rorie (19) are said to have been in a relationship since November 2022, but became official on Instagram in August 2023.

Before that, the pair made their red carpet debut at the premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One in Sydney.

Rorie reportedly completed an Irwin-approved “wildlife warrior boot camp” before she and Robert became an official couple.

In December, Woman's Day claimed Rorie had to win over the family by being willing to get out into nature.

The couple made the shocking announcement in a joint statement shared on Rorie's Instagram Story on Saturday morning

Robert (19) and Rorie (19) are said to have been in a relationship since November 2022, but became official on Instagram in August 2023

The happy couple went on a crocodile research trip together, where they discovered 'critical data' for the Wildlife Warriors' Worldwide foundation.

Mum Terri and sister Bindi, 25, were impressed by Rorie's dedication to Australian nature.

An insider claimed Rorie was “determined not to let Robert down and to show him – and his mother and sister – that she is not just a puff piece. And she blew them away.”

The pair had a long-distance relationship, with Robert living at the Australia Zoo in Queensland, while Rorie lived in Perth.

According to New Idea magazine, Robert was preparing to propose when his girlfriend visited him in Africa while he was filming I'm A Celebrity

Robert and Rorie, the niece of legendary Australian actor Heath Ledger, have a lot in common and both grew up in the public eye after suffering the devastating loss of a family member.

Heath was at the top of his Hollywood career when he was found dead of an accidental drug overdose in January 2008.

Robert's father Steve Irwin, known to the world as the 'Crocodile Hunter', died on September 4, 2006 at the age of 44, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray.

In November, Robert talked about his 'amazing' girlfriend in Nova's Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie.

The Wildlife Warrior expressed his joy over his relationship after host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli broached the subject.

“I feel like life is great right now [I’m] very, very happy,” Robert said.

After discussing his sister Bindi, Wippa called the relationship “great news” and then asked how serious the young zookeeper Buckey was on a scale of 1 to 10: “is it a 10?”

Robert then gave a heartwarming answer: 'Love is not a numbers game. You just feel it.'

Rumor had it that Robert was preparing to pop the question to his girlfriend.

According to New Idea magazine, he may have proposed when his girlfriend visited him in Africa while he was filming I'm A Celebrity.

“Everyone is convinced he wants to pop the question when they're in Africa,” said an insider.

'Robert is crazy about her and is planning something unforgettable when he formally asks her to marry him. They both know it's part of their plans, so he's come up with special ways to make it a surprise.”

The source went on to say that Robert and Rorie were taking their relationship “very seriously” and were planning a future together.

“They've talked about where to live and even how big they want their family to be,” she added.