Leslie Massey
Australia Zoo is a zoo in Queensland, Australia, that spans over 700 acres, with 110 acres accessible to guests. The zoo was opened in 1970 by Bob and Lyn Irwin, and their son Steve Irwin, who became famous for his wildlife documentary series, helped maintain the growing number of animals in the zoo. In 1994, the zoo purchased 3,500 acres of land in Queensland, and it has since expanded to protect over 450,000 acres of vital habitat across the state. The zoo features various attractions, including the Cheetah Grasslands, Grace's Bird Garden, and the Tiger Temple, and offers a free shuttle service for guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Area | 700 acres (280 ha) |
| Accessible area | 110 acres |
| Location | Queensland, Australia |
| Opening hours | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Annual closing day | 25th December |
| Discounted entry | Children under 3, students, seniors, pension card holders, defence and emergency service personnel |
| Animal bedtime | 4:30 p.m. |
| Attractions | Grace's Bird Garden, Tiger Temple, Cheetah Grasslands, Crikey! Kids Corner, Mount Franklin Crocoseum, Wildlife Warriors Show, Laughing Frog Waterpark, Roo Food, Kangaroo and Koala Habitats, African Safari exhibit |
| Owner | Terri Irwin |
| Parent company | Australia Zoo Pty Ltd |
| Landowner | Silverback Properties Pty Ltd |
| Food court and merchandising operator | Muscillo Holdings Pty Ltd |
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What You'll Learn
The zoo's size in 2010
Australia Zoo, located in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, Australia, is a large zoo that has undergone several expansions since its opening in 1970. The zoo has been a popular tourist attraction, known for its diverse range of animals and its association with wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
In 2010, the zoo covered an area of 76 acres (31 hectares), a significant expansion from its earlier size. This growth was made possible through a land deal with the Government of Queensland in 2007, where the zoo acquired land from the Beerwah State Forest, allowing for the development of an open-range safari attraction. This expansion elevated the zoo to a world-class standard and facilitated the addition of new exhibits and facilities.
By the 1990s, the zoo had become widely popular, especially for its unique crocodile feeding displays. The zoo continued to expand, and in 2004, the Australian Animal Hospital was established next to it, enhancing its capabilities in animal care and rehabilitation. The zoo's dedication to conservation and its growing popularity led to it winning the Australian Tourism Awards for 2003–2004 in the Major Tourist Attraction category.
In 2007, the land deal with the Queensland government provided a significant boost to the zoo's expansion plans, allowing for the creation of a world-class safari attraction. Despite a brief pause in expansion plans due to economic factors, the zoo continued to strive for growth, with construction of the Australia Zoo Safari Lodge commencing in 2008.
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The size of the zoo's safari park expansion
Australia Zoo, located in Queensland, Australia, is a 700-acre zoo that features over 110 acres of on-display habitats accessible to guests. The zoo has undergone expansions since its establishment and has continued to grow.
In 2007, a land deal was struck between the zoo and the Government of Queensland, which allowed the zoo to obtain land from the Beerwah State Forest for the development of an open-range safari attraction. This expansion positioned the zoo to advance towards a world-class standard.
The safari park expansion has not only increased the size of the zoo but also enhanced its offerings. The open-range safari concept allows visitors to explore vast areas and experience wildlife in a more natural setting. This addition complements the existing 110 acres of accessible habitats, providing a diverse and immersive experience for guests.
The zoo has also expressed intentions for further growth. In 2008, there were rumours of a potential sale to Animal Planet, with plans to create a $100-million Disney-style wildlife theme park. However, Terri Irwin, the zoo's owner, publicly denied these intentions, asserting that she had no plans to sell but was instead focused on expanding the park.
While the exact size of the safari park expansion in acres or hectares is not explicitly stated, the addition of the open-range safari attraction has undoubtedly contributed to a significant increase in the zoo's overall area. This expansion has elevated Australia Zoo's standing, making it one of the most prominent zoos in the country.
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The zoo's conservation efforts
Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, with over 110 acres accessible to guests. The zoo has been committed to conservation in many ways, including through educational programs, breeding programs, field research, media campaigns, and advice to governments and peak bodies.
The zoo's founders, Bob and Lyn Irwin, were pioneers in reptile care and wildlife rehabilitation. Their son Steve, who shared their passion for wildlife, helped establish the Crocodile Environmental Park in 1987 to aid in saltwater crocodile protection. The Crocodile Environmental Park became popular for its unique display of crocodile feeding. All profits from filming and merchandise sales were put back into conservation and building new exhibits.
In 1994, the zoo purchased the 3,500-acre Iron Bark Station in Queensland to protect endangered species such as the woma python and yakka skink. The zoo also acquired an additional 325 acres to save a dwindling koala population, with fewer than 12 koalas left in the area. Reforestation efforts were immediately commenced, including planting 44,000 eucalypt trees for the koalas. The zoo continued to expand its conservation area, purchasing another 1,000 acres in 1999 and an additional 1,800 acres in 2002.
In 2007, the zoo entered into a land deal with the Government of Queensland, exchanging land from the Beerwah State Forest for land near the Peachester State Forest. This swap allowed the zoo to develop an open-range safari attraction and expand to a world-class standard. In 2008, a new $5 million animal hospital, claimed to be the largest in the world, was opened next to the zoo. The hospital can care for up to 10,000 animals per year and includes two operating theatres, two treatment rooms, intensive care units for various species, and an X-ray room.
The zoo also runs Wildlife Warriors, a rescue operation and care station for injured native wildlife. Through funding, education, and research, Wildlife Warriors fights to protect wildlife and wild places around the world. In 2019, the zoo announced an $8 million project called 'Camp Crocodile', a wildlife camping experience expected to attract over 39,000 visitors to the Sunshine Coast annually.
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The size of the zoo's animal hospital
Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, with over 110 acres accessible to guests. The zoo features a 1,300-square-metre wildlife hospital, which is claimed to be the largest in the world. The hospital was opened in 2004 and was built in an old avocado packing shed. It was dedicated to Lyn Irwin, the mother of Steve Irwin, who was a pioneer in wildlife care and rehabilitation.
The hospital has two operating theatres with viewing areas for student veterinarians, two treatment rooms, intensive care units for mammals, birds, and reptiles, an X-ray room, and public areas. The intensive care units cater to different species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, ensuring specialised care for a range of animals.
The Wildlife Hospital is an integral part of the zoo's operations and has treated tens of thousands of sick or injured native animals. During the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, the hospital treated its 90,000th injured animal, highlighting its crucial role in wildlife conservation and rescue.
The hospital also serves as a learning centre, offering guided tours for visitors to observe the work of veterinarians and nurses. These tours provide an opportunity to witness the conservation efforts and treatment of injured wildlife up close, fostering a deeper connection with the zoo's mission.
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The size of the zoo's habitats
Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, with over 110 acres of on-display habitats. The zoo has a wide range of birds, mammals, and reptiles. It is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin, whose wildlife documentaries made the zoo a popular tourist attraction.
The zoo takes pride in creating habitats that are not only spacious and stimulating for the animals but also allow guests to see and experience the animals up close. The habitats are described as works of art and architectural firsts, each conceived by Steve Irwin and brought to life by a talented crew of designers, artists, builders, and horticulturalists.
The zoo features the Cheetah Grasslands, a state-of-the-art habitat with 2.5 acres of open grassland and natural waterways, providing a spacious area for cheetahs to roam. Grace's Bird Garden, originally known as the Rainforest Aviary, is home to over 170 birds from more than 19 different species. The Tiger Temple, resembling Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple, offers the only underwater tiger viewing in the southern hemisphere.
The zoo also includes the Mount Franklin Crocoseum, a stadium with a seating capacity of 5,000. It was the world's first venue for snake, bird, and crocodile shows, known as 'Wildlife Warriors 101'. In 2007, the zoo acquired land from the Beerwah State Forest, allowing for the development of an open-range safari attraction and expansion to a world-class standard.
In addition to the zoo's on-display habitats, Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors have protected over 450,000 acres of vital habitat across Queensland. This includes the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, encompassing 330,000 acres of rainforests, wetlands, and savannahs. The zoo also purchased Ironbark Station in Blackbutt, Queensland, with 3,500 acres extended by 1,630 acres, dedicated to restoring koala habitats and increasing their population.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia Zoo covers more than 110 acres that are accessible to guests. The zoo also purchased 3,500 acres of land in Blackbutt, Queensland, in 1994, known as Ironbark Station, which has now been extended by 1,630 acres for wildlife conservation.
Australia Zoo has many exhibits and attractions, including the Cheetah Grasslands, Crikey! Kids Corner, Grace's Bird Garden, the Laughing Frog Waterpark, the Tiger Temple, and the Containers for Change Crocoseum.
Australia Zoo is home to a wide range of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo also has a hospital that treated its 90,000th injured animal during the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season.
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