Established in 2002 by Steve Irwin and his consort Terri Irwin on the Sunshine Coast close to Beerwah House Mountains in the Australian state of Queensland. The Australia zoo is spanned across 1,000 acre of land comprises of 1200 different species that includes famous black cockatoos, greater gliders, sugar gliders, squirrel gliders, acid frogs and echidnas. After the broadcast of first ever wildlife documentary series of the Australia zoo took stage, "The Crocodile Hunter" instantly became popular show, and resulting the zoo to be popular tourist attraction in the country.
However, after the demise of Steve Irwin, the zoo went through roller coaster ride with staggering 2.5 million dollars impound lawsuit, to plan of selling the zoo to American multinational company Animal Planet. Although, the rumors was later scrapped and in fact took the new leap with expansion of zoo to additional 211 acres with integration of safari park and hotel.
History of Australia Zoo
What people are least aware about Australia Zoo is it was originally founded by Steve parents, Bob Irwin and Lyn Irwin under the name "Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park" in June 1970. As the name suggests the park was mostly focused on preserving and nurturing crocodiles and reptiles. With the thriving growth in 1982, the park was dubbed to Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and incorporated another 4 acres of land to their park.
In 1990, the park took to fame when the Crocodile Environmental Park that was opened in 1987, with sole vision to aid saltwater crocodile protection started generating commendable amount of revenue to their profits. During that time, Bob Irwin and Lyn Irwin also decided to retire and relinquish the park to their son Steve Irwin. After the passionate zookeeper Steve on board, he literally took the Australia zoo to the global stage with his wildlife documentary series "The Crocodile Hunter" released in 2002, which resulted in enormous eye balls catching up and in flow of huge chunks of money. In addition, they also launched dedicated merchandise adding up to their revenue. All those funds was used to bring in new species of animals, new exhibits and creation of management team including the 50 staff. After two years, on 2004, the Australia Zoo was awarded with prominent Australian Tourism Awards.
In 2006, Steve Irwin caught up to terrible incident which took his life. However, this didn't halted the magnificent vision of team and instead motivated to work even harder. In 2008, the spouse Terri Irwin led management inaugurated new 5 million dollars largest wildlife hospital in the world. It was also the year when the zoo was sued for 2.5 million dollars by a debt collection agency, which encouraged rumors of selling Australia Zoo to Animal Planet to build 100 million dollars Disney style wildlife theme park. However, the lawsuit was further settled and Terri later denied the claims and rumors. In fact, applaud to their high spirit the Zoo again made its mark with integration of 211 acres of land which comprised of safari park and convenient hotel.
How is Steve Irwin viewed in the history of Australia
The man who popularized the word "Crikey", Steve Irwin is remembered for optimum determination he vouched towards conservation and preservation of wild animals. As matter of fact, the sense of acceptance wasn't the same earlier and instead considered him cringe but later on the people realizing the love, passion and care for animals he sought and spread around the world far outweighs the rest. Right in that year of his demise, in the honor of Steve the Australian government decided to renamed the Glass House Mountains Road to Steve Irwin Way.
How big is Steve Irwin's Australian zoo
This half century old Australian zoo is laid across 1000 acres of land parallel to Steve Irwin highway and close to Sunshine Coast. The zoo comprises of 7 Exclusive Exhibits namely, The Crocoseum, Africa, Tiger Temple, Elephantasia, South-East Asian Precinct, Rainforest Aviary, Bindi's Island. Furthermore, the zoo is popular for its remarkable animals that includes National Animal kangaroo, signature crocodiles species, Giraffes and distinct birds. However, one might find lack of otters, and the Galapagos tortoise in the zoo. The entire zoo can be covered strolling in around 5 to 6 hours.
How far is the Australian Zoo from Sunshine Coast
There are several ways you can travel to and from the Australia zoo, either by cab, bus or drive by your own. With that being said, the distance obviously differ with bus it take around one and half hour whereas, by car it take merely 40 minutes to cover 35 kilometres distance.
How is Australia's zoo compare to other zoos around the world
With 4.7 Ratings by Google, the zoo is arguably among the Best zoo in the world with annual recorded footfalls of more than 10 million visitors.
How much does it cost to go to Steve Irwin's zoo
With several packages on shelf to offer, the general prices tends to start from 59 Dollars for adults, 35 Dollars for Childrens under 15 whereas, free for childrens below 2 years old and 47 Dollars for Students and Pensioner. One can adhere the benefit of captivating discounts if tickets bought online.
How the zoo helped during Australian Bushfires in 2020.
The Irwin family collectively helped more than 90,000 animals fallen victim to catastrophic wildfire devastation in Australia. The largest wildlife hospital in the Australia zoo contributed significantly in assisting and saving animals that included Koalas, wallabies, bird, fish and frog species, along with 114 other animals species.
How did Steve Irwin died exactly.
The 44 years old animal enthusiast Steve died after wild stingray barb pierced his heart off Port Douglas. This incident really shooked the entire Australia including the then Prime Minister John Howard.
Did Steve Irwin was buried at his beloved Australia Zoo
After the terrible incident, the family of Irwin organised private funeral service in Caloundra and eventually buried him in the specific area within the Australia Zoo boundary. Not to Mention, this graveyard is not really accessible to any tourists and visitors.
Conclusion
Born in 1962, Steve build up his own legacy while he grew up, passionately looking after all wildlife, especially crocodiles and reptiles, which was then carried over even after his demise. It is enchanting to witness the wildlife empire he brought to Australia in fact to whole world we would say. Nonetheless, the zoo is widely well managed and clean, so you can be rest relaxed of any concerns for your next trip to this amazing zoo.
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