Lyla Lindsey
Australia Zoo is currently owned and operated by Terri Irwin and her two children, Bindi and Robert. The zoo was founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin, Steve Irwin's parents, in 1970, under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. Steve and Terri took over management in 1991 and changed the name to Australia Zoo. They were known for their popular TV wildlife documentary series, The Crocodile Hunter, and used the funds generated from the show to build new exhibits and expand the zoo. After Steve's death in 2006, Terri became the sole owner and has continued to run the zoo with her children. The Irwin family has since expanded the zoo to over 700 acres, and it is now home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current Owner | Terri Irwin |
| Previous Owner | Steve Irwin |
| Founded By | Bob Irwin |
| Location | Queensland, Australia |
| Size | Over 700 acres |
| Number of Staff | Over 500 |
| Animals | Crocodiles, birds, mammals, reptiles, elephants, koalas, kangaroos, etc. |
| Attractions | Crocodile feedings, hands-on animal encounters, Rainforest Aviary, Birds of Prey aviary, Elephantasia, etc. |
| Facilities | Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge |
| TV Shows | The Crocodile Hunter, Crikey! It's the Irwins |
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What You'll Learn
Australia Zoo was founded by Bob Irwin, Steve Irwin's father
In 1991, Steve took over management of the park and, shortly after, he met Terri Raines, from Eugene, Oregon, when she visited the park. Terri had a passion for predatory mammals and shared Steve's love of wildlife. They married in 1992 and, instead of a honeymoon, they embarked on a crocodile rescue mission, filming the experience. This became the first episode of their TV wildlife documentary series, 'The Crocodile Hunter'.
As the popularity of the show grew, Steve and Terri changed the name of the park to 'Australia Zoo'. They put all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits. In 2004, they opened the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which was dedicated to Steve's mother, Lynn Irwin, who had passed away in 2000.
Following Steve's accidental death in 2006, Terri became the new owner of the zoo and continued to operate it with her children, Bindi and Robert. In 2019, the zoo announced a new project, 'Camp Crocodile', which was expected to draw thousands of visitors each year. Today, the zoo encompasses over 700 acres and employs over 500 staff, continuing Steve's mission of "Conservation Through Exciting Education".
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Terri Irwin became the sole owner after Steve Irwin's death
Australia Zoo was founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970, under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. The zoo was then taken over by their son, Steve Irwin, in 1991. Steve and his wife, Terri, expanded the park and changed its name to Australia Zoo. They also established the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which was dedicated to Steve's mother, Lyn, in 2004.
Steve Irwin died in 2006, after an accident while snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Following his death, Terri became the sole owner of Australia Zoo. She continued to operate the zoo with her two children, Bindi and Robert. Terri became a naturalised Australian citizen in 2009 and has since worked to continue Steve's legacy, alongside her children.
Terri Irwin's commitment to the zoo and its mission is evident in her efforts to honour Steve's memory. She has faced challenges, including a lawsuit filed against the zoo by a debt collection agency, which was later dismissed. In 2019, the zoo announced a new project, "Camp Crocodile", aiming to attract more visitors. Terri has also supported the construction of "The Crocodile Hunter Lodge", a resort-style accommodation centre within the zoo.
Terri's dedication to wildlife conservation and animal care has been a key aspect of her ownership. She had previously worked as a veterinary technician and had experience rehabilitating animals. Her skills and passion, combined with her determination to carry on Steve's work, have contributed to the ongoing success and expansion of Australia Zoo.
In addition to Terri's direct involvement, her children have also played active roles in the zoo's operations. Bindi Irwin, a wildlife conservationist, has been recognised for her work and was named CEO of the zoo. Robert Irwin, Terri's younger child, is also a passionate wildlife conservationist and nature photographer. He has been involved in various projects at the zoo and continues the family's legacy. Rumours suggest that Terri and Bob Irwin do not have a relationship, but this is not confirmed.
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The Irwin family continue to operate the zoo
Australia Zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. The zoo was later taken over by their son, Steve Irwin, and his wife, Terri. Steve and Terri had two children, Bindi and Robert, and together they continued to operate the zoo, putting all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits.
In 2006, Steve Irwin died in an accident while snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Terri became the new owner of the zoo and continued to operate it with her children. The family also continued to expand the zoo, purchasing more land and opening new exhibits.
Terri Irwin became an Australian citizen in 2009 and, together with her children, has continued to honour Steve's legacy. Bindi Irwin is a wildlife conservationist and the CEO of Australia Zoo. She has been recognised for her work, winning a daytime Emmy Award when she was just nine years old. Robert Irwin is also a passionate wildlife conservationist, nature photographer, and TV presenter. He works at the zoo and is dedicated to protecting wildlife and inspiring others.
The Irwin family has faced some challenges, including legal issues and disagreements over how to run the zoo. However, they have continued to successfully operate Australia Zoo, which now encompasses over 700 acres and employs over 500 staff. They have also expanded their conservation efforts beyond the zoo, working on other projects both in Australia and worldwide.
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The zoo has won several awards
Australia Zoo, owned by the Irwin family, has won several awards over the years. The zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. Their son, Steve Irwin, and his wife, Terri, took over the zoo in the 1990s and renamed it Australia Zoo. The zoo has since become a popular tourist attraction and has won multiple awards for its contributions to tourism and conservation.
One of the zoo's notable awards is the Australian Tourism Awards, which it won in the 2003-2004 season in the Major Tourist Attraction category. This award recognizes the zoo's appeal as a premier tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to view a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including crocodile feedings and hands-on animal encounters. In 2010, the zoo won Gold in the Queensland Tourism Awards for Major Tourist Attraction once again, solidifying its reputation as a leading tourist destination in the region.
Australia Zoo has also been recognized for its conservation efforts. In 2004, the zoo opened the Australian Animal Hospital next to its premises to support animal care and rehabilitation. This facility has since been expanded and renamed the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, dedicated to Lyn Irwin, Steve's mother, who was skilled in nursing injured and orphaned animals. The hospital has won awards, including the Tourism Retailing Award from Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in 2006.
The Irwin family has also been personally recognized for their contributions to conservation and leadership. Terri Irwin has won awards such as the Queensland Award for Excellence in Women's Leadership and the Marie Watson-Blake Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. The family was also recognized as Conservationists of the Year by the Las Vegas Natural History Museum Dinosaur Ball.
The zoo has continued to expand and improve its facilities, ensuring that it remains a world-class attraction. With over 700 acres of land and 500 staff members, the zoo upholds Steve Irwin's mission of "Conservation Through Exciting Education." The Irwin family's dedication to wildlife conservation and their commitment to using their platform for positive change have undoubtedly contributed to the zoo's success and recognition.
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The zoo has expanded to over 700 acres
Australia Zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. The park started as a two-acre wildlife park that was home to native wildlife such as lace monitors, tiger snakes, freshwater crocodiles, magpie geese and kangaroos.
Over the years, the zoo expanded with the purchase of additional land. In 1994, the zoo bought 325 acres to save the dwindling koala population in the area, and another 325 acres were purchased in 1998. In 1999, they established a 5-acre release facility to rehabilitate native marsupials, and with funds from the Lynn Irwin Memorial Fund (now Wildlife Warriors Worldwide), they bought another 1,000 acres. In 2002, the zoo added another 1,800 acres, and in 2006, they opened Elephantasia, a 12-acre Asian-themed exhibit that is the largest elephant enclosure in Australia.
Today, Australia Zoo encompasses over 700 acres, with 110 acres on public display. The zoo employs over 500 staff and continues Steve Irwin's mission of "Conservation Through Exciting Education". The Irwin family, including Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin, continue to play an active role in the zoo, with Robert working as a nature photographer and TV presenter.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia Zoo was founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970. Following Steve Irwin's accidental death, his wife Terri became the new owner of the zoo. Terri, along with her two children, Bindi and Robert, continue to operate the zoo.
Australia Zoo was opened in 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile Park. In 1991, Steve took over the management of the park. In 1992, Steve and Terri got married and instead of a honeymoon, they went on a crocodile rescue mission and filmed the experience. This became the first episode of their TV wildlife documentary series, The Crocodile Hunter. As the popularity of the show grew, Steve and Terri changed the name of the park to Australia Zoo.
Australia Zoo now encompasses over 700 acres and employs over 500 staff. Visitors will see a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and can view crocodile feedings and have hands-on animal encounters. The zoo also features the 12-acre Elephantasia, the largest elephant enclosure in Australia, and the Rainforest Aviary, an outdoor walk-through aviary housing about 150 birds.
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