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February 2012
Endangered species earn big bucks
5 February 2012
By KATHLEEN DONAGHEY
CROCS, corals and conches: they are Australia’s threatened wildlife and they are turning big money for exporters.
Fashion demand for reptile leather has more than doubled the export of protected saltwater crocodile skins to places such as Singapore, France and Italy.
About 52.000 skins and skin pieces left our shores in 2010, as well as 2559 leather products and 95 garments, the latest data shows.
Commercial buyers and collectors also grabbed 2612kg of croc meat, 100kg of oil, 82 teeth, two skulls, one body, one egg and two live crocs.
The saltwater crocodile is listed as vulnerable and its commercial slaughter outrages wildlife advocates.
The Australian lungfish, a vulnerable species whose presence helped halt the planned Traveston Dam in Queensland, is making money for traders who sell live specimens to Japan and Hong Kong.
Australians are also importing an astonishing variety of products made from endangered species.
Wildlife advocates say croc skins are destined for high-end fashion houses which sell them as boots, bags and belts.
Trade in threatened and endangered species is controlled by the Federal Government and requires licences and proof that animals are not being snatched from the wild.
But campaigner Terri Irwin said: "The sustainable consumptive use of wildlife is the single biggest scientific lie we have faced in modern history".
5 February 2012
Sunday Telegraph
By KATHLEEN DONAGHEY
CROCS, corals and conches: they are Australia’s threatened wildlife and they are turning big money for exporters.
Fashion demand for reptile leather has more than doubled the export of protected saltwater crocodile skins to places such as Singapore, France and Italy.
About 52.000 skins and skin pieces left our shores in 2010, as well as 2559 leather products and 95 garments, the latest data shows.
Commercial buyers and collectors also grabbed 2612kg of croc meat, 100kg of oil, 82 teeth, two skulls, one body, one egg and two live crocs.
The saltwater crocodile is listed as vulnerable and its commercial slaughter outrages wildlife advocates.
The Australian lungfish, a vulnerable species whose presence helped halt the planned Traveston Dam in Queensland, is making money for traders who sell live specimens to Japan and Hong Kong.
Australians are also importing an astonishing variety of products made from endangered species.
Wildlife advocates say croc skins are destined for high-end fashion houses which sell them as boots, bags and belts.
Trade in threatened and endangered species is controlled by the Federal Government and requires licences and proof that animals are not being snatched from the wild.
But campaigner Terri Irwin said: "The sustainable consumptive use of wildlife is the single biggest scientific lie we have faced in modern history".
It's great weather to be a snake in the grass
3 February 2012
By KATE CLIFFORD
HUNDREDS of snakes have been removed from Sunshine Coast homes so far this year.
Australia Zoo Rescue Unit has been inundated with calls from residents concerned by potentially deadly reptiles in their backyards, garages and garden sheds.
Around five call-outs a day were made to the rescue unit last month and more than 160 snakes removed.
Kate Coulter. an Australia Zoo reptile rescue officer, said the recent rain and humid temperature were the perfect conditions for Sunshine Coast residents to find snakes in their yards.
"Two heavy wet seasons have resulted in high levels of vegetation growth and wildlife breeding, meaning there’s plenty of food for snakes to eat, as well as long grass to hide amongst," Ms Coulter said.
"The wet weather drives snakes into areas like garden sheds and garages where they can escape the rain and have a handy food source of mice and rats." Non-venomous carpet pythons made up the majority of snakes caught, although venomous brown snakes were also in high numbers.
"The majority of reported snake sightings are in suburban backyards with most calls to the rescue unit coming from residents located around the Buderim area," Ms Coulter said.
"As snakes are cold-blooded creatures, they generally do come out more in the warmer months of summer." All snakes caught were treated for any injuries and released back to the wild.
"If the snake looks sick or injured it is immediately transferred to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for treatment," Ms Coulter said.
"When the snake is ready for release back to the wild, a suitable relocation area is found." She said a similar number of snakes was retrieved last year.
3 February 2012
Sunshine Coast Daily
By KATE CLIFFORD
HUNDREDS of snakes have been removed from Sunshine Coast homes so far this year.
Australia Zoo Rescue Unit has been inundated with calls from residents concerned by potentially deadly reptiles in their backyards, garages and garden sheds.
Around five call-outs a day were made to the rescue unit last month and more than 160 snakes removed.
Kate Coulter. an Australia Zoo reptile rescue officer, said the recent rain and humid temperature were the perfect conditions for Sunshine Coast residents to find snakes in their yards.
"Two heavy wet seasons have resulted in high levels of vegetation growth and wildlife breeding, meaning there’s plenty of food for snakes to eat, as well as long grass to hide amongst," Ms Coulter said.
"The wet weather drives snakes into areas like garden sheds and garages where they can escape the rain and have a handy food source of mice and rats." Non-venomous carpet pythons made up the majority of snakes caught, although venomous brown snakes were also in high numbers.
"The majority of reported snake sightings are in suburban backyards with most calls to the rescue unit coming from residents located around the Buderim area," Ms Coulter said.
"As snakes are cold-blooded creatures, they generally do come out more in the warmer months of summer." All snakes caught were treated for any injuries and released back to the wild.
"If the snake looks sick or injured it is immediately transferred to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital for treatment," Ms Coulter said.
"When the snake is ready for release back to the wild, a suitable relocation area is found." She said a similar number of snakes was retrieved last year.
Charlie makes a pig of himself
20 January 2012
By KATHLEEN DONAGHEY
IT WAS the ultimate pig-out at Australia Zoo yesterday for Charlie the saltwater crocodile’s first public feeding on a whole boar in the Crocoseum.
The hulking, ravenous reptile put on a show for hundreds of summer tourists, who gasped and clapped during what could be dubbed "the reptilian long lunch".
It took about 30 minutes for the croc to devour his hairy black meal after first tugging it away from Australia Zoo director Wes Mannion.
After a minor tussle, Charlie wowed the crowd with three "death rolls" before grasping the dead boar in his mouth and seemingly parading it around the clearwater pool for almost half an hour.
"He’s so proud," gushed an excited Tern Irwin, joined by her children Bindi and Robert for their final holiday croc feeding session. "He’s saying 'Look, I killed this pig all by myself. I’m amazing.’"
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/charlie-makes-a-pig-of-himself/story-e6freoof-1226248893691
20 January 2012
The Courier Mail
By KATHLEEN DONAGHEY
IT WAS the ultimate pig-out at Australia Zoo yesterday for Charlie the saltwater crocodile’s first public feeding on a whole boar in the Crocoseum.
The hulking, ravenous reptile put on a show for hundreds of summer tourists, who gasped and clapped during what could be dubbed "the reptilian long lunch".
It took about 30 minutes for the croc to devour his hairy black meal after first tugging it away from Australia Zoo director Wes Mannion.
After a minor tussle, Charlie wowed the crowd with three "death rolls" before grasping the dead boar in his mouth and seemingly parading it around the clearwater pool for almost half an hour.
"He’s so proud," gushed an excited Tern Irwin, joined by her children Bindi and Robert for their final holiday croc feeding session. "He’s saying 'Look, I killed this pig all by myself. I’m amazing.’"
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/charlie-makes-a-pig-of-himself/story-e6freoof-1226248893691
Charlie the 4m croc goes the whole hog
20 January 2012
By MARK FURLER
PIGS really do fly - especially when they have Charlie the Crocodile lunging at them.
A packed Crocoseum was treated to a feast of entertainment as the carcass of a feral wild boar was fed to the savage saltie yesterday.
"It’s never been done before (in the Crocoseum) so we gave it to him and off he went. It was incredible," an animated Bindi Irwin said.
"I think what was so cool was the look in his eye."
"Yeah, he’s just like a dinosaur," Bindi’s eight-year-old brother Robert chipped in. "He is so massive. He is awesome."
Not content with the boar, Charlie first snapped at Australia Zoo director Wes Mannion as Terri, Bindi and Robert squealed with delight.
Charlie was in no hurry to wolf down his meal, instead trying to first drown it before 'tenderising’ it with his teeth.
Many head slaps helped break up the carcass as Charlie continued to toss it into the air and rip off its limbs, even sending his own teeth flying in the process.
"When they headshake, they can break off bits of the pig so they headshake, headshake, headshake," Robert explained just like his dad would have.
"They have been doing that for over 65 million years so they are really cool."
Robert said he loved to collect the teeth after shows, describing them as 'bullets’ which penetrate any prey.
The crowd of mum, dads and kids enjoying the last few days of the school holidays were taken in by gruesome feast.
While the zoo’s crocodiles are normally fed smaller animals like chickens, a large male crocodile is capable of taking on a food item as large as a one tonne water buffalo.
Over the holidays, Bindi has been feeding rats to the crocodiles under the watchful eye of Wes and Terri.
Little Robert has been told he has to wait until he’s a little older to join the action.
The well known Coast family plan to be back in action for the Zoo’s big Australia Day show next week before heading off on myriad overseas assignments.
A Zoo spokesperson said the Coast’s biggest employer had enjoyed a "really good" summer with bumper crowds loving the new Africa exhibit.
Check out the photo gallery and video of Charlie’s big meal on the Daily’s website at sunshinecoastdaily.com.au
20 January 2012
Sunshine Coast Daily
By MARK FURLER
PIGS really do fly - especially when they have Charlie the Crocodile lunging at them.
A packed Crocoseum was treated to a feast of entertainment as the carcass of a feral wild boar was fed to the savage saltie yesterday.
"It’s never been done before (in the Crocoseum) so we gave it to him and off he went. It was incredible," an animated Bindi Irwin said.
"I think what was so cool was the look in his eye."
"Yeah, he’s just like a dinosaur," Bindi’s eight-year-old brother Robert chipped in. "He is so massive. He is awesome."
Not content with the boar, Charlie first snapped at Australia Zoo director Wes Mannion as Terri, Bindi and Robert squealed with delight.
Charlie was in no hurry to wolf down his meal, instead trying to first drown it before 'tenderising’ it with his teeth.
Many head slaps helped break up the carcass as Charlie continued to toss it into the air and rip off its limbs, even sending his own teeth flying in the process.
"When they headshake, they can break off bits of the pig so they headshake, headshake, headshake," Robert explained just like his dad would have.
"They have been doing that for over 65 million years so they are really cool."
Robert said he loved to collect the teeth after shows, describing them as 'bullets’ which penetrate any prey.
The crowd of mum, dads and kids enjoying the last few days of the school holidays were taken in by gruesome feast.
While the zoo’s crocodiles are normally fed smaller animals like chickens, a large male crocodile is capable of taking on a food item as large as a one tonne water buffalo.
Over the holidays, Bindi has been feeding rats to the crocodiles under the watchful eye of Wes and Terri.
Little Robert has been told he has to wait until he’s a little older to join the action.
The well known Coast family plan to be back in action for the Zoo’s big Australia Day show next week before heading off on myriad overseas assignments.
A Zoo spokesperson said the Coast’s biggest employer had enjoyed a "really good" summer with bumper crowds loving the new Africa exhibit.
Check out the photo gallery and video of Charlie’s big meal on the Daily’s website at sunshinecoastdaily.com.au
Australia Zoo gets the gong
18 January 2012
AUSTRALIA Zoo has been voted the Best Attraction and Best Eco Holiday in 2012 by children’s magazine Out & About.
The Australian Travel People’s Choice Awards recognised the Zoo for being the best family holiday attraction in Australia, as well as for its work in the Wildlife Hospital.
Australia Zoo posted on its website that voters were impressed by its gorgeous animals and awesome animal encounters.
"The zoo’s motto of conservation through exciting education seems to be ringing true, with voters thrilled at the chance to get handson with the animals and learn more about what they can do to protect their wild cousins," the website read.
The Sunshine Coast region was also named finalist in the Best Destination section of the awards.
18 January 2012
Sunshine Coast Daily
AUSTRALIA Zoo has been voted the Best Attraction and Best Eco Holiday in 2012 by children’s magazine Out & About.
The Australian Travel People’s Choice Awards recognised the Zoo for being the best family holiday attraction in Australia, as well as for its work in the Wildlife Hospital.
Australia Zoo posted on its website that voters were impressed by its gorgeous animals and awesome animal encounters.
"The zoo’s motto of conservation through exciting education seems to be ringing true, with voters thrilled at the chance to get handson with the animals and learn more about what they can do to protect their wild cousins," the website read.
The Sunshine Coast region was also named finalist in the Best Destination section of the awards.
Saving rhinos is not cat's play
15 January 2012
AUSTRALIA Zoo’s big cat handler is changing his stripes.
Giles Clark’s day job is looking after tigers at the Sunshine Coast zoo and that includes plenty of play time with them.
"Our hands-on relationship allows us to provide them with a lot more stimulation and a lot more enrichment than would otherwise normally be possible," he says.
But in his spare time, his heart belongs to a more exotic creature. Mr Clark, 33, is a tireless campaigner to save the world’s eastern black rhinoceros.
This year he will head to Africa to monitor the endangered giants. The rare black rhino faces the threat of extinction because of an insatiable demand for rhino horn products in East Asia, particularly Vietnam.
"Rhinos this year have taken a hammering," Mr Clark said. "Rhino horn, gram for gram, is worth more than gold or cocaine.
Someone, in their infinite wisdom, a few years ago declared rhino horn was the cure for cancer, so that’s driving the market."
15 January 2012
The Sunday Mail
AUSTRALIA Zoo’s big cat handler is changing his stripes.
Giles Clark’s day job is looking after tigers at the Sunshine Coast zoo and that includes plenty of play time with them.
"Our hands-on relationship allows us to provide them with a lot more stimulation and a lot more enrichment than would otherwise normally be possible," he says.
But in his spare time, his heart belongs to a more exotic creature. Mr Clark, 33, is a tireless campaigner to save the world’s eastern black rhinoceros.
This year he will head to Africa to monitor the endangered giants. The rare black rhino faces the threat of extinction because of an insatiable demand for rhino horn products in East Asia, particularly Vietnam.
"Rhinos this year have taken a hammering," Mr Clark said. "Rhino horn, gram for gram, is worth more than gold or cocaine.
Someone, in their infinite wisdom, a few years ago declared rhino horn was the cure for cancer, so that’s driving the market."
Terri deplores sad time in our history
11 January 2012
By Trevor Hockins and AAP
WILDLIFE campaigner Tern Irwin said yesterday she was looking forward to the day when Sea Shepherd ships and crew no longer had to try to protect whales.
Ms Irwin, who operates Australia Zoo at Beerwah, was speaking after Prime Minister Julia Gillard said an operation to retrieve three Australian anti-haling activists from a Japanese security vessel would cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"This is a sad time in human history that we are still battling to protect the whales of our oceans," Ms Irwin (pictured) said.
"I am looking forward to the day when whales are afforded total global protection and the Sea Shepherd no longer has to try to protect these beautiful animals."
Ms Gillard said the action by the activists, who boarded Shonan Maru 2 off the Bunbury coast on Saturday night with the help of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was not acceptable.
She cautioned other protesters against taking similar "illegal" action against the Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean.
There was no guarantee they would also escape prosecution by Japan, she said.
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said the activists were heroes and the government was to blame.
"The Prime Minister says it (whaling) is illegal but she’s pointing her finger at the three West Australians who’ve gone on board the Shonan Maru 2 for the difficulties they’ve caused her," he said in Hobart.
"Well, bad luck, Julia.
"You should have been taking much greater action to stop this happening in the first place." The full cost of the operation by the Customs vessel Ocean Protector to pick up the men Geoffrey Tuxworth, 47, Simon Peterffy, 44, and Glen Pendlebury, 27 from the Japanese ship would not be known until it had been completed in the next few days.
Attorney-General Nicola Roxon would like the activists and the Sea Shepherd anti-whaling group to consider what contribution they could make to the costs, which include fuel.
"I must say I’m not going to be holding my breath," Ms Roxon said in Melbourne.
11 January 2012
Sunshine Coast Daily
By Trevor Hockins and AAP
WILDLIFE campaigner Tern Irwin said yesterday she was looking forward to the day when Sea Shepherd ships and crew no longer had to try to protect whales.
Ms Irwin, who operates Australia Zoo at Beerwah, was speaking after Prime Minister Julia Gillard said an operation to retrieve three Australian anti-haling activists from a Japanese security vessel would cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"This is a sad time in human history that we are still battling to protect the whales of our oceans," Ms Irwin (pictured) said.
"I am looking forward to the day when whales are afforded total global protection and the Sea Shepherd no longer has to try to protect these beautiful animals."
Ms Gillard said the action by the activists, who boarded Shonan Maru 2 off the Bunbury coast on Saturday night with the help of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was not acceptable.
She cautioned other protesters against taking similar "illegal" action against the Japanese whaling fleet in the Southern Ocean.
There was no guarantee they would also escape prosecution by Japan, she said.
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said the activists were heroes and the government was to blame.
"The Prime Minister says it (whaling) is illegal but she’s pointing her finger at the three West Australians who’ve gone on board the Shonan Maru 2 for the difficulties they’ve caused her," he said in Hobart.
"Well, bad luck, Julia.
"You should have been taking much greater action to stop this happening in the first place." The full cost of the operation by the Customs vessel Ocean Protector to pick up the men Geoffrey Tuxworth, 47, Simon Peterffy, 44, and Glen Pendlebury, 27 from the Japanese ship would not be known until it had been completed in the next few days.
Attorney-General Nicola Roxon would like the activists and the Sea Shepherd anti-whaling group to consider what contribution they could make to the costs, which include fuel.
"I must say I’m not going to be holding my breath," Ms Roxon said in Melbourne.
Fleet too ill to survive operation
6 January 2012
A KOALA that was shot seven times with an air rifle has died during an operation to remove one of the pellets that was lodged in his head.
Fleet the koala won the hearts of Queenslanders after he was found peppered with slugs high in a tree at Kippa- Ring, north of Brisbane, last October.
Although Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital vets had been able to remove just three of the seven pellets lodged in Fleet, they had hoped he would make a full recovery.
However, Fleet died on Wednesday during an operation to extract one of the remaining pellets, which was lodged in his nose, vet Amber Gillet said.
The pellet had given Fleet a life-threatening infection in his nasal cavity.
The six-year-old marsupial was weakened already when his heart stopped during surgery and could not be revived, Ms Gillet said.
"Unfortunately we were in a situation where we had no other option other than to try and remove that problem (the pellet)," she said.
"Unfortunately the infection, and the problems that he had, led to his demise." Ms Gillet said Fleet had been popular with zoo staff as well as the public.
"To lose him is exceptionally emotional for all of us." Ms Gillet said.
6 January 2012
Sunshine Coast Daily
A KOALA that was shot seven times with an air rifle has died during an operation to remove one of the pellets that was lodged in his head.
Fleet the koala won the hearts of Queenslanders after he was found peppered with slugs high in a tree at Kippa- Ring, north of Brisbane, last October.
Although Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital vets had been able to remove just three of the seven pellets lodged in Fleet, they had hoped he would make a full recovery.
However, Fleet died on Wednesday during an operation to extract one of the remaining pellets, which was lodged in his nose, vet Amber Gillet said.
The pellet had given Fleet a life-threatening infection in his nasal cavity.
The six-year-old marsupial was weakened already when his heart stopped during surgery and could not be revived, Ms Gillet said.
"Unfortunately we were in a situation where we had no other option other than to try and remove that problem (the pellet)," she said.
"Unfortunately the infection, and the problems that he had, led to his demise." Ms Gillet said Fleet had been popular with zoo staff as well as the public.
"To lose him is exceptionally emotional for all of us." Ms Gillet said.
The Tiger Temple is a roaring success
30 December 2011
By KATE CLIFFORD
IMAGINE a world without tigers.
These majestic cats are close to extinction, with just 3500 remaining in the wild.
It is believed one tiger is killed every day, which means the entire population could be eradicated by 2020.
Tiger conservation groups have recently recognised Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast as one of the largest contributors in helping to save the species.
The zoo has raised more than $1 million for tiger conservation since opening its Tiger Temple enclosure eight years ago.
Australia Zoo head of tigers Giles Clark, who started working with tigers at age 14, has made it is his life’s work to save the species.
"I am very passionate and incredibly grateful for the zoo’s support in the efforts of saving the tiger" he said.
"For me, it is not just about saving the tiger but the millions and millions of other species that share their habitat, including us humans, who rely on the resources that their habitat provides."
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors works in partnership with Fauna and Flora International with its tiger conservation program.
The conservation program works out of Kerinci Seblat National Park, one of the largest national parks in South East Asia, which holds a quarter of the world’s Sumatran tiger populations.
The zoo also has its own conservation movement through its Sumatran and Bengal tiger breeding program.
The 10 cats, Ramalon, Juma, Ranu, Singha, Charlie, Mika, Sunita, Bashii, Kaitlyn and Maneki are part of the internationally recognised program.
Mr Clark said he hoped the two youngest Sumatran tigers, Kaitlyn and Maneki, would be ready for breeding in the next two years.
"These tigers are unique because their gene pool is completely different from all other Sumatran tigers in captivity," he said.
"We were the only place in the world to receive the tigers from Indonesia, which I believe is a credit to the zoo and our efforts in conservation."
The 2.5-acre Australia Zoo Tiger Temple includes eight large enclosures, sleeping dens and a paddock.
Eight keepers spend up to six hours a day in the enclosure in order to maintain a close friendship with the tigers.
"A hands-on relationship is what we truly believe to be the best possible way to handle the tigers in captivity," Mr Clark said.
"We do everything we can to keep them physically and mentally stimulated and try to give them the best quality of life they can have."
THE STRIPED FACTS:
Only 3500 tigers remain in the wild
The tiger is the largest wild cat in the world
The scientific name for the tiger is Panthera tigris
No two tigers have exactly the same pattern of stripes
A tiger’s roar can be heard as far as 3km away
30 December 2011
Sunshine Coast Daily
By KATE CLIFFORD
IMAGINE a world without tigers.
These majestic cats are close to extinction, with just 3500 remaining in the wild.
It is believed one tiger is killed every day, which means the entire population could be eradicated by 2020.
Tiger conservation groups have recently recognised Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast as one of the largest contributors in helping to save the species.
The zoo has raised more than $1 million for tiger conservation since opening its Tiger Temple enclosure eight years ago.
Australia Zoo head of tigers Giles Clark, who started working with tigers at age 14, has made it is his life’s work to save the species.
"I am very passionate and incredibly grateful for the zoo’s support in the efforts of saving the tiger" he said.
"For me, it is not just about saving the tiger but the millions and millions of other species that share their habitat, including us humans, who rely on the resources that their habitat provides."
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors works in partnership with Fauna and Flora International with its tiger conservation program.
The conservation program works out of Kerinci Seblat National Park, one of the largest national parks in South East Asia, which holds a quarter of the world’s Sumatran tiger populations.
The zoo also has its own conservation movement through its Sumatran and Bengal tiger breeding program.
The 10 cats, Ramalon, Juma, Ranu, Singha, Charlie, Mika, Sunita, Bashii, Kaitlyn and Maneki are part of the internationally recognised program.
Mr Clark said he hoped the two youngest Sumatran tigers, Kaitlyn and Maneki, would be ready for breeding in the next two years.
"These tigers are unique because their gene pool is completely different from all other Sumatran tigers in captivity," he said.
"We were the only place in the world to receive the tigers from Indonesia, which I believe is a credit to the zoo and our efforts in conservation."
The 2.5-acre Australia Zoo Tiger Temple includes eight large enclosures, sleeping dens and a paddock.
Eight keepers spend up to six hours a day in the enclosure in order to maintain a close friendship with the tigers.
"A hands-on relationship is what we truly believe to be the best possible way to handle the tigers in captivity," Mr Clark said.
"We do everything we can to keep them physically and mentally stimulated and try to give them the best quality of life they can have."
THE STRIPED FACTS:
Only 3500 tigers remain in the wild
The tiger is the largest wild cat in the world
The scientific name for the tiger is Panthera tigris
No two tigers have exactly the same pattern of stripes
A tiger’s roar can be heard as far as 3km away
Australia Zoo powers on
27 December 2011
By KATHY SUNDSTROM
LIVING at Australia Zoo can have its challenges.
Robert can’t just zip around on the new mountain bike he got for his birthday.
He has to check where the cheetahs and tigers are before heading off in the huge complex.
And he and Bindi go back to school on Thursday - a lot earlier than most youngsters their age.
But the two Irwin kids literally oozed enthusiasm for their home as they showed off their newest addition yesterday.
Another link in the chain of the long dream about Africa development has been completed with a new walking track linking the exhibit to the zoo.
Already Africa is proving to be a crowd magnet.
Hundreds of people chose Australia Zoo as the place to be on Boxing Day.
Terri, Robert and Bindi happily posed for photographs, signed autographs and talked to the fans as they walked the 700m track linking the Tiger Temple exhibit to the African savannah.
It’s been a busy year for the Irwins getting Africa ready for opening in September, while Bindi was also busy filming a new television series.
Next year promises to be no different with more film projects.
"We have film projects which will keep us busy from March to December" Tern said.
But it’s the infectious zest for life and genuine appreciation for everything that sets these kids apart from their peers.
Robert can hardly speak a sentence without using the word "awesome".
Bindi warmly and generously shares her experiences with anyone willing to listen and Terri is the glue that keeps it all together.
Their Christmas wasn’t overflowing with expensive presents.
Robert got a camera, Bindi got stationery "which I love" and new speakers for her iPod, while Terri received priceless mementos.
"Robert wrote me two stories and Bindi made me a new Christmas ornament with, 'You’re the best mother award’," Terri said.
Their new year’s plans include trying to spread their love for wildlife around and make even more of the moment.
"I want to take in everything I do," Bindi said.
"I’ve got new film projects coming up and I’m so lucky.
"I hope to empower more people (to appreciate wildlife)."
Robert agreed.
"I want to make sure people love wildlife as much as we do," he said.
And Tern hoped, sometime, to get an opportunity to travel back to the family’s conservation property at Winton.
Between it all, the family has to fit in their chores around the home.
And when you live at the zoo those chores include feeding the crocodiles - if you are old enough.
Robert can’t wait for the opportunity to join his sister.
"I’ve only got two more years," he said.
"I can start doing it when I’m 10."
27 December 2011
Sunshine Coast Daily
By KATHY SUNDSTROM
LIVING at Australia Zoo can have its challenges.
Robert can’t just zip around on the new mountain bike he got for his birthday.
He has to check where the cheetahs and tigers are before heading off in the huge complex.
And he and Bindi go back to school on Thursday - a lot earlier than most youngsters their age.
But the two Irwin kids literally oozed enthusiasm for their home as they showed off their newest addition yesterday.
Another link in the chain of the long dream about Africa development has been completed with a new walking track linking the exhibit to the zoo.
Already Africa is proving to be a crowd magnet.
Hundreds of people chose Australia Zoo as the place to be on Boxing Day.
Terri, Robert and Bindi happily posed for photographs, signed autographs and talked to the fans as they walked the 700m track linking the Tiger Temple exhibit to the African savannah.
It’s been a busy year for the Irwins getting Africa ready for opening in September, while Bindi was also busy filming a new television series.
Next year promises to be no different with more film projects.
"We have film projects which will keep us busy from March to December" Tern said.
But it’s the infectious zest for life and genuine appreciation for everything that sets these kids apart from their peers.
Robert can hardly speak a sentence without using the word "awesome".
Bindi warmly and generously shares her experiences with anyone willing to listen and Terri is the glue that keeps it all together.
Their Christmas wasn’t overflowing with expensive presents.
Robert got a camera, Bindi got stationery "which I love" and new speakers for her iPod, while Terri received priceless mementos.
"Robert wrote me two stories and Bindi made me a new Christmas ornament with, 'You’re the best mother award’," Terri said.
Their new year’s plans include trying to spread their love for wildlife around and make even more of the moment.
"I want to take in everything I do," Bindi said.
"I’ve got new film projects coming up and I’m so lucky.
"I hope to empower more people (to appreciate wildlife)."
Robert agreed.
"I want to make sure people love wildlife as much as we do," he said.
And Tern hoped, sometime, to get an opportunity to travel back to the family’s conservation property at Winton.
Between it all, the family has to fit in their chores around the home.
And when you live at the zoo those chores include feeding the crocodiles - if you are old enough.
Robert can’t wait for the opportunity to join his sister.
"I’ve only got two more years," he said.
"I can start doing it when I’m 10."
