Robert Irwin cries after receiving 19th birthday message from late dad Steve

It's often said 'like father, like son' and few people appear to resemble their dad more than wildlife warrior Robert Irwin.

The young man has just turned 19 and in heartwarming footage, he could be seen bubbling up as he received a message from his late dad, Steve.

Tragically, Robert was just three years old when his dad passed away after being injured by a stingray in 2006 at the age of just 44.

This meant that he largely grew up without his father, but that hasn't stopped him from following in his dad's footsteps to become a wildlife warrior at Australia Zoo.

It was there that he received the emotional message as part of a compilation that celebrated him entering the last year of his teens on 1 December.

The message consisted of footage of Steve discussing Robert's birth and his hope that he would grow into the next crocodile hunter.

Steve explained that while he was doing important work with wildlife, he acknowledged that he might be dead tomorrow.

That's why he thought it was so important to raise children who could potentially continue his legacy, and Steve said that if he did it, it would be 'the proudest moment of my life'.

The footage then cuts to Robert doing exactly what his dad dreamed he would.

After it ends, Robert says: "Making me cry on my birthday."

"It means the absolute world," he continued. "I just think it's such a privilege, personally and as a family, to continue the legacy of dad.

"He gave his life, quite literally, for wildlife conservation and to make the world a better place."

YouTube / DisKirra

Robert went on to admit that he did feel his dad's loss particularly at milestone birthdays.

"I just hope he'd be proud," he said, "and I hope I can find my own way and continue a legacy that is so profound."

As you can imagine, the emotional footage didn't go unnoticed when it was posted to YouTube.

Reacting to the video, one viewer wrote: "Don't think their mother gets enough credit for how well she has raised these kids especially without their father. Well done."

"What a well spoken and dynamic young man," added a second. "He is truly his parent's son and will be a force for years to come. Happy Birthday, Robert."

"Wow! What a beautifully spoken young man," observed a third. "Happy birthday Robert! Australia is so proud of you."

A fourth, meanwhile, said: "I can’t even imagine being that put together at 19 years old."