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Published: September 5th 2006
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Steve Irwin's Enthusiasm Is Contagious At Australia Zoo
Regrettably, his slim waistline is not as easy to duplicate.... When we were planning the Australian leg of our trip a very few must-see attractions came to mind. We wanted to see Uluru, the red center of Australia’s outback. We wanted to see Sydney Harbor with its iconic bridge and world famous opera house. And of course there was the massive eco-system that is the Great Barrier Reef, a wonder of the world to be sure. The final must-see attraction on our list was Australia Zoo, the life work and rapidly growing base of operations of The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. As we met other travelers taking in the vast riches of Australia we found that their lists of must-see attractions were not unlike ours and no discussion concluded without mention of Australia Zoo and its world famous patriarch.
When he died at age 44 this week Steve Irwin had not only put his zoo on a map crowded with awesome attractions but he managed to make it an essential stop on an Australian tour for countless visitors. Alongside the ancient spiritual spectacle of Uluru, the world’s largest living thing in the Reef, and perhaps the most famous and beautiful urban harbor in the world there was Mr. Crikey, an
excitable animal lover in khaki shorts. This was a lamentable achievement in the eyes of some Aussies we would meet, both shy when it comes to stereotypes of Australians and unafraid to disparage their own “redneck” countrymen. As we found on our trip, the Aussies are rather keen to knock the head off of any poppy that may rise above the level of the others in the field. After watching Crocodile Dundee 3 we understand why they may be wary of their own exports.
It would be impossible to publish our journal entry on our day at the zoo now without modifying it extensively after the passing of Steve Irwin. The zoo was simply an extension of the man made famous by his enthusiasm for the animals who lived there and around Australia. As you drive north from Brisbane there are billboards for miles featuring Irwin and a croc, the look on The Crocodile Hunter’s face is almost one of surprise that he is holding the giant reptile in his arms. From the gate on in the zoo is full of photos, displays on the Irwin family history, life-size cutouts of your host, Crocodile Hunter boats and land rovers
from the TV show, and even a costumed “Steve” in the mold of Disneyland’s Mickey Mouse greeting visitors. The gift shop features action figures, decorative plates, shirts, stuffed animals, and souvenir spoons bearing the likeness of the Irwins. Bindi, the eldest child of Steve and Terri, even has a clothing line for kids. The feeling that it all might be a bit much is not too hard to manage. Why would you have come here if not to see this? Australia has numerous sanctuaries, croc shows, and zoos, but only this one was run by the Crocodile Hunter. And beyond the kitsch you could see a spectacular zoo.
Australia Zoo is not the biggest or flashiest in the country, but we do believe it to be the most comfortable for the residents. The dingoes and wombats are walked around the lush green grounds on leashes for exercise, carefully shepherded by their keepers. The enclosures are generally very large and beautifully organized. As international stardom has made Steve Irwin a ubiquitous personality on the televisions of the world it has also led to massive, plush expansions. A new home for the elephants and cheetahs recently opened and no expense appears
Cuz Crocs Aren't Frightening Enough In The Water...
After the demonstration the croc waited to the left of the platform hoping to snag another snack. to have been spared. On-line are equally top-notch facilities for tigers and Australia’s sweetly quirky platypus.
The Crocoseum, a 5,000 seat theater, features animal and bird shows that make up in education what they lack in splash. We took in four shows featuring birds, snakes, tigers, and, of course, a croc. The show’s presenters shared information about their charges and demonstrated some of the animal’s behaviors, the most stunning coming during the croc show. During the show a “croc master” fed the big croc from a small walkway over the pool. Following the feeding the croc waited near the side of the platform, having learned that this is where his attendant would walk after feeding him. Two whole chickens in his stomach and the reptile could not help but want just a little more fresh meat.
The zoo’s most famous animal residents, the crocs, live in a variety of pools near the center of the facility, some lurking in large murky pools surrounded by grandstands for occasional shows that walk guests through the behavior and habits of the animals. Argo, a massive male featured on one of the episodes of the Crocodile Hunter, appears to be quite healthy
Steve And Two Buddies
And that fat guy in the background who was in like five of our photos. and happy.
Maria, our friend from Brisbane whom we met in Halong Bay, Vietnam, joined us for the day we spent strolling the zoo. Maria is in HR for a large travel and tourism company in Australia who, as part of her duties, had been in contact with the zoo regarding their employee relations and benefit packages. The zoo apparently has a model plan and the happy problem of having to reign in employees who are not always eager to go home for the day. Australia Zoo appears to be as good for the employees as it is for the animals.
Of course everyone at the zoo is constantly looking for Steve Irwin. A traveler we would meet later in Australia would tell us she was at the zoo around the same time we were and that she saw The Crocodile Hunter. She even managed some photos of him working, taken from a gap in some fencing. Despite his enormous popularity with visitors to the zoo Steve Irwin did not often mingle with his guests, instead preferring to continue his work behind the scenes. Her photos showed Mr. Irwin and a camera man in a dirt enclosure working
Amy And Friend
And yes, that is a live croc. Amy is very brave. with a large snake, no doubt taping a segment for another television show. Rock star status and zoologist passion must be difficult things to manage. While we were disappointed not to see Steve Irwin, just like every one of the thousands of others visiting the zoo any given day, it was kind of nice to know he was working the way he always has, tugging on the tail of a nightmarishly large snake, center of a booming tourism industry or not.
Steve Irwin’s enthusiasm, love of animals, and his desire to educate people about them permeated the zoo. We can only hope that this spirit will continue despite his passing.
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kim and Emily
non-member comment
We will miss you
My daughter and I will miss you so much Steve. Because of you she would like to be a conservationist when she grows up. We have watched you on television for years and feel as if we know you as many of millions of people have throughout the years. We have seen your life change, your family grow and learned so much about the animals and habitats you have protected. We are deeply greaved by your loss and pray for your family daily. May God continue to bless your family and we pray you are happy with your home in heaven, but the world will continue to feel your loss and I hope we can pick up where you have left off and leave the world and it's people a better place when we are called up yonder. Love Kim and Emily