Fans of Robert Irwin are buzzing with excitement as rumors circulate that the Australian wildlife expert may be dating American wildlife photographer Ashleigh Sculley. The two have been friends since Robert was a teenager and recently enjoyed a diving adventure alongside TV personality Dylan Efron and more friends, where they were spotted in scuba gear, sharing smiles and moments captured on social media.
Ashleigh Sculley, 23, hails from New Jersey and is known for her love of nature and diving. Her impressive background includes being a Division One college athlete for five years and writing a Master’s thesis on the 19th-century oil and whaling empire. She typically captures the beauty of rugged landscapes in locations like Wyoming, Alaska, and Norway, making her a fitting companion for the adventurous Robert, who is deeply connected to wildlife and conservation efforts.
Fans on TikTok have enthusiastically reacted to the photos, interpreting them as a “soft launch” of a potential relationship between the pair. Supporters highlight their compatibility, with comments pointing out Sculley’s background in wildlife photography and her achievements as a Division One athlete. Some fans even humorously noted that Sculley bears a resemblance to Robert’s late mother, Terri Irwin.
Both Robert and Ashleigh have served as judges for the upcoming Crikey! Magazine’s Photography 2025 Competition, further solidifying their professional ties. The two were previously rumored to have dated during their teenage years after meeting in the U.S.
Robert, who gained fame as the host of “I’m a Celebrity” US, has strong connections to the United States through his family. His mother, Terri, was raised in Oregon, and his sister, Bindi, shares a daughter with American wakeboarder Chandler Powell. Additionally, Robert achieved a major win on “Dancing with the Stars” in the U.S. last year, following in Bindi’s footsteps after her victory a decade prior.
As he steps into potential new romance and balances media and conservation commitments, fans continue to show enthusiasm and support for Robert in this new chapter of his life, especially after his recent split from Rorie Buckey in February 2024 after an 18-month relationship.