Onward, to the Australia Zoo

Not directly from the Koalas to the Crocodiles. There was a conference and a series of presentations in between the two. As fascinating as that was for me and my colleagues, I’m guessing you’d prefer to gloss over that part of my trip and get back to the birds and animals, and so we shall.

I had the opportunity for a post-conference trip to the Australia Zoo, home of the late Steve Irwin, aka The Crocodile Hunter. If, like me, you knew of Steve mostly as a TV show host and showman, you may not be aware that he was also passionate about conservation. The zoo, his family business, contributes significantly to Wildlife Warriors as that organization works to “support the protection of injured, threatened or endangered wildlife – from the individual animal to an entire species.” The Zoo also helps the Australian Wildlife Hospital in its rehabilitation efforts. “[A] dedicated rescue team operates from the Australian Wildlife Hospital, collecting sick, injured and orphaned koalas and other native wildlife within south-east Queensland.” The hospital was founded in memory of Steve’s mother, Lyn, herself a wildlife rehabilitator.

Irwin’s approach to wildlife and conservation was controversial in some circles, but there’s no denying his love for  animals and his passion for protecting nature. “People save what they love,” he said, and what better way to foster that love than to give as many people as possible the chance to see the animals, interact with them, and grow to love them as he did.

Tagged as: Australia, Australia Zoo, Australian Wildlife Hospital, Wildlife Warriors