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Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, that is home to over one hundred different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970 and was originally called Beerwah Reptile Park. The zoo has since expanded to include a 5,000-seat stadium, a safari attraction, and a wildlife hospital. Australia Zoo is also known for its crocodile feedings and hands-on animal encounters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of species | Over 100 |
| Land area | 700 acres (280 ha) |
| On-display habitats | 110 acres |
| Animal hospital size | 1,300 square metres (14,000 sq ft) |
| Mount Franklin Crocoseum stadium capacity | 5,000 |
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What You'll Learn
- The zoo is home to over 100 species, including crocodiles, tigers and cheetahs
- It has an on-site wildlife hospital, which treated its 90,000th injured animal in 2019-2020
- Visitors can feed kangaroos and watch crocodile feedings
- The zoo has an open-range safari, showcasing animals like giraffes and rhinos
- It was founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin, who passed their love of wildlife onto their son, Steve
The zoo is home to over 100 species, including crocodiles, tigers and cheetahs
Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, that is home to over 100 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970 and was initially called Beerwah Reptile Park. Their son, Steve Irwin, helped his parents care for the crocodiles, reptiles, and other animals from a young age.
The zoo has since expanded to include a wide variety of species, including crocodiles, tigers, and cheetahs. These were some of Steve Irwin's favourite animals, and the zoo provides a great environment for them. It also serves as a platform for these animals to act as ambassadors for their cousins in the wild. The zoo has a crocodile environmental park, where visitors can observe crocodile feedings, and a Mount Franklin Crocoseum stadium with a seating capacity of 5,000, primarily used for animal shows.
The zoo is also home to other species, such as giraffes, plains zebras, and southern white rhinos, which are featured in the African Safari exhibit. This multi-species exhibit is a replica of the Serengeti ecosystem, showcasing how these animals interact in the wild. Visitors can also feed the kangaroos at the zoo and enjoy various wildlife shows, including the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors show, which runs for around 25 to 30 minutes.
Australia Zoo is committed to animal conservation and has a world-class wildlife hospital on-site. The hospital treats a wide range of injured wildlife and plays a crucial role in protecting all wildlife, in line with the zoo's philosophy of putting its animals first.
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It has an on-site wildlife hospital, which treated its 90,000th injured animal in 2019-2020
Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, with over one hundred different species of animals. It was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970 and was initially called Beerwah Reptile Park. Their son Steve, along with his wife Terri, later renamed it Australia Zoo. The zoo has won several awards, including the Australian Tourism Awards for 2003-2004 and the RACQ People's Choice Award in 2019.
The zoo is known for its dedication to wildlife conservation and education. It features a wide range of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including crocodiles, tigers, and cheetahs. During the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, the on-site wildlife hospital treated its 90,000th injured animal. This hospital is a testament to the zoo's commitment to animal care and rehabilitation. The facility cost $5 million to build and is claimed to be the largest wildlife hospital worldwide. It covers 1,300 square meters and is constructed from mud brick and hay. The hospital has two operating theatres, two treatment rooms, intensive care units for various animal groups, an X-ray room, and public areas for visitors.
The zoo's 24-hour Wildlife Hospital provides essential care for injured animals, with a particular focus on those affected by the Australian bushfires. This hospital plays a crucial role in the zoo's conservation efforts, ensuring that injured animals receive the necessary treatment and a chance at recovery. The facility's ability to treat a diverse range of animals, from mammals to birds and reptiles, underscores its significance in preserving Australia's unique wildlife.
The hospital's 90,000th patient during the 2019-2020 bushfire season highlights the devastating impact of these fires on Australia's wildlife. The zoo's efforts during this crisis were instrumental in providing relief and aiding in the recovery of the affected animal populations. The hospital's dedication to treating injured wildlife, coupled with the zoo's conservation initiatives, showcases a comprehensive approach to wildlife protection and the fulfillment of its mission to increase the chances of protecting all wildlife.
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Visitors can feed kangaroos and watch crocodile feedings
Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, that is home to over 1,200 animals from more than 100 different species. The zoo was opened in 1970 by Bob and Lyn Irwin under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. Their son Steve, along with his wife Terri, helped his parents maintain the growing number of animals in the zoo. In 1982, the park was renamed the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, and in the 1990s, Steve and Terri changed its name to Australia Zoo.
The zoo offers visitors the opportunity to feed kangaroos in walk-through enclosures and watch crocodile feedings. The Crocodile Environmental Park, opened in 1987, was popular for its display of crocodile feedings, specifically for adult saltwater crocodiles that had been relocated from the wild. The zoo's Mount Franklin Crocoseum stadium, with a seating capacity of 5,000, is used mainly for animal shows, including the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Show, which features snakes, birds, and crocodiles.
In addition to feeding kangaroos and viewing crocodile feedings, visitors can also pet koalas and have hands-on encounters with various other animals. The zoo is committed to wildlife conservation and has a roving animal team that walks around the grounds with different animals, such as alligators, birds, snakes, and lizards. The zoo is also home to an Australian Animal Hospital, which provides care and rehabilitation for injured wildlife.
With its diverse range of exhibits, interactive experiences, and dedication to conservation, Australia Zoo offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors interested in learning about and interacting with a wide variety of animals.
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The zoo has an open-range safari, showcasing animals like giraffes and rhinos
Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, that is home to over one hundred different species of animals. The zoo showcases a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and is known for its crocodile feedings and hands-on animal encounters.
The zoo is also home to an open-range safari, which was made possible through a land deal with the Government of Queensland in 2007. This safari attraction offers a unique opportunity to view animals in a more natural setting. Among the stars of this open safari are the majestic giraffes and the mighty rhinos.
The African Safari exhibit, opened in 2011, is a multi-species replica of the Serengeti ecosystem. Here, visitors can observe giraffes, zebras, and southern white rhinos interacting as they would in their natural habitat on the open plains of Africa. This exhibit is a true showcase of the beauty and diversity of African wildlife, with animals roaming free and displaying their unique behaviours.
The southern white rhino, in particular, holds a special place in the zoo's history. In 2024, a baby southern white rhino named Jabulani was born at the zoo, becoming the first successfully mother-raised calf in Victoria in over 20 years. Jabulani explored the African-inspired habitat, curiously wandering among the herds of giraffes, zebras, and other animals. This event highlighted the zoo's commitment to conservation and the importance of providing a safe haven for these magnificent creatures.
Australia Zoo's open-range safari provides a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing visitors to witness the beauty and majesty of these African animals in a setting that resembles their natural environment. It offers a glimpse into the wild, showcasing the interactions between species and providing a deeper understanding of their behaviours and habitats.
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It was founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin, who passed their love of wildlife onto their son, Steve
Australia Zoo, a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, was founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970. The zoo was originally called Beerwah Reptile Park and spanned just two acres. Bob, a world-renowned herpetologist, and Lyn, who was one of the first to care for and rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife in southeast Queensland, passed on their love and respect for wildlife to their three children: Joy, Steve, and Mandy.
Steve, who would later become known as the Crocodile Hunter, helped his parents from childhood to care for crocodiles and reptiles and to maintain the growing number of animals in the zoo. In 1982, the park was renamed the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and its area was doubled with the purchase of another four acres.
In 1992, Bob and Lyn retired and moved to Rosedale, Queensland, and handed over the operation of the zoo to Steve and his wife, Terri. By this time, the Crocodile Environmental Park had become very popular, particularly for its display of crocodile feeding. Steve and Terri changed the name of the growing wildlife park to Australia Zoo. They invested all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits.
The zoo continued to expand, with the addition of a management team and around 50 new staff members. In 2007, the zoo made a land deal with the Government of Queensland, allowing for the development of an open-range safari attraction. In 2008, a new $5 million animal hospital, claimed to be the largest wildlife hospital in the world, opened next to the packing shed. Today, the zoo contains a wide range of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and provides a haven for over one hundred different species.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia Zoo is home to over one hundred different species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Australia Zoo features a wide range of attractions, such as the Mount Franklin Crocoseum stadium, which hosts animal shows and concerts. The zoo also has an African Safari exhibit, replicating the Serengeti ecosystem, and the Laughing Frog Waterpark, offering fun for all ages.
Yes, Australia Zoo is also home to the Wildlife Hospital, which treats injured wildlife and is claimed to be the largest wildlife hospital in the world. Additionally, the zoo has a Crikey Cafe that caters to various dietary requirements.
Australia Zoo spans across 700 acres, with 110 acres of on-display habitats. The zoo offers a free shuttle service to transport visitors to various sections, including the Africa savannah.
