Australia Zoo

The Crocoseum at Australia Zoo

Tiger Show in the Crocoseum

Crocodile feeding

Kangaroos to stroke

The Australia Zoo is a zoological garden and is located in the Australian state of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast near Beerwah / Glass House Mountains . He was best known for his crocodiles and other reptiles and for the TV series Crocodile Hunter by former director Steve Irwin .

history

The Australia Zoo was opened in 1970 as a private zoo by Bob Irwin and Lyn Irwin under the name " Beerwah Reptile Park ". Bob Irwin was a well-known herpetologist (amphibian and reptile scientist) who is considered a pioneer of reptile husbandry and breeding in Australia. His wife, Lyn, was one of the first to care for sick and injured wildlife in Southeast Queensland. The Irwin's children were also made familiar with their parents' activities at an early age. Especially for son Steve, the professional career was established at an early age after he had helped his parents to look after the growing number of animals from childhood. Over time, the zoo grew noticeably.

In 1991 Steve and his wife Terri took over management of the zoo. The zoo is currently looking after more than 1000 animals.

Steve Irwin died on September 4, 2006 in a diving accident with a stingray near Cairns and was buried a few days later in Beerwah .

construction

The zoo now extends over a large area. A shuttle train was used to save long journeys.

The “Crocoseum” stadium in the zoo was the first of its kind at the time. Snakes, tigers, birds and crocodiles are shown here for up to 5000 spectators. Other attractions are the crocodile feeding; the kangaroo enclosure, which visitors can enter, and the elephant feeding, which one can participate in. The zoo also has a koala care station.

Expansion project

The elephant enclosure is currently being expanded and a large water basin is being added. Furthermore, an artificially created island has been accessible since 2006, which mainly houses African animals.