Leslie Massey
Australia Zoo, located on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 as Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park. Their son, Steve Irwin, shared his parents' love for wildlife and helped care for the crocodiles, reptiles, and other animals at the zoo from a young age. The zoo has since expanded to include over 1,200 animals, with exhibits such as the African Savannah, South-East Asia, and Bindi's Island. The Irwin family's dedication to wildlife conservation has made Australia Zoo a renowned destination for those seeking immersive animal experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total area | 135,000 hectares (334,000 acres) |
| Year of opening | 3 June 1970 |
| Founders | Bob Irwin and Lyn Irwin |
| Current owner | Terri Irwin |
| Number of animals | Over 1,200 |
| Number of staff | Over 500 |
| Location | Queensland's Sunshine Coast |
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What You'll Learn
The zoo's history
Australia Zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 as Beerwah Reptile Park, a two-acre wildlife park. 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 had helped his parents since 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 the area was doubled with the purchase of another 4 acres. In 1987, the Crocodile Environmental Park was opened to aid saltwater crocodile protection. By the 1990s, the Crocodile Environmental Park had become very popular for its display of crocodile feedings. During this time, Steve and Terri changed the name of their now growing wildlife park to Australia Zoo. As filming generated extra funds, they put all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits.
In 2004, the Australian Animal Hospital was opened next to the zoo to help with animal care and rehabilitation. The facility was built in an old avocado packing shed and was dedicated to Lyn Irwin. In 2006, Elephantasia, a 12-acre Asian-themed exhibit, opened and became the largest elephant enclosure in Australia. That same year, Steve Irwin passed away, and Terri became the new owner of the zoo. Today, Australia Zoo now encompasses over 700 acres, with 110 acres on public display, and employs over 500 staff, continuing Steve’s mission of “Conservation Through Exciting Education”.
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The Irwin family
Steve's wife, Terri Irwin, also had a passion for wildlife instilled in her from a young age by her father, who would bring home injured wildlife he found on Oregon's highways. This led Terri to develop her animal care skills and work as a veterinary technician at an emergency veterinary hospital. Steve and Terri married in 1992 and embarked on a crocodile rescue mission for their honeymoon, filming the experience—this became the first episode of The Crocodile Hunter documentary series. They went on to film over 300 episodes of various wildlife series, putting all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits.
Steve and Terri have two children, Bindi Irwin and Robert Irwin, who are both passionate wildlife conservationists. Bindi was born in 1998 and named after one of her father's favourite crocodiles. Robert was born in 2003 and is the mirror image of his father, sharing his love of nature and wildlife photography. The Irwin grandchildren include Bindi's daughter, Grace Warrior Irwin Powell, who has a zoo exhibit named after her: Grace's Bird Garden.
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Animal conservation
The Australia Zoo, established by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970, was initially called the Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park. Their son, Steve Irwin, shared his parents' passion for wildlife and helped care for the crocodiles, reptiles, and other animals in the zoo. Steve and his wife, Terri Irwin, shared a vision of making the Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the world. They dedicated all proceeds from filming and merchandise to conservation efforts and the development of new exhibits.
The zoo is home to over 1,200 animals, including those in the African Savannah, South-East Asia exhibit, and Bindi's Island, as well as Australian favourites. The Irwin family has played a significant role in wildlife conservation, with Steve's parents, Bob and Lyn, being pioneers in reptile keeping, breeding, and wildlife rehabilitation. Steve's expertise in crocodile capture and management techniques is internationally recognised, and he has contributed significantly to crocodile management in Queensland.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, established by Steve and Terri, is a world-class facility dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing native Australian animals. The hospital, named in honour of Steve's mother, Lyn, can care for up to 10,000 animals annually and has modern facilities, including operating theatres, treatment rooms, intensive care units, and an X-ray room. The hospital continues Lyn Irwin's legacy of extraordinary wildlife rehabilitation, ensuring that injured and orphaned animals receive the best care.
The Irwin family's commitment to conservation extends beyond the zoo. Their conservation projects protect various species worldwide, including tigers in Sumatra, cheetahs in Africa, and saltwater crocodiles and koalas in Australia. Through their efforts, the Irwin family has ensured that Steve Irwin's legacy of wildlife conservation and education lives on, honouring his memory as the greatest Wildlife Warrior.
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Exhibits and attractions
Australia Zoo, located in Queensland, Australia, is a world-renowned zoo that offers a wide variety of exhibits and attractions featuring an extensive range of animals. The zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970 as Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park. Their son, Steve Irwin, shared their passion for wildlife and played a significant role in the zoo's development.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is a world-class facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of native Australian animals. Established by Steve and Terri Irwin, it can care for up to 10,000 animals annually. The hospital is named in honour of Steve Irwin's mother, Lyn Irwin, who was an exceptional wildlife rehabilitator. The facility includes intensive care units for mammals, birds, and reptiles, along with an X-ray room and operating theatres.
Elephantasia
Elephantasia is a 12-acre Asian-themed exhibit that is the largest elephant enclosure in Australia. It offers a wading pool with a fountain and tropical gardens, providing a natural and comfortable environment for the zoo's elephants. This exhibit opened in 2006 and currently houses four female Sumatran elephants.
Rainforest Aviary and Birds of Prey Aviary
The Rainforest Aviary is an outdoor walk-through experience where visitors can get up close with about 150 birds, most of which are native to Australia. Adjacent to this aviary is the Birds of Prey Aviary, featuring various species of raptors and other predatory birds.
Bindi's Island
Bindi's Island is a unique exhibit named after Steve Irwin's daughter, Bindi, who is also a passionate wildlife conservationist. It is a three-story "treehouse" built around a replica fig tree, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
African Savannah and South-East Asia Exhibits
The African Savannah and South-East Asia exhibits offer a glimpse into the diverse wildlife of these regions. Visitors can expect to see a range of animals, including those native to these continents.
Crocodile Feedings and Hands-on Animal Encounters
Australia Zoo provides opportunities for visitors to witness crocodile feedings and have hands-on encounters with various animals. This allows for a more interactive and engaging experience, fostering a deeper connection with wildlife.
With a focus on conservation and education, Australia Zoo offers a range of exhibits and attractions that showcase the diverse wildlife of Australia and beyond. The zoo has continued to expand and improve, honouring the legacy of Steve Irwin and his family's dedication to wildlife conservation and protection.
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The zoo's future
The Australia Zoo, originally known as the Beerwah Reptile Park, was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970. Their son, Steve Irwin, helped his parents care for the animals since childhood. Steve and his wife, Terri Irwin, shared a vision of making the Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the world. They put all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits.
Steve and Terri Irwin's legacy is being carried forward by their children, Bindi and Robert Irwin, who are passionate wildlife conservationists. The zoo now encompasses over 700 acres and employs over 500 staff, continuing Steve’s mission of “Conservation Through Exciting Education”. 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 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 also features a 12-acre Asian-themed exhibit called Elephantasia, which is the largest elephant enclosure in Australia. The Rainforest Aviary houses about 150 birds, and the adjacent Birds of Prey aviary holds various species of raptors and other predatory birds.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, dedicated to Steve Irwin's mother, Lyn Irwin, is a world-class facility that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases over 10,000 native Australian animals every year. The hospital has two operating theatres, two treatment rooms, intensive care units, and an X-ray room. The zoo's ultimate mission is to "save one, save the species," and every dollar spent by visitors supports conservation projects worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 1,200 animals in the zoo, including those in the African Savannah, South-East Asia exhibit, and Bindi's Island.
The zoo encompasses over 700 acres and includes a 135,000-hectare (330,000-acre) national reserve.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is a world-class facility that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases over 7,000-10,000 native Australian animals every year.
