Lexi Webster
Australia Zoo, owned by Terri Irwin, widow of Steve Irwin, is a 100-acre zoo located in Queensland, Australia. The zoo was opened by Steve's parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin, on 3 June 1970, under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. Over the years, the zoo expanded, and today, it is home to over 1,200 animals, including those in the African Savannah, South-East Asia exhibit, and Bindi's Island. The zoo also features a 1,300-square-metre wildlife hospital, the Australian Animal Hospital, and the largest elephant enclosure in Australia, Elephantasia. With its wide range of animals and exhibits, Australia Zoo offers a spacious and fun experience for visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Area | 100 acres (40 ha) |
| Location | Queensland, Australia |
| Year of opening | 3 June 1970 |
| Founder | Bob and Lyn Irwin |
| Current owner | Terri Irwin |
| Number of animals | Over 1,200 |
| Attractions | African Savannah, South-East Asia exhibit, Bindi's Island, Crocodile show, Rainforest Aviary, Birds of Prey aviary, Elephantasia, etc. |
| Awards | Australian Tourism Awards for 2003–2004 in the category Major Tourist Attraction |
| Hospital | 1,300-square-metre (14,000 sq ft) Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital |
| Conservation projects | Helping to protect species from tigers in Sumatra and cheetahs in Africa, to saltwater crocodiles and koalas in Australia |
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What You'll Learn
The zoo is 100 acres (40 ha) in size
Australia Zoo, owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin, is a 100-acre (40-hectare) zoo located in the Australian state of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast near Beerwah and the Glass House Mountains. The zoo first opened on 3 June 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile Park, founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin, Steve's parents.
The zoo has undergone several name changes and expansions over the years. In 1982, the park was renamed the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, and the area was doubled with the purchase of an additional 4 acres (1.6 hectares). In 1994, Australia Zoo purchased the 3,500-acre (1,400-hectare) Iron Bark Station located in Blackbutt, Queensland.
The zoo is known for its diverse range of animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, as well as popular exhibits such as crocodile feedings, elephant interactions, and hands-on animal encounters. The zoo has won several awards, including the Australian Tourism Awards for 2003-2004 in the Major Tourist Attraction category.
The Irwin family's legacy of wildlife conservation and education is continued through the zoo's dedication to animal care and the preservation of various species. The zoo features spacious habitats for its animals, and visitors can expect to do a lot of walking to explore all that the zoo has to offer.
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It has over 1,200 animals
Australia Zoo is a 100-acre zoo located in Queensland, Australia. It was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970 and was initially called Beerwah Reptile Park. The zoo has since expanded, and now houses over 1,200 animals, including a wide range of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
The zoo has a strong focus on animal conservation and education. It provides a haven for over 100 different species, including crocodiles, tigers, and cheetahs, which are some of Steve Irwin's favourites. The Irwin family has always prioritised the animals, with Steve and his wife, Terri, investing all the extra funds generated from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits. This has allowed them to create environments such as Elephantasia, a 12-acre Asian-themed exhibit that is the largest elephant enclosure in Australia. Here, visitors can hand-feed the zoo's elephants.
The Rainforest Aviary is another impressive feature of the zoo. This outdoor walk-through aviary houses about 150 birds, most of which are native to Australia. Adjacent to the Rainforest Aviary is the Birds of Prey aviary, which holds various species of raptors and other predatory birds. The zoo also features an African Safari exhibit, which is a multi-species replica of the Serengeti ecosystem, showcasing giraffes, plains zebras, and southern white rhinos interacting as they would in the wild.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, located next to the zoo, is a 1,300-square-metre facility that can care for up to 10,000 animals per year. During the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, the hospital treated its 90,000th injured animal. The hospital is just one example of how the zoo prioritises animal care and rehabilitation, reflecting the Irwin family's love and respect for wildlife.
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It has a 12-acre (4.9 ha) Asian-themed exhibit
Australia Zoo, located in Queensland, Australia, is a 100-acre zoo founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970. The zoo has a 12-acre Asian-themed exhibit called Elephantasia, which is the largest elephant enclosure in Australia.
Elephantasia is home to a variety of elephants, including four female Sumatran elephants that were imported in 2019. The exhibit features a wading pool with a fountain and tropical gardens with shaded areas for the elephants to relax in. It is designed to provide a natural and comfortable environment for the elephants, allowing them to socialise, play, and explore.
The Asian-themed exhibit is just one of the many attractions at Australia Zoo, which is known for its diverse range of animals and exhibits. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and education, with a focus on providing a unique and immersive experience for its visitors. It is recognised as a leading tourist attraction in Australia, winning the Australian Tourism Awards for 2003-2004 in the Major Tourist Attraction category.
In addition to Elephantasia, Australia Zoo offers a range of other exhibits and experiences. Visitors can explore walk-through aviaries, such as Grace's Bird Garden (formerly known as the Rainforest Aviary), which houses about 150 birds, most of which are native to Australia. The zoo also has an outdoor Birds of Prey aviary, showcasing various species of raptors and other predatory birds.
Another notable exhibit is Bindi's Island, named after Steve Irwin's daughter, Bindi. It is a three-story "treehouse" built around a replica fig tree, offering panoramic views of the zoo, including Lemur Island. The zoo also features the African Safari exhibit, a replica of the Serengeti ecosystem, where visitors can see giraffes, zebras, and rhinos interacting in a natural setting.
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It has a 1,300-square-metre (14,000 sq ft) wildlife hospital
Australia Zoo, owned by Terri Irwin, widow of Steve Irwin, is a 100-acre zoo located in Queensland, Australia. The zoo is a popular tourist attraction, known for its crocodile shows and other exciting wildlife experiences. The Irwin family has played a significant role in the zoo's history and development.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is a key feature of the zoo's commitment to animal care and conservation. Spanning 1,300 square metres or 14,000 square feet, the hospital is dedicated to Lyn Irwin, Steve Irwin's mother, who was an extraordinary wildlife rehabilitator. The facility can care for up to 10,000 animals per year and is equipped with two operating theatres, two treatment rooms, intensive care units for various species, and an X-ray room. The hospital reflects the Irwin family's dedication to wildlife conservation and their legacy of caring for injured and sick animals.
The Wildlife Hospital continues the work that began with Lyn Irwin, who was skilled in nursing injured and orphaned animals back to health. Her son, Steve Irwin, shared this passion for wildlife conservation and, along with his wife, Terri, ensured that all funds generated from filming and merchandise sales were invested back into conservation efforts. Their philosophy centred around putting the animals first, followed by the zoo team, and then the visitors. This commitment to conservation has been passed down to the next generation, with Steve's daughter, Bindi, having a section of the zoo named after her, and his son, Robert, actively involved in wildlife photography and conservation initiatives.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is an essential aspect of the zoo's operations, providing specialised care for a wide range of animals. It serves as a testament to the Irwin family's dedication to wildlife conservation and their ongoing efforts to protect and rehabilitate Australia's unique fauna. The hospital's capacity to treat a large number of animals annually ensures that the zoo can maintain the health and well-being of its residents and contribute to the broader ecosystem's health.
The hospital's design includes state-of-the-art facilities, such as intensive care units tailored to the needs of mammals, birds, and reptiles, demonstrating the zoo's comprehensive approach to wildlife care. The location of the hospital, adjacent to the zoo, also facilitates easy access for the veterinary team and ensures prompt treatment for the animals. The combination of advanced facilities and convenient proximity to the zoo underscores the Irwin family's commitment to providing the best possible care for the animals in their care.
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It's located in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Australia Zoo is located on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, approximately an hour's drive north of Brisbane. The zoo is situated on Steve Irwin Way in Beerwah and is easily accessible by a number of major highways. For instance, it is a 60-minute drive from Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. The zoo also operates a complimentary shuttle service to and from Beerwah Train Station.
The Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore) is a 30-minute drive from the zoo and offers direct flights from various cities in Australia, as well as seasonal flights from Auckland, New Zealand. The zoo is also accessible by rail, with the Queensland Rail (QR) Citytrain offering a seven-day service between the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Beerwah.
Australia Zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 as the Beerwah Reptile Park. The zoo has since expanded and now covers 100 acres (40 hectares), making it one of the largest zoos in Australia. It is home to over 1,200 animals, including those in the African Savannah, South-East Asia exhibit, and Bindi's Island, as well as the original part of the zoo with Australian favourites.
The zoo has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and animal care. It is dedicated to providing exciting wildlife shows and educational experiences for visitors while prioritising the care and rehabilitation of animals. The Australian Animal Hospital, located next to the zoo, was opened in 2004 to support these efforts. The hospital has a staff of 20 full-time workers and 80 volunteers, caring for up to 6,000 animals per year.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia Zoo is a 100-acre zoo located in Queensland, Australia.
There is a lot of walking involved in visiting Australia Zoo, especially if you want to see all the exhibits. Visitors have reported being tired at the end of the day.
Yes, there is a free shuttle available that can take you from one area of the zoo to another.
There are over 1,200 animals in the zoo, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Some of the notable exhibits in the zoo include Elephantasia, the largest elephant enclosure in Australia, the Rainforest Aviary, and Bindi's Island, a three-story treehouse built around a replica fig tree.
