Australia Zoo, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Nov 8th, 2004
The early years of the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, now Australia Zoo, were total wildlife experiences for Steve Irwin and his family. All of the animals in the park were captured by Steve and his dad, and together they spent all their spare time on field trips - often in the most remote areas of the Australian wilderness.
Today, Australia Zoo is set on 58 acres, with another 251acres in production. It is home to over 1000 animals, including many endangered species like the Figiian Crested Iguana, Komodo Dragons, Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Sumatran Tigers, Woma Pythons, Cassowaries, Koalas and Giant Galapagos and Aldabran Land Tortoises.
The zoo employs over 450 staff and recently received the prestigious Australian Tourism award for Australia's Major Tourist Attraction 2004/2005.
Australia Zoo is also going wild with unique animal experience opportunities for their visitors. Daily demonstrations take on a whole new dimension at Australia Zoo, where keepers actually interact with the wildlife, from giant snakes to hungry crocodiles.
The enthusiasm of the Australia Zoo staff is second to none - they really want people to experience the animals, learn about them, and even more importantly, care about what is happening to them in the wild. Learning more about our wildlife will ultimately help conserve them in the wild, says Steve.
Check out what goes on behind the scenes at a working animal hospital, located at Australia Zoo. The Koala Hospital can house up to 100 koalas, and is also a temporary home to many other species such as echidnas, birds, macropods, turtles, lizards and snakes.
Whether you would like to see the otters catching their own fish, or feed an elephant, walk a Sumatran tiger or meet a giant tortoise up close and personal, plan on spending the entire day to experience all the full-on action and adventure.
The facts
Zoo admission costs from $29 for adults and $19 for children. Animal Encounters cost from $20 a person.
Australia Zoo
Tel: 07 5436 2000
A room at the Bendles Cottages and Country Villas start from $185 a night. Price includes breakfast.
Bendles Cottages and Country Villas
Tel: 07 5494 2400
Qantas and QantasLink fly one way to Brisbane from $112 ex Sydney, $160 ex Melbourne, $188 ex Adelaide, $212 ex Darwin, $222 ex Hobart and $309 ex Perth. Prices available online only and include
charges/taxes.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 08/11/04
