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Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in Queensland, Australia, that was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970. The zoo has become a popular tourist attraction due to its association with the Irwin family and their wildlife documentary series, 'The Crocodile Hunter'. The zoo has an important mission to protect wildlife and is committed to conservation efforts, with all proceeds from filming and merchandise sales being invested back into conservation and the building of new exhibits. The zoo also features a wildlife hospital that can care for up to 10,000 animals per year.
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What You'll Learn
The Irwin family's passion for wildlife conservation
The Irwin family has been passionate about wildlife conservation for generations. It all started with Bob Irwin, a world-renowned herpetologist, who is regarded as a pioneer in the keeping and breeding of reptiles. In 1970, he moved his family from Essendon, Melbourne, to Queensland, where he purchased land to construct the Beerwah Reptile Park, which later became the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, and eventually, Australia Zoo. Bob's son, Steve Irwin, grew up helping his parents care for the animals in the zoo and developed a passion for wildlife conservation.
Steve went on to become a well-known Australian zookeeper, conservationist, television personality, wildlife educator, and environmentalist. He achieved international fame through his wildlife documentary series, "The Crocodile Hunter", which he co-hosted with his wife, Terri. Together, they owned and operated Australia Zoo, putting all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits. Steve also founded the Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation (later renamed Wildlife Warriors Worldwide) and the International Crocodile Rescue.
Steve and Terri's children, Bindi and Robert, have inherited their parents' passion for wildlife conservation. Bindi is a determined soul, dedicated to making a positive difference on the planet. Robert brings contagious energy to his work at Australia Zoo and is a nature photographer and TV presenter. He is determined to protect wildlife and inspire others through his work.
Through their work at Australia Zoo and beyond, the Irwin family has made it their mission to protect wildlife and promote conservation. Their philosophy puts the animals first, followed by the zoo team and visitors. The zoo has a team of passionate conservationists working tirelessly to deliver unique animal experiences. Every dollar spent by visitors supports conservation projects around the world, protecting species from tigers in Sumatra to saltwater crocodiles in Australia. The Irwin family's dedication to wildlife conservation has made Australia Zoo an important and renowned destination for those passionate about wildlife and conservation.
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The zoo's commitment to animal welfare
The Australia Zoo has been an important contributor to wildlife conservation and animal welfare since its establishment in 1970. The zoo's commitment to animal welfare is evident in its philosophy, conservation efforts, and the creation of natural habitats for its animals.
Philosophy
The Irwin family, owners and operators of the zoo, have always placed a strong emphasis on animal welfare. Their philosophy has been that "the zoo animals come first, the zoo team comes second, and the zoo visitors come third." This prioritisation of animal needs ensures that the zoo's operations are centred around the well-being of its inhabitants.
Conservation Efforts
Australia Zoo channels its revenue into conservation projects and the development of new exhibits that enhance animal welfare. All proceeds from filming and merchandise sales are invested back into conservation initiatives. The zoo also actively participates in conservation projects worldwide, including the protection of tigers in Sumatra, cheetahs in Africa, and saltwater crocodiles and koalas in Australia.
Natural Habitats
The zoo has made extensive efforts to create natural habitats for its animals. The enclosures are designed to replicate the animals' natural environments, providing them with ample space to roam and ensuring their overall health and happiness. The zoo's commitment to providing natural habitats is evident in the spaciousness of the park, allowing animals like the Komodo Dragon to have large enclosures to explore.
Animal Rehabilitation
Australia Zoo has a dedicated wildlife hospital named after Steve Irwin's mother, Lyn Irwin, a renowned wildlife rehabilitator. The hospital, with its operating theatres, treatment rooms, and intensive care units for various species, can care for thousands of animals annually. The zoo's commitment to animal welfare extends beyond its gates, as it actively supports wildlife rehabilitation and contributes to the protection of threatened habitats and water sources.
The Australia Zoo's dedication to animal welfare is a core aspect of its operations, and this commitment has helped establish it as an important and influential institution in the world of wildlife conservation.
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Its extensive conservation projects
Australia Zoo's extensive conservation projects are a key part of what makes it so important. The zoo's ultimate mission is to "'save one, save the species', and it aims to be the world's best wildlife conservation facility. This mission is at the heart of everything the zoo does.
The zoo's conservation projects are far-reaching, helping to protect species from tigers in Sumatra and cheetahs in Africa to saltwater crocodiles and koalas in Australia. The Irwin family, who own and operate the zoo, have a deep love and respect for wildlife, and this is reflected in their commitment to conservation. Steve and Terri Irwin, the previous owners, put all the money raised from filming and merchandise into conservation and building new exhibits. Their daughter, Bindi Irwin, is a passionate wildlife conservationist who has inherited her parents' love for wildlife. Robert Irwin, Bindi's brother, is also a passionate wildlife conservationist and nature photographer, and he brings contagious energy to his work at the zoo.
The zoo's conservation efforts are also reflected in its animal care and rehabilitation initiatives. The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, established with the assistance of the Australian government, can care for up to 10,000 animals per year and is dedicated to Lyn Irwin, Steve and Bindi's mother, who was skilled in nursing injured and orphaned animals. The zoo also has an Australian Animal Hospital, built in an old avocado packing shed, which cared for up to 6,000 animals per year with a staff of 20 full-time workers and 80 volunteers.
The zoo's conservation work is also evident in its exhibits. Extensive efforts have been made to create habitats that replicate natural environments for the animals, with large enclosures that provide ample space for the animals to roam. The zoo's African Savannah, South-East Asia exhibit, and Bindi's Island are just a few examples of these natural habitats.
The zoo also prioritises education, aiming to increase awareness of animal welfare, sustainability, and climate change. Visitors can learn about the zoo's conservation work through informative boards placed around the park, even while standing in the queue. The zoo's conservation efforts are also funded by ticket sales, with every dollar spent supporting conservation projects worldwide.
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The zoo's educational value
The Australia Zoo has an important educational value, aiming to increase people's awareness of the plight of animals, the planet, and the development and maintenance of endangered species. The zoo showcases informative boards around the entrance and throughout the park about sustainability, animal welfare, and climate change. This sets the tone for the zoo's strong focus on conservation and education.
The zoo provides an opportunity to learn about the amazing wildlife in their care and even offers an "Adopt an Animal" program. The animals are exhibited in natural environments, with extensive efforts made to create habitats that replicate their natural habitats. This allows visitors to see the animals in environments similar to those in the wild, providing a more authentic and educational experience.
The zoo also offers an up-close and personal experience with various animals, including crocodiles, koalas, and tigers. While some activities, such as koala handling, have been restricted due to ethical concerns, the zoo prioritises the well-being of its animals. The zoo has a dedicated team of passionate conservationists working around the clock to ensure the best care for their animals.
The Irwin family, owners and operators of the zoo, have a deep-rooted love for wildlife and conservation. Their popular wildlife documentary series, "The Crocodile Hunter," and their more recent show, "Crikey! It's the Irwins," have not only made the zoo a popular tourist attraction but have also helped spread their conservation message to a wider audience. The family's passion and expertise in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation shape their everyday lives and contribute to the educational value of the zoo.
The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, established with the extra funds generated from filming and merchandise sales, further showcases the zoo's commitment to animal care and rehabilitation. The hospital, dedicated to Steve Irwin's mother, Lyn Irwin, who was skilled in nursing injured and orphaned animals, is a testament to the zoo's educational value and its dedication to wildlife conservation and welfare.
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The Irwin family's history
In 1982, the park was renamed the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, and its area was doubled to four acres. In 1987, the Crocodile Environmental Park was opened to aid in saltwater crocodile protection. By the 1990s, the Crocodile Environmental Park had become very popular for its unique display of crocodile feeding. In 1991, Steve took over the management of the small wildlife park, and in 1992, he married Terri Raines, a kindred spirit with a shared passion for wildlife. Instead of a honeymoon, the couple embarked on a crocodile rescue mission, filming this experience as the first episode of their wildlife documentary series, "The Crocodile Hunter."
As the popularity of "The Crocodile Hunter" grew, Steve and Terri changed the name of their growing wildlife park to Australia Zoo. They dedicated all funds raised from filming and merchandise to conservation efforts and building new exhibits. Their mission was to make Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the world. In 1998, Steve and Terri welcomed their first child, Bindi, and in 2003, their second child, Robert, was born. Both children inherited their parents' love for wildlife and have become passionate wildlife conservationists in their own right.
Following Steve's accidental death, ownership of the zoo passed to Terri, who, along with her two children, continues to operate and expand the zoo, honouring Steve's legacy and ensuring his mission of ""Conservation Through Exciting Education" lives on. Today, Australia Zoo encompasses over 700 acres, employs over 500 staff, and remains committed to protecting wildlife and supporting conservation projects worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia Zoo was opened by Bob and Lyn Irwin on 3 June 1970 under the name Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park. Their son Steve had a gift with wildlife and helped his parents care for the animals. In 1982, the park was renamed the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and the area was doubled. In 1991, Steve took over the management of the park and soon after, he met Terri Raines. Steve and Terri changed the name of the park to Australia Zoo.
The ultimate mission of Australia Zoo is to save one, save the species. The zoo's philosophy is that the zoo animals come first, the zoo team comes second, and the zoo visitors come third. The zoo aims to make a difference to the conservation of wildlife and protect species from tigers in Sumatra and cheetahs in Africa, to saltwater crocodiles and koalas in Australia.
Australia Zoo is a 700-acre zoo in the Australian state of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast near Beerwah/Glass House Mountains. It is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin, whose wildlife documentary series The Crocodile Hunter and his family's new show Crikey! It's the Irwins made the zoo a popular tourist attraction. The zoo now employs over 500 staff and is home to over 1,200 animals.
Visitors to Australia Zoo have reported being impressed by the quality of the boards around the entrance and throughout the park about sustainability, animal welfare, and climate change. They have also reported being pleased with the spaciousness of the park and the enclosures for the animals. The professionalism and awareness of the zoo keepers have also been highlighted.
