For 364 days of the year, Australia Zoo's animal keepers work harmoniously with the construction crew to maintain a magnificent Zoo. But for one night, harmony goes out the window and ‘the khaki' is replaced with footy jerseys, as these two departments go head to head for the Slavko Memorial Shield charity match.

With months of after-work training under their belts, the two teams took to the field determined to take home victory. The keepers were desperate to hold on to the shield after a three-year winning streak, and the construction crew were eager to prove their strength.
After a minutes silence for Slavko, the game was underway and the competition was fierce.

Both teams went out strong but no-one could stop the keepers as they took the lead early in the game. Construction battled on but could not match the keeper's determination. For the fourth year running the keepers took home victory, defeating the construction crew 10- nil.

Celebrating with the animal keepers was the female touch-footy team, The Beauties, who claimed their second win against the zoo oldies, The Beasts, in a fierce touch footy game earlier in the night. Go girls!

The event was a great success, raising over $3000 for crocodile conservation, while celebrating the life of an extraordinary artist and dear friend, Slavko.

Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 

With inspiring scenery and a collection of the worlds most amazing wildlife- there many reasons to visit South East Asia... right here at Australia Zoo!

Join us these school holidays as we show-case the wildlife of one of the world's most ore-inspiring regions.

Come along to hand-feed an Asian Elephant, walk beside a Bengal or Sumatran Tiger, hold a Burmese Python or be entertained by our cheeky Asian Small-clawed Otters.

Only at Australia Zoo can you spend time hanging-out with our two new rascally Red Pandas or jump in with one of our massive Komodo Dragons. They are the largest lizards in the world and they love a good scratch!

To top it off, Australia Zoo's world-class enclosures have been artistically created to replicate the architecture and natural environment of South East Asia. So you'll feel like you've stepped into a Sumatran jungle, the grasslands of Komodo Island and the mountainous Himalayas.

Animal related to this Zoo News:
Komodo Dragon

Shows related to this zoo news:
Otters LIVE
 
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 

Inspired by Steve Irwin's dedication to conservation, American student Katie Dziedzic is set to gain a wealth of experience from her visit to Australia Zoo as the Steve Irwin Fellowship recipient, with a goal to really make a difference.

Now in its third year, The Steve Irwin Fellowship is a tribute to Steve Irwin's commitment to ‘conservation through exciting education', and aims to further develop the passion and knowledge of youth for conservation.

The Steve Irwin Fellowship was established in conjunction with Chicago-based Shedd Aquarium's Mentor Programs, which provide opportunities to high school students interested in pursuing a career in marine science. The program is facilitated by the Australian Consulate-General, and supported by the Macquarie Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Macquarie Group.

A love of wildlife and passion for conservation is a driving force for Katie, a senior student from Chicago, US, who will pursue higher education in marine science following her educational visit to Australia Zoo, as well as her experience at Shedd Aquarium, as part of the Steve Irwin Fellowship.

The Steve Irwin Fellowship provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for the recipient to further develop their zoological science and wildlife conservation knowledge through a study abroad experience.

As part of this experience, Katie travelled to Queensland to work with local conservation programs. Katie spent time at Australia Zoo and at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors - Australian Wildlife Hospital, Lady Elliot Island, and enjoyed a trip on Australia Zoo Whale Encounters vessel Steve's Whale One, to venture off the Sunshine Coast and watch Humpback Whales during their annual migration north.

Australia Zoo Education officer Nick Bell facilitates the Steve Irwin Fellowship recipients' visit to Australia Zoo, and said that Katie's visit was highly anticipated, and will provide an excellent platform for her to develop.

"Katie got to experience some things at Australia Zoo that are normally reserved for experienced staff and dedicated volunteers, like assisting the Australian Wildlife Hospital, and attending a rescue with the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit, and also got to have some fun with hands-on animal encounters at Australia Zoo," Nick said.

"Katie is a very high achieving student who has a lot of passion for conservation and wildlife, and we were excited to again be able to provide some awesome educational and hands-on experiences for this great initiative, and hopefully further encourage Katie's passion."

Katie also held high hopes for her visit - and hasn't been disappointed.

"My experience here at Australia Zoo has been a whirlwind of adventures - absolutely amazing!" Katie said.

"I was thrilled to be where Steve Irwin started to live out his passion for wildlife conservation. It is just such a wonderful feeling to be given this opportunity to learn about areas of conservation and wildlife encounters."

Crikey! It's almost that time of year again when the gorgeous giants of the sea - Humpback Whales - frolic off our shores, and Australia Zoo Whale Encounters is all set to give you the whale adventure of a lifetime!

Operating right here on the Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo Whale Encounters will launch daily whale watching tours on board Steve's Whale One from 20 June, with the season all set to top last year's ripper whale watching season.

The crew onboard Steve's Whale One are tipping this season to be spectacular, and even better than last year.

"This season is set to be a ripper of a time to see whales! We're looking good to top last year, which was an absolute bumper of a whale watching season," said Steve's Whale One Skipper, Shane Matterson.

"Last year we not only saw countless pods of playful Humpbacks, but we saw dolphins and some unique and special sightings, like Stumpy, the whale without a tail, and Minke Whales."

"There is a stack to get excited about, and the whales are certainly always willing to say g'day to the crew onboard Steve's Whale One. It is an awesome up close and personal experience," Shane said.

Australia Zoo Whale Encounters are so positive that this season is going to be a ripper, they are guaranteeing whale sightings! If no whales are spotted on your tour aboard Steve's Whale One, you'll receive a free return tour! Wooo-hoo!

Steve's Whale One, the only whale watching vessel on the Sunshine Coast, offers 360 degree views from large, outdoor observation decks, as well as comfortable seating inside, and onboard marine education to provide everything you need to know about these gentle giants.

A delicious smorgasbord lunch is also provided, with the daily tours departing from The Wharf, Mooloolaba, at 10am and returning at approximately 2.30pm from 20 June until November.

Get up close to the whales onboard Steve's Whale One this season. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 1300 CRIKEY. And remember - Whales Rule!

Shows related to this zoo news:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
 

In its 150th year, Queensland (home of Australia Zoo) is celebrating the people, places and stories that define our great state.

We are very proud to announce that Australia Zoo and Steve Irwin have made it to the top of the list in two out of ten categories!

Australia Zoo was voted the number one attraction that has put Queensland on the map! Plus, our very own Aussie legend, Steve Irwin took out second place in the ‘State Shaper' category. The category highlights Queenslanders that have influenced or made a significant contribution to their state. And our Steve was a proud Queenslander through and through!

Terri is both proud and honoured that both Steve and Australia Zoo have been recognised as Queensland icons.

"Steve grew up on the Sunshine Coast and was a proud Queenslander. He loved this beautiful state, which has some of the world's most unique wildlife, and Bindi, Robert and I are proud to call Queensland home.

"The team at Australia Zoo are all passionate about realizing Steve's dream of the world's ultimate wildlife experience right here on the Sunshine Coast, and are honoured to be recognised by Queenslanders as the top iconic location in the state," said Terri.

In glassy blue Sunshine Coast waters, Bindi and the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit released a gorgeous Sea Turtle back into the ocean.

Rafael, named after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles character, was rescued by Moreton Bay Marine Park staff and the Tangalooma Conservation team after it was spotted floating with a crab pot float line entangled around its neck and flipper.

Australia Zoo Rescue Unit transported Rafael to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Australia Zoo, where Doctor Peter McKinney amputated the necrotic flipper and treated wounds around Rafael's neck.

Nurses at the Australian Wildlife Hospital were able to successfully rehabilitate Rafael, leading to his release yesterday by Bindi off Australia Zoo's research vessel Croc One.

The endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle, with three flippers, will now be monitored very closely thanks to a brand new satellite tracking device.

The satellite tracking system is a joint initiative between the Department of Environment and Resource Management, Australia Zoo Rescue Unit, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors - Australian Wildlife Hospital and Sirtrack (a satellite tracking manufacturer).

Brian Coulter, the head of the Australia Zoo Rescue Unit said the satellite tracking system will be important in tracking Rafael's progress in the wild post rehabilitation.

"Rafael was the fourth Sea Turtle this year to have his flipper amputated due to fishing gear related entanglement, so we really need to track his movements to learn how successful his rehabilitation is," Brian said.

"Rafael will be tracked via satellite by $5,000 cutting edge technology which was generously donated by Sirtrack," he said.

Sirtrack designs and manufactures wildlife tracking equipment and provides to researchers, conservationists and wildlife managers throughout the world. Researchers from The University of Queensland will be collating the data and plotting Rafael's movements.

"Australia Zoo has tracked Crocodiles using this technology, but this is the first time we will be using the device to track a rehabilitated Sea Turtle. It is very important for the ongoing conservation of turtles to track the movement of this special species," he said.

This research project is being conducted in association with the Department of Environment, Research and Management, University of Queensland, and the Australian Wildlife Hospital.

The Australia Zoo Rescue Unit operates out of Australia Zoo seven days a week. If you see wildlife that you believe needs assistance, please call 1300 369 652.

Thinking of travelling or just dreaming? You can't afford to miss this Travel Expo!

Australia Zoo Travel and a huge range of travel related suppliers will be on display with exclusive travel deals available for one day only!

Our travel experts will present exciting travel destinations including
Canada/Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, Europe, skiing holidays and more! Plus if you book on the day you will save $100s off your next trip!

Don't miss your chance to win stacks of prizes up for grabs, including a trip for two to Koh Samui and a Dolphin Wild package at Tangalooma Island Resort. Wooo-hoo!

When: Saturday 30 May 2009, 10am to 3pm

Cost: Entry by gold coin donation to Wildlife Warriors
Worldwide

Where: Sunshine Coast TAFE Mooloolaba Campus
34 Lady Musgrave Drive, Mountain Creek

For more information:

Phone - 5436 2170
Email - travel@australiazootravel.com.au

Crikey! Bindi has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for ‘Bindi: The Jungle Girl' for the second year running.

Following Bindi's win in 2008 for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series, the youngest ever Emmy winner was again nominated in this category for 2009.

Bindi's nomination came as a surprise to the Wildlife Warrior, who appeared on the TODAY Show in the US to announce a lifetime achievement award for Sesame Street.

Despite some nominations being revealed on the same program, Bindi had to wait until all the nominations were announced to find out that she would again be in the running for the popular award.

Delivering the conservation message, ‘Bindi: The Jungle Girl' follows the adventures of Bindi as she introduces viewers to the many animals who live with her in her tree house, perched high in the jungle.

Bindi enjoys filming the popular program - with volume five having just been released on DVD - and says she aims to help the plight of wildlife around the world and teach others to care for wildlife as well.

Crikey! Australia Zoo Travel has been nominated as Australia's best retail travel agency, in the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Annual National Travel Industry Awards for the third time.

AFTA represents the majority of travel agents in Australia and the annual travel industry awards recognise the industry's leading companies from a range of travel sectors including airlines, hotels, travel agents, car rental companies and wholesalers.

Australia Zoo Travel is a full service licensed travel agency, offering patrons the opportunity to make onward travel reservations, book additional tours, or even book their entire holiday to incorporate Australia Zoo. Australia Zoo Travel also specialise in booking travel from Australia.

Australia Zoo Travel's Manager Anna Powell has worked for a number of travel agencies and said that she is proud to work for a company that is not only committed to providing quality customer service but a company that also has strong conservation focus.

Australia Zoo is buzzing with excitement this week with the arrival of our first giraffe! Our new gorgeous girl, Mapenzi, is just 17-months-old, 2.5 metres tall and weighs 435 kilograms.

Mapenzi arrived from Perth Zoo earlier this week and already loves life at the Zoo. The newest addition to Australia Zoo's animal family is currently the only giraffe in Queensland and it is hoped she will form part of the Australasian Regional Breeding Program.

Mapenzi will spend time off-display while she settles into her amazing new home.

Stay tuned for details, because it won't be long until you can meet our new gorgeous girl!