Crikey! It Was Amazing!
On November 18, 2023 we ticked off a Bucket List item and a dream came true…we visited the Australian Zoo, the legacy and heritage of the one and only, Steve Irwin: The Crocodile Hunter!
Some fun facts we learned:
#1: The wildlife park was not as it is today, it originally was founded as a reptile park by Steve’s parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970. Originally named Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park. They are the true “wildlife warriors” that began the idea of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation at the park.
#2: The 1990’s brought about the biggest benefit to the park: filming. This is where we all came to LOVE and ADORE our energetic Croc Hunter! By 2004, the biggest impact of our adoration is what ultimately enabled them to create the largest Australian Animal Hospital in the world. The facility was originally built in an old avocado packing shed and was dedicated to his Mom, Lyn. Today’s hospital is 14,000sqft and takes in 10,000 animals per year for care…to say we were in awe, is an understatement, it is truly spectacular! I actually cried as we watched a tiny koala getting a breathing treatment for pneumonia….that wittle face.
State of the art facilities.
Baby koala getting a breathing treatment for pneumonia.
#3: The Crocoseum can seat 5000 guests! Robert Irwin still carries on the tradition and occasionally hosts the croc show! He did while we were there! I was a little bit fangirling! He's adorable.
This is Graham, a male saltwater crocodile at Australia Zoo. He measures at 3.7m (11.84 ft) and weighs 350kg (770 lbs). he's been with the zoo since 1988.
#4: The oldest crocodile, named Freshie, resided at the zoo to the ripe old age of 140. He was originally caught in 1970 by Steve and his Dad as it had been injured (shot twice in the tail and eye). Harriet, the Galapagos Tortoise, was determined to be 175 years old, she died in 2006.
#5: The park is now over 700 acres and employs over 500 folks.
#6: Steve died in 2006, freak accident while snorkeling off The Great barrier Reef, he is buried on zoo property but it is inaccessible to visitors.
#7: With over 1200 animals residing at the zoo, I never expected to get close enough to scratch a kangaroo on the head, pat a koala on the bum, have lemurs freely walk by me or have exotic birds buzz us overhead…but you do! Allowing guests to get up so close and personal with these animals is what makes this AZA: Association of Zoos and Aquariums (highest certification possible) so amazing!
#8: If we lived in Australia…I’d be a volunteer!!
I did enjoy the park as it was divided into themed sections like:
Robert's Reptile House
Grace's Bird Garden
and Bindi's Island...where we got up close to some lemurs! Did you know that lemurs are VERY social and will call out for their friends? It's a haunting little cry.
All in all....we had an AMAZING day at The Australia Zoo, I know Steve looks down from Heaven with pride and love for what his family has managed to carryon on without him there.
Koala Nursery....yes they really ARE that cute!
